Bill Bailey Nottingham Tickets: Tram Tips Pre-Show Pubs and Arena Advice
Bill Bailey is bringing his Vaudevillean tour to Nottingham Arena on Sunday 6 December 2026. It is a massive step up from his usual theatre gigs, and the 10,000 capacity room means you need a game plan. Do not just roll up and expect to find a parking space in the city centre on a December weekend. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at Nottingham Arena?
Yes, but it is limited and expensive. The on-site car park costs around a tenner and takes forever to empty after the show. Your best bet is the Nottingham Express Transit tram. Park for free at the Clifton South or Toton Lane Park and Ride, then take the tram straight to the Nottingham Station stop. The arena is a five minute walk from there. If you absolutely must drive, pre-book a space at the Q-Park Nottingham Station instead of the arena car park.
Where can I get a drink before the show?
The Canalhouse on Canal Street. It is a two minute walk from the arena, and it is famous for having a canal running right through the middle of the bar. The beer selection is excellent and the atmosphere is exactly what you want before a gig. Get there early because it fills up fast on show nights. If the Canalhouse is packed, walk another three minutes to the Via Fossa, which is a bit bigger and does decent pub food.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Because it is a Sunday night, the city centre will be quieter than a Saturday, but the arena queues are still painfully slow. Aim to be inside by 7pm to get a drink and find your seat without rushing. The bar queues at the arena can take fifteen minutes, so plan accordingly.
Know Before You Go
The Nottingham Arena is on Bolero Square, postcode NG1 1LA. The venue is completely cashless now. Bring a card or your phone because they will not accept cash for drinks or merchandise. If you are sitting in the upper tier, be warned that the seating is very steep. If you have a fear of heights, try to swap to the lower tier. The sound is generally good for an arena, but Bill's quieter musical moments can get lost in the echo if you are right at the back. Trains to Nottingham Station are frequent from London and the Midlands, and the arena is a straightforward ten minute walk from the station exit. Just follow the crowd.
Bottom Line
Sort your tram or parking in advance, get to the Canalhouse for a pint, and you will have a brilliant night. Even the cheap seats have a decent view, so do not stress about being in the nosebleeds.
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Can't make the Nottingham show? Bill Bailey is also playing these UK cities on the Vaudevillean tour.
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