Sports Ground
Gedling Colliery Cricket ClubGedling Colliery Cricket Club is a Sports Ground providing a long-standing community space in the Mapperley area of Nottingham.
View Info →Arnold offers a more relaxed take on live music, appealing to those who prefer a local, community-focused atmosphere. It's a town where you’ll find a genuine warmth, especially in its pubs and social clubs. While it doesn’t heavily promote its music scene, it consistently delivers reliable, good-quality gigs. You’ll quickly notice the pace is different here – less busy than a city centre, more about a relaxed evening with friends.
Top Valley, with its established residential areas, tends to attract a loyal local crowd, and that’s reflected in the venues that do well there. Further out, towards Gedling, the vibe is similar, a mix of long-term residents and families seeking accessible entertainment. The area around the town centre is easy to navigate, and while Arnold isn’t known for extensive cycling routes, it’s manageable to walk between venues.
If you’re looking for a pub with entertainment, The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster are good places to start. The Old Cross offers a more traditional pub environment, often featuring local musicians. For something a little different, check what's on at the Arnold Market, as they sometimes host acoustic sets alongside their regular stalls. There are plenty of things to do in Arnold beyond the music, and it’s a great base for exploring the wider Nottinghamshire area.
Take some time to browse the listings here; you’ll find a range of options to suit different tastes. Don’t expect a constant stream of headline acts, but anticipate a friendly atmosphere and a good night out. The venues in Arnold focus on supporting local talent, and that’s what makes the scene special. It’s a town that rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the main high street.
Arnold’s music venues generally favour a relaxed pub atmosphere, so expect more intimate settings rather than large concert halls. For a lively evening, The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster are good choices, typically attracting a mix of locals and visitors. The Old Cross offers a calmer experience, suited to quieter evenings and acoustic music. Also consider that Arnold Market, held weekly, occasionally features acoustic sets alongside its usual offerings.
Planning your route is important. Arnold is best explored on foot, especially around the town centre. While residential areas like Top Valley, Gedling, Killisick, and Redhill are within walking distance for some, using buses – such as the NCT Trent Barton service – or taxis might be preferable. Event frequency varies, so checking listings beforehand is always advisable. The pubs provide the most consistent option if you’re seeking regular gig nights. While you won’t find a constant stream of touring bands, the venues focus on supporting consistent, local talent. Beyond music, Arnold hosts seasonal events like Strawberry Picking and the monthly Farmers' Market, providing alternative evening entertainment. Remember the town’s history as a centre for framework knitting during the 18th and 19th centuries, though this is less relevant to the nightlife today.
Sports Ground
Gedling Colliery Cricket ClubGedling Colliery Cricket Club is a Sports Ground providing a long-standing community space in the Mapperley area of Nottingham.
View Info →Community Centre
Burton Joyce & Bulcote Village HallBurton Joyce & Bulcote Village Hall is a community space serving people in Arnold.
View Info →Shopping & Markets
Carlton Forum Leisure CentreCarlton Forum Leisure Centre is a multi-purpose leisure facility in Arnold.
View Info →Food & Drink
Chick ChickChick Chick is a rotisserie chicken restaurant on Front Street in Arnold.
View Info →Food & Drink
CopperCopper, located on Front Street in Arnold, offers a relaxed setting within a traditional high street area.
View Info →Arnold’s music scene is primarily focused around its pubs and social clubs. The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster consistently host live music, generally featuring local bands and artists. The Old Cross also offers performances, often focusing on acoustic acts. Arnold was a significant centre in the framework knitting industry, but today its music scene is more about providing a platform for regional musicians. Arnold Market sometimes hosts acoustic sets as part of its broader events, and it’s worth checking their schedule. For a full listing of upcoming gigs, please refer to our local events calendar.
The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster both offer a cosy, intimate setting ideal for enjoying live music. The Old Cross also provides a relaxed and welcoming environment for smaller acts. These venues aren’t about flashy production or large crowds, they prioritize a comfortable and personal experience for both performers and audience members. They’re the places where you can really connect with the music and the local community. Consider checking listings at these venues to coincide with the weekly Arnold Market or the monthly Farmers' Market for a complete evening. While Arnold generally has low nightlife intensity, these pubs provide consistent, unpretentious gig opportunities. You might find local bands playing blues, folk or rock, genres well-suited to these spaces. The focus is always on supporting local talent and providing a platform for emerging artists, offering a different experience to larger concert halls in nearby Nottingham.
Check our this-weekend category for the most up-to-date information on live music events in Arnold. The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster are frequently updated with their gig schedules, and you can often find local bands performing there. The Old Cross usually has weekend performances planned, sometimes featuring acoustic sets. Don't overlook Arnold Market, which occasionally hosts special events including live acoustic music alongside its regular offerings. It's always best to check listings closer to the date, as schedules can change, but these venues are good places to start your search for gigs in Arnold. Remember to check listings for both established venues and possible pop-up performances.
While Arnold doesn’t have any large-scale concert venues, The Bell Inn and The Lion & Lobster can accommodate moderate-sized crowds. These venues are typically the largest spaces hosting live music in the area and regularly feature local and regional bands, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists across genres. You can often find gigs spanning rock and jazz, though the venues are intimate spaces. For larger concerts and touring acts, you’ll likely need to travel into Nottingham city centre. Arnold Market and the weekly Flea Market also occasionally host smaller acoustic sets or performances during special events. Consider checking local listings closer to the time of your visit to see what’s on; the Farmers’ Market sometimes incorporates musical entertainment. While Arnold’s nightlife is generally low-intensity, these venues offer a consistent, if smaller-scale, live music offering.
Yes, Arnold makes for a pleasant weekend visit, particularly if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed experience. With its local pubs offering live music, the Arnold Market providing a community hub, and easy access to nearby parks and green spaces, there are plenty of things to enjoy. It’s a good base for exploring the surrounding area and offers a more authentic, local feel than a busy city centre. The availability of bus routes also makes it easy to travel to nearby attractions.
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