The first annual Nottinghamshire Day will take place today (August 25) with hopes that the event will boost tourism and culture.
Nottinghamshire County Council, have organised a day of themed activities which they say will celebrate our historic county’s unique identity, rich heritage and local traditions and everything it has to offer.
The centrepiece of today’s celebrations will feature a symbolic flag-raising ceremony at County Hall, which is due to be attended by more than 50 dignitaries.
Nottinghamshire County Council chairman, Councillor Mike Quigley MBE, will lead the commemorations by raising the county’s distinctive green, red and white Robin Hood flag at 11.30am.
He will be joined at the showpiece event by the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, and the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Member of Parliament for Newark, who championed the idea of having a County Day.
Other guests will include the Sheriff of Nottingham, Cllr Merlita Bryan, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry, and Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, as well as several of the county’s MPs and representatives from the district and borough councils.
Cllr Quigley said: “The inaugural Nottinghamshire Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about our historic county, from our unique association with Robin Hood to our industrial heritage, from our sporting excellence to our wonderful tourist attractions which are known worldwide.
“I am therefore extremely proud to mark the day by raising the flag of Nottinghamshire at County Hall and I would encourage local people to get out and about to explore and celebrate what our fantastic county has to offer, not only on our special day itself but for the weeks, months and years to follow.
“We are rightly proud of our heritage and Nottinghamshire Day is another milestone in our county’s rich history.”
Nottinghamshire Day also marks the day in 1642 when King Charles I raised his Standard on what is now Standard Hill in Nottingham at the start of the English Civil War – just three days after a similar attempt failed to secure enough support.
Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said: “Nottinghamshire Day not only presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our county and all it has to offer, but also acts as a catalyst to develop our understanding of the history and traditions of the places where we live, work and enjoy our leisure time.
“It is also an opportunity to promote Nottinghamshire and its historic attractions, including Nottingham and Newark castles, Southwell Minster, Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park, to name but a few.
“As Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, I attend many civic, voluntary and social events in recognition of the fantastic people who are proud to call Nottinghamshire their home.
“I am proud of the achievements of our county and am honoured to be part of the celebrations to mark the inaugural Nottinghamshire Day.”
As well as the special ceremony taking place at County Hall, the county flag will be proudly flying high today at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground where defending champions Notts Outlaws will be hosting Hampshire Hawks in the quarter finals of the Vitality Blast in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Borough and district councils will also be at the forefront of the celebrations by flying the county flag at premises and buildings countywide, while members of the public are encouraged to play their part on social media by sharing videos and images to highlight what they love about Nottinghamshire by using the #NottsDay hashtag.
The Government will also fly the Nottinghamshire flag outside the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and at Parliament.
Residents can also watch the raising of the flag at County Hall this morning live on Nottinghamshire County Council’s Facebook page.
For more information about Nottinghamshire Day, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/get-involved/nottinghamshire-day
