NCF 2026 Will Be One to Remember
The Nottingham Cultural Festival returns on Sunday 26 July 2026 at Forest Recreation Ground, bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever before. Free entry. All welcome.
The Nottingham Cultural Festival (NCF) is back for 2026, and this year promises to be the most spectacular edition in its history. Taking place on Sunday 26 July 2026 at Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham. The event is completely free to attend and open to everyone.
Organised this year by Community Ethical Media (CEM) and Radio Dawn FM on behalf of Karimia Institute, NCF 2026 is a full-day celebration of culture, community, faith, and family. Gates open at 12:00pm and the festival runs until 7:00pm, with something happening every hour across the site.
Karimia Institute, a cornerstone of Nottingham’s Muslim community since 1990 has hosted the festival annually at Forest Recreation Ground, welcoming visitors from every background, faith, and walk of life. Previous years have seen attendance of 7,000 to 9,000 people in a single afternoon, making it one of the largest community events in the East Midlands.
What to Expect at NCF 2026
The Main Stage – Live Performances
At the heart of NCF 2026 is a professional outdoor main stage, one of the largest ever erected at Forest Recreation Ground, with a top-quality sound system and live performances from opening to close. This year’s stage programme includes:
- Live Nasheed performances from acclaimed artists across the UK and beyond
- Naat and devotional music – powerful, uplifting, and deeply moving
- The Best Qari of Nottingham – a prestigious new competition celebrating Quranic recitation talent from within Nottingham’s Muslim community, with a Grand Prize presented live on stage
- Keynote addresses from special guest speakers – to be announced
- Community Awards – recognising outstanding contributions to Nottingham’s community
- A headline musical act closing the stage programme – announcement coming soon
- A dedicated MC to keep energy high throughout the day
Stalls – Food, Fashion, Culture & Community
With a wide range of stalls expected across the site, there is something for everyone at NCF 2026. Visitors can browse and enjoy:
- Halal food and drink from a wide variety of cuisines, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and more
- Fresh street food, BBQ, sweets, and refreshments
- Clothing and fashion – abayas, shalwar kameez, modest wear, accessories
- Islamic books, gifts, and crafts from Karimia Institute and Invitation Publishing
- Artisan goods, jewellery, and cultural products
- Charity and NGO stalls from community organisations, faith groups, and public services
- Information stalls from Nottingham City Council, the NHS, Nottinghamshire Police, and local services
Funfair & Rides
NCF 2026 brings back the ever-popular funfair, a highlight for families and children year after year. This year’s fairground attractions include:
- Funfair rides for all ages
- Inflatable zones and bouncy castles for younger children
- Traditional fairground games and prizes
Children’s Zone & Family Entertainment
NCF 2026 is a true family day out. The dedicated children’s area offers a safe, supervised space packed with entertainment for younger visitors:
- Henna (Mehndi) artistry – traditional designs for all ages
- Face painting by professional artists
- Children’s interactive activities and workshops
- Family seating and relaxation areas
- Lost children point – clearly signed, staffed, and safe
