Travelling football fans from across Europe are being urged to enjoy the best of the East Midlands as Nottingham Forest FC prepares to host its first European match in more than 25 years.

The East Midlands is proud to welcome Europa League football to Nottingham, as the city prepares to host thrilling European matches attracting fans from across Nottingham, the UK and beyond.

As the heart of the East Midlands, Nottingham is not only a city of sporting passion, but also one rich in cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and a vibrant mix of flavours and dining experiences.

From the legendary tales of Robin Hood and the stunning architecture of Nottingham Castle to our thriving food scene, independent shops and buzzing nightlife, Nottingham has something for everyone to explore – with the first home match of Nottingham Forest’s Europa League campaign coinciding perfectly with the city’s famous Goose Fair.

Forest kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Spanish side Real Betis last week, backed by thousands of travelling supporters who were given a warm welcome in Seville.

Now it is the turn of Forest to host their first European visitors when Danish side Midtjylland visit the City Ground on Thursday 2 October, kick off 8pm.

Whether you are here to cheer on your team or simply soak up the atmosphere, we encourage visitors to stay safe while having fun, respect others, and enjoy everything our region has to offer. With family-friendly attractions, and warm hospitality, Nottingham and the wider East Midlands is the perfect place to return to – again and again.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Europa League football to Nottingham. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city and region to the world. I encourage everyone visiting to enjoy the matches safely, explore our incredible cultural heritage, and take advantage of the amazing places to eat, shop, and relax. Bring your families, make memories, and come back soon, we’ll be ready to welcome you.”

Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “The Europa League coming to Nottingham is a fantastic moment for our city and county. It will not only bring unforgettable experiences for fans, but also deliver a real boost to our economy and showcase Nottingham on the European stage. We’re proud to welcome supporters from across the continent and invite them to explore everything our city and county have to offer — from our history and culture to our hospitality. We hope their time here inspires them to return again and again. We wish all the teams the very best and especially our own Nottingham Forest Football Club.”

Cllr Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council Leader, said: “Having Forest back in Europe is a huge boost for Nottingham and the local economy. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our great city from across Europe over the coming weeks.”

Let us make this a celebration of sport, community, and everything that makes Nottingham and the East Midlands truly special.

For further information, see visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/europa-league

*Main image @NFFC Mayor of East Midlands Claire Ward.