Almost 500 international students from more than 80 countries who are studying at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent received a warm welcome at the first ever civic reception. The event took place on Wednesday 23 October and was organised by the two universities in partnership with Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and local businesses.

Hosted by Robin Hood, the event took place at St Mary's Church in the city centre and featured performances from local artists and international societies. A marketplace featured stalls and tasters from nearly 40 businesses and local organisations, showcasing the cultural, heritage and leisure highlights that Nottingham and the wider region offers to the nearly 14,000 international students currently studying at both universities, as well as their families and friends who might visit them during their time in the UK.

The University of Nottingham prides itself on being an institution whose global outlook, connections and reputation provide real and tangible benefits for our local community, economy and people of Nottingham.

This inaugural event was a celebration of the vital contribution made by international students to the local economy, community and cultural richness of Nottingham. It is hoped that the event will become an annual fixture in the city’s calendar.