Hemlock Happening
The Hemlock Happening returns for 2026 on Saturday 6 June, 1:00pm - 10:30pm.
Held in the beautiful setting of Bramcote Hills Park, this free-entry event promises a fantastic day out for all ages. Attracting approximately 9,000 visitors, the Hemlock Happening is one of the most popular events in the area.
Taking place on Saturday 6 June 2026, the event will feature community stalls, charities, arts and crafts traders, an interactive Army experience, classic vintage cars, dance performances and field activities, food, fairground rides and live music, rounded off with a spectacular firework finale.
If you would like to exhibit a classic vehicle at the event please email events@broxtrowe.gov.uk
With thanks to our sponsors Gladstonian Mobile Bar and Events and William H Brown.
Main Stage Music Acts
| Time | Act |
| 1:15pm - 2:00pm | Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Rock Choir |
| 2:15pm - 2:30pm | Official Opening Ceremony |
| 2:45pm - 3:30pm | Nottingham Concert Band |
| 4:05pm - 4:45pm | Good Times Roll |
| 5:05pm - 5:50pm | Cranberry Flick |
| 6:10pm - 6:55pm | Slow Train |
| 7:15pm - 8:00pm | Anteloup |
| 8:20pm - 9:10pm | Money Talks |
| 9:35pm - 10:25pm | LickSquid |
| 10:30pm | Firework Finale! |
Performance Arena
| Time | Performance |
| 1:00pm | Affinity Dance School |
| 1:30pm | 1360 Stapleford and Sandiacre Squadron RAF Cadets |
| 2:00pm | Reset Dance |
| 2:30pm | Kuma Dance |
| 3:20pm | FSD Dance Academy |
| 4:10pm | Manor Arts |
| 4:30pm | 1360 Stapleford and Sandiacre Squadron RAF Cadets |
| 5:00pm | Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble |
| 5:30pm | Louise Wright Dance School |
Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast
UPDATE - 06/06/26
We’re very sorry to announce that the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Flypast, set to happen at today’s Hemlock Happening, will no longer be taking place.
Unfortunately, the RAF have had to cancel due to the forecasted weather conditions.
Don’t miss our Battle of Britain Memorial Spitfire Flypast!
The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history, and this year marks the 90th anniversary since the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
You’ll be in with a chance to see either a Spitfire MK IIa P7350 – the only existing airworthy Spitfire that fought in the Battle of Britain, or the Mark V Spitfire AB90 that was operational on D Day.
The Royal Air Force Participation have scheduled a Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast over Bramcote Hills Park at 4.40pm, and the best place to view it will be on the park.
Please note that due to the nature of a flypast it is subject to weather or aircraft serviceability on the day, so please keep your fingers crossed for the day.
Due to the flypast the use of drones / UVAs (unmanned aerial vehicles), fireworks, kites, hot air balloons, model aircrafts are NOT permitted above the broken-up sentence
Hemlock Happening event site at Bramcote Hills Park between 1.00pm and 6.00pm.
We also ask that anyone attending uses the events free car park on Ilkeston Recreation Ground to be considerate to residential streets nearby.
Want to track the flight? Download the flight tracker app and enter the registration numbers.
Please keep an eye on our social media channels for potential updates on the flight.
Photo Credit: Darren HarBar
Free Activities
- Caricature artist provided by sponsor William H Brown
- Nottinghamshire County Council interactive climbing wall and mobile youth bus
- Interactive Transformer autoboots
- Team Falcion medieval battle reenactments and interactive demonstrations
- Children’s axe throwing
- Boys Brigade soft archery
- Array of arts and crafts activities
- Interactive safety zone with the RNLI and Stapleford Fire Station
- Green Zone environmental activities
- D.H Lawrence Victorian games
- Giant games
- As well as a whole range of activities provided by other community groups on site
Green Zone
Our Green Zone returns to Hemlock Happening this year celebrating all things environment, wildlife and sustainability!
Explore beekeeping with Nottinghamshire Beekeepers Association or learn more about the wildlife around us with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust – we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained at the Green Zone.
- Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
- Morsbags Stapleford – Rag, Bag & Bobtail.
- Broxtowe Borough Council’s Environment Team
- Nottinghamshire Beekeepers Association
- ABCD Lets
- Nottingham Energy Partnership
Transformers Meet and Photo Opportunity
Transformers are rolling into Hemlock Happening this weekend!
Here’s when you can meet and grab a photo selfie with our transformers:
| Time | Transformer |
| 1:30pm | Bumblebee |
| 2:30pm | Optimus Prime |
| 3:30pm | Bumblebee |
| 5:00pm | Optimus Prime |
Parking and Transport
Parking is available on site for Blue Badge holders only. Free event parking is available at Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, Stapleford NG9 8JL. Residents are also encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport to our events.
The following bus routes are available in the area:
- 18/18 x – stop at Ilkeston Road/Bembridge Court (3 mins walk to the park) view timetable (opens in a new window).
- i4 – stop at Bembridge Court (3 mins walk to the park) view timetable (opens in a new window).
- My 15 - stop at Trowell Road (19 mins walk to the park) view timetable (opens in a new window).