Rock City
Nottingham’s one and only main stage for #d2dfest. An iconic and internationally renowned Nottingham institution, Rock City has played host to some of the world’s top artists including David Bowie, Nirvana, Oasis, Amy Winehouse and Ed Sheeran throughout it’s 40 year history and has become an essential stop on the touring circuit, as well as a well-loved establishment by punters and artists alike. As well as being the perfect main stage, Rock City also houses BETA and The Black Cherry Lounge where you can catch even more of the action.
NTSU
The recently custom built students union bar and venue for Nottingham Trent University has an amazing gig space and serves as our second stage in Nottingham.
Rescue Rooms
Since its inauguration into the Nottingham music scene in 2003, Rescue Rooms has developed some rich history. Hosting everyone from the likes of The Killers, Calvin Harris, Four Tet, Chase & Status, Bloc Party, Ellie Goulding and The Libertines. Not only that, but it is THE place to hang out on a sunny May Bank Holiday weekend, whether you’re catching some new music at one of its 3 stages or hanging out with a cold one on one of its 2 patios.
Red Room
Upstairs in the Rescue Rooms, you’ll find Red Room! A small 100 capacity venue that plays host to all sorts of D2D talent.
Metronome
Metronome is a national centre for music, moving image, video games, live performance and spoken word. Anchored around a 400-capacity venue. We’re so excited to welcome this venue and their amazing soundsystem to back a part of Dot To Dot this year.
BETA
Housed in the legendary Rock City and formerly known simply as the Rock City Basement, BETA is a recently refurbished space and the perfect destination for new up and coming artists in between those big main stage slots.
The Bodega
Universally regarded by locals and students alike as one of the best places to hang out, party and listen to live music in Nottingham – the Bodega is a must visit venue that has been at the very forefront of the midlands music scene over the past two decades. It’s a venue that truly embodies the spirit of Dot To Dot, putting an emphasis on new music and upcoming artists throughout the year.
Stealth
Nottingham’s home to house and dance music is Stealth. Its regular spot in DJ Mag’s ‘Top 100 Clubs in the World’ list is recognition of its continued importance to the ever changing dance music scene. We take over the venue’s 2 rooms for D2D, with more classic new music billing downstairs, and the infamous silent disco above – grab your headphones early!
Rough Trade Nottingham
Long regarded as a hero of exciting new music since the first store opened in London in 1976, when Rough Trade launched a record store and bar in Nottingham we simply had to get them on board as a venue.
Black Cherry Lounge
Stick your head out of the door to BETA and look across the hallway, and you’ll find the Black Cherry Lounge! Another little spot inside Rock City and, like its mate across the hall, a great spot to chill and catch some new music.
31K
A relatively new addition to the Hockley circuit. 31K, so named for a stained glass window reading 31 Kayes, in place since the building belonged to TS Kaye and Sons Toolmakers and Merchants.
The Playwright 38
Formerly known as The Orange Tree, The Playwright 38 is a laid-back pub with retro décor, named for Britain’s best known writer as the venue sits at 38 Shakespeare Street.
The Chameleon
The Chameleon is back! This intimate live music venue and bar in the heart of the city is one of Nottingham’s hidden treasures. We remember many a secret D2D set in these walls back in the day, and this year they are teaming up with the good people at Scruff Of The Neck with a stellar line-up to be announced soon.
The Angel
The Angel (formerly The Old Angel and The Old Angel Inn before that) has stood since the 1600s and is now a Grade II listed building. With a rich history including two murders in the 1700s, life as a chapel and a brothel, and a more recent reputation for live rock, punk and metal music, The Angel remains a stalwart pub on the Nottingham Circuit.
Jamcafé
Part of the heart and soul of Hockley for over a decade, Jamcafe is a European style bar and venue that lives and breathes live music. With a strong emphasis on supporting local musicians (almost every night of the week), it’s the perfect place for a festival like D2D.
Here’s a handy map of all our venues for Nottingham!
