In 2025, Nottingham celebrates 10 years as a UNESCO City of Literature – and the charity is throwing a party.
To mark this milestone, Nottingham City of Literature is teaming up with Nottingham Trent University to host an anniversary gala at Metronome on Monday, December 1.
People will join hosts Hannah Trevarthen, Director of Nottingham City of Literature, and Rebecca Cullen, WRAP (Writing, Reading and Pleasure Programme) Director at NTU, for an ‘unforgettable night that bursts with creativity, talent, and a touch of Nottingham mischief’.
The evening will feature 10 dazzling performances, one to represent each year of the city’s designation showcasing Nottingham’s vibrant literary scene.
The line-up includes some of the city’s most exciting voices, from Jay Sandhu and Georgina Wilding, to screenwriter William Ivory and Cara Thompson, Nottingham’s very own Nature Poet Laureate.
It concludes with the drawing of a charity raffle of generously donated items from Nottinghamshire businesses including a selection of hampers from Boots.
People are encouraged to get into the festive, literary spirit and dust off sequins, polish dancing shoes, and get ready to celebrate 10 years of stories, as the event champions creativity.
Tickets are on sale now for £15. All proceeds raised go towards supporting Big City Reads 2026.
Big City Reads gives away over 2,000 free books across the city, particularly in areas of deprivation, where young people have limited access to books of their own.
Alongside the free book flood there will be a professional development programme for young people, and authors visits and workshops taking place.
You can find our more about Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and their mission to build a better future with words at Nottinghamcityofliterature.com