A new website, Notts Local Legends, has been launched across Nottinghamshire to help residents find volunteering opportunities at major regional events, from cultural festivals to high-profile sporting fixtures. The county hosts a busy calendar every year, many relying heavily on volunteers behind the scenes.
One-Stop Hub for Volunteer Roles
The new hub brings together volunteering roles in one place, making it easier for locals to find opportunities, gain new skills, and support the region's events community. Volunteering at events is a great way to give back, develop valuable skills, and meet new people, all while being part of Nottingham’s vibrant cultural scene. Popular annual events such as Notts Pride, the Lexus Nottingham Open, and Nottingham Light Night depend on the energy and commitment of volunteers.
How the Hub Works
The online hub showcases current volunteering opportunities, helping people discover how they can take part. Users can also sign up to a monthly newsletter to stay informed about upcoming roles and events. The initiative aims to strengthen Nottingham’s and the East Midlands’ thriving volunteer network and support future bids to host major international events, such as the 2028 Archery World Championships and Nottingham’s bid to be a candidate host city for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Funding and Partnership
The project is part of a wider partnership between Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS), and the University of Nottingham. The programme has received £40,000 from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with the goal of engaging local communities and helping people learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
Official Support
Councillor David Mellen, executive member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re proud that Nottingham has such a diverse and vibrant annual events programme, and we want to give ourselves the best possible chance of securing major event opportunities in the future. Large-scale global events, particularly in sport, depend on a strong and committed volunteer base. We’re encouraging residents to become a ‘Notts Local Legend’ by signing up to volunteer at events across the city. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build skills, meet new people, and support causes that matter. By volunteering your time, you can help create inclusive and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike, contributing to a stronger, more connected Nottingham.”
Laura Armitage, CEO at Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service, said: “Notts Local Legends will make it easier for people to get involved in event volunteering around the city and county. We hope that those who take part will discover the lasting sense of purpose, satisfaction and community that volunteering brings, and be inspired to explore the many ongoing opportunities available throughout Nottingham’s fantastic volunteer-involving organisations.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Volunteers give so many of our events their energy and warm welcome. Whether they’re greeting visitors, helping behind the scenes or supporting organisers, they play a huge part in making Nottingham’s events memorable. They also gain new skills, meet new people and become part of something bigger. Notts Local Legends is a brilliant way to help more people discover those opportunities. Whether you’ve never volunteered before or already give your time to good causes, it is now much easier to find events where you can get involved and make a real difference. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has helped us back projects that bring people together while helping Nottingham continue to attract major events. By investing in local people as well as major events, we’re helping build stronger communities and ensuring more people can share in the opportunities those events bring.”
For more information, visit the website at nottslocallegends.co.uk.
