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As we complete the first week of Ramadan, I have been reflecting on the blessings and lessons gained so far. This sacred month is a journey of self-discipline, spiritual renewal, and increased devotion. To those who are fasting, remember to stay hydrated during Suhoor and Iftar to maintain your energy and well-being.
This week there have been a lot of activities taking place across Nottingham to mark International Women’s Day which is tomorrow, 8 March. You can find more information about this below. Earlier this week, I attended an IWD event for council staff and I visited Nottingham Playhouse for a digital exhibition and networking event - Celebrating International Women of Nottingham. It was nice to see everyone coming together to support each other in the workplace and #AccelerateAction . Tomorrow I will be attending Nottingham Library, where they have lots of activities planned throughout the day.  Â
These are exciting times here in Nottingham and the East Midlands as for the first time we have myself as a female City Council Leader, a female Chief Executive in Sajeeda Rose and the East Midlands Combined County Authority has a female Mayor, Claire Ward and Chief Executive, Amy Harhoff. I’m proud to stand alongside them showing women in leadership to mark International Women’s Day.
This Sunday 9 March, marks the national COVID-19 Day of Reflection and I would like to invite everyone to join the city at the Covid Memorial Tree at the Forest Recreation Ground to remember those who had died and to acknowledge the life-saving work of Covid-19 testing and vaccinations that took place. This event is an opportunity for us to come together, reflect, and honour the memories of those we have lost. Please see below for more details about the event.
 
Tomorrow (Saturday 8 March) marks International Women’s Day, celebrating the achievements of women and highlighting inequalities.
The theme for this year is Accelerate Action, with events taking place across Nottingham this week and next to celebrate the day including at Nottingham Women’s Centre, Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham Trent University and the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall.
Find out more about the events taking place and how to take part on our website here:
International Women’s Day events in Nottingham
On Sunday, we pause and reflect on the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we remember those we lost, including the more than 5,000 people in Nottingham who died during the pandemic, we also acknowledge the strength, resilience, and compassion that has defined our community. Â
Over the past five years, Nottingham has come together in ways we never imagined and continues to support each other. We will always remember and honour those who lost their lives and the incredible acts of kindness during this time.Â
An event will be held from 1pm on Sunday at the Covid Memorial Tree at the Forest Recreation Ground as part of the National Day of Reflection, to which anyone is welcome to attend. Participants are invited to reflect, share a minute’s silence, and lay a daffodil by the Covid Memorial Tree in memory of a loved one who died from Covid.Â
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The Council approved its budget for 2025/26 at a meeting on 3 March where councillors also gave the green light to an ambitious five-year Council Plan aimed at delivering for local people and leading the city forward.
The Budget for 2025/26 includes £20 million of growth funding to ensure key services are delivered effectively to meet the needs of local people, and an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%, made up of a 2.99% General Fund increase and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept. Nottingham’s increase is in line with the Government set cap despite a number of councils nationally needing to seek permission from the Government to go above this level.
This has been possible due to ÂŁ18 million of savings from new ways of working and operational efficiencies plus a better-than-expected financial settlement from the new Labour Government.
A remaining budget gap of ÂŁ20.79 million for 2025/26, significantly down from the ÂŁ69 million previously forecast, will be met through Exceptional Financial Support from the Government. This is not additional Government funding but permission for the Council to use funds from the sale of assets to support day-to-day revenue spending.
A renewed Council Plan for 2025 – 2029 was also approved at the Full Council meeting to establish a clear vision and priorities. It sets out the high-level objectives that the Council wants to achieve and includes three core missions – A renewed Council; Delivering for local people and Leading Nottingham forward.
City Council Leader, Councillor Neghat Khan, said: “This budget shows the Council is now financially stable and that we are working towards becoming financially sustainable. It’s about getting our house in order and putting the Council on a sustainable financial footing for the future."
A firm favourite in the city's running calendar, the Nottingham 10K returns this Sunday! The route starts at Old Market Square, heading past Motorpoint Arena and The Park before finishing inside the grounds of Nottingham Castle.
Participants of all abilities and ages are invited to take part, whether that be as part of fundraising efforts or for their own goal or reason. If you would like to take part, entries will be open until the morning of the event.
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Please note: There will be a number of road closures around the city in order to facilitate the event. These will be in place until late morning. Click here to see the road closures. There will also be diversions to some Nottingham City Transport and trentbarton bus services – please check before you travel.
If you came to Nottingham Light Night last weekend (Friday 28 February & Saturday 1 March), we'd love to hear your thoughts!
It was such a fantastic event with light-based installations and performances at Old Market Square, Sneinton Market, Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham Castle, St Mary’s Church, Nottingham College, and many more locations across the city.
Complete our visitor survey by Sunday 16 March and you could be in with the chance of winning a family ticket to the Balloons & Beats Festival at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park (Friday 16 - Sunday 18 May).
Take the survey: https://forms.office.com/e/BsjHhDWGg0
If you enjoyed Light Night, you might also enjoy the Soundstage Festival!
The Soundstage Festival, based on music and the moving image, will take audiences across Nottingham on a two-week adventure from 22 March to 5 April.
Soundstage has a wide range of events, for all ages to enjoy or participate including some which are free! Remember to look out for 'Late Night Son et Lumiere', as the Royal Concert Hall is turned into a mythical realm of lights, music and film.
Visit trch.co.uk/soundstage for more info.
- See what's on at Nottingham Family Early Help hubs
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Did you know Nottingham Central Library offers British Sign Language (BSL) sessions of some of their regular events? Events with BSL sessions take place on these days:
See everything on at Nottingham Central Library here.
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