EIGHT hours of celebrations are also planned at the Victoria Embankment to mark Armed Forces Day.
A programme of events starts at 10am, with zones set up dedicated to the Army, Royal Navy, the RAF, and veterans.
There will be live music and entertainment across two stages.
It will feature performances by local school bands, the Band of HM Royal Portsmouth (Royal Band), and the RAF Marham Military Wives Choir.
Down by the River Trent, there will be a zone dedicated to the Armed Forces through the ages.
It will feature themed demonstrations of life in the Forces from the Roman times to the Falklands War.
Elsewhere, Army vehicles will be parked up in Wilford Grove to view, while the Royal Army Physical Training Corps will be providing entertainment.
In addition, the afternoon celebrations will see members of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team mount a colourful aerial display as they freefall into the main area on the Victoria Embankment.
Members of the Royal Marines will also carry out displays on the River Trent.
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery will close the day's events with a performance of the world famous Musical Drive from 5.40pm.
The Drive will see teams of six horses pulling six First World War 13-pounder field guns in a breathtaking choreographed display demonstrates teamwork and discipline. Many of the manoeuvres have remained unchanged since it was first performed in 1897.
After the entertainment ends at Victoria Embankment, attention will shift back to Old Market Square where live music will be staged from 6pm to 10.30pm.
A host of cafes and restaurants in the city centre will also be offering special discounts.
There will be free tours of the Council House every 15 minutes between 6pm and 9pm, while Nottingham Castle will be free to visit throughout today and tomorrow.