Nottingham in Bloom’s ‘My Beautiful Nottingham’ Art & Photography competitions, sponsored by Captial One, are returning this year to once again celebrate the beautiful green landscapes and parks of Nottingham.
The competition invites keen young artists, along with photographers of all ages, to take inspiration from the city’s parks, gardens, local landmarks, flowers, trees and nature.
If you’d like to submit a photo or painting, entry forms are available on the Nottingham in Bloom website or by calling the Parks team on 0115 915 2733. The closing date for entries is 5pm, Friday 5 May.
There’s so many places to showcase the beauty of Notts, but if you need some inspiration to get you started, we went exploring…
Our not-so-blue ducks
Throughout the many parks and gardens of Notts you’ll find it hard to miss the ducks. If you’re taking time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, these Mallards will usually keep you company. Rumour has it they’re huge fans of seed!
Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle once rivaled the great castle of Windsor and the Tower of London. The grounds provide many locations to capture, and being situated on a high rock, it gives you a spectacular view over the city.
Castle Rock
The sandstone cliff, which rises 38 metres to the terrace of Nottingham Castle is a major geological landmark in the city. To think this was once an important feature for the Castle becoming a royal fortress in the Middle Ages!
The Arboretum
The Arboretum is Nottingham’s oldest public park and was nominated for the UK’s Best Park by national charity Fields in Trust last year. It’s the best place to relax next to the city and includes many features such as the Chinese Bell Tower (pictured), which was the inspiration behind 2016’s Year 2 painting winner.
River Trent
Did you know Nottingham is home to the third-longest river in the UK? The River Trent runs through Notts and you can capture some great scenes along its banks – from Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, to the stunning Wilford Church, you can see some amazing places!
If that wasn’t enough inspiration for you, check out the entries from some of last year’s finalists in the gallery below.
If you’re chosen as a competition winner you’ll be invited to an awards presentation event in June…so what are you waiting for? Show us the beauty of Nottingham!
