News

Interested in lifestyle, learning or leisure? With so much happening in Nottinghamshire, we’ve plenty to shout about. With an abundance of news on the latest developments, take a chance to read all about it.

	Coming soon at Trent FM Arena Nottingham... 15/04/08 A fantastic array of musical stars are coming to Trent FM Arena Nottingham. Just announced dates in 2008 - Shayne Ward in May, Central Masters Football in July and The Mighty Boosh in November. They join the line up of musical icons already in the diary like Boyzone, Dolly Parton, Linkin Park, Westlife, Strictly Come Dancing Live! and Lee Evans. For the younger visitor, Finding Nemo - Disney on Ice comes to Nottingham in October. more >

	Nottingham tourism centre goes through to national finals in Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2008 18/03/08 Nottingham tourism centre has made it through to the final of tourism’s equivalent of the Oscars’ after winning Gold in the regional heat and beating off competition across the East Midlands. The news comes following a rigorous assessment from the judges as secret shoppers over Christmas in order to be shortlisted for the national finals. This was a result of winning Tourist Information Centre of the Year at the East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2007. more >

	Sherwood loses out on lottery millions 12/12/07 The votes have now been counted in The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway but sadly Sherwood: the Living Legend didn't win. The £50million prize was won by Sustrans' Connect2 project. We'd like to thank all of our supporters for their votes and assure you that we won’t give up on Sherwood - it's much too important. Read our response to the result of the public vote here. more >

	Racing resumes at Southwell Racecourse 12/12/07 Tuesday 11 December marked the return of racing at Southwell Racecourse. The racecourse was closed in mid-June following the floods that severely damaged the track and the racecourse buildings. The first of several Pontin's Family Fun Days took place on Saturday 15 December - watch out for more to come. Visit the racecourse website for race fixtures and festival events throughout 2008. more >

	In the footsteps of Robin Hood - launch event hits the target 05/11/07 The first group of people got the chance to follow In the footsteps of Robin Hood on Friday, as the innovative new audio trail was officially opened by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Developed by Experience Nottinghamshire, the Robin Hood story is told via MP3 or CD, which guides the visitor to 12 locations around the county that are associated with the legend. At an investment of £169k this exciting trail tells the tale of our much loved legendary hero. more >

	Maze planned for refurbishment of Abbey's formal gardens 01/11/07 Rufford Abbey Country Park is celebrating a successful funding bid to make the park’s gardens more exciting. The grant from the Alliance SSP will help boost the tourism potential of the Sherwood Forest area. The remainder of the capital will be provided by Nottinghamshire County Council, which owns and manages the country park. Part of the project is to create a new maze within the Formal Gardens near the Abbey. more >

	Restoration begins on Rufford Abbey gates 25/10/07 The ornate Western Gates of Rufford Abbey have long been a landmark for motorists on the A614 Nottingham to Doncaster road. In a couple of weeks, a major programme of restoration work starts to conserve this historic treasure for future generations. The gates were built in 1841, possibly to the designs of Anthony Salvin, a well known architect who also designed nearby Thoresby Hall. They once formed the main entrance to Rufford Abbey. more >

	Double delight for Rufford Abbey 02/10/07 Staff at Rufford Abbey Country Park were celebrating this week after news that the popular North Nottinghamshire attraction has won its second quality award this year - the VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme) award as a quality assured visitor attraction. Back in June the park, which is run by Nottinghamshire County Council, gained its first Green Flag award from the Civic Trust, a nationally recognised award for well run public parks. more >

	Nottingham Best Bar None Awards 2007 winners announced 17/09/07 The awards ceremony for Nottingham Best Bar None Awards 2007 took place last night at the Council House. Find out which city pubs, bars and clubs have been accredited and who's been awarded Best Bar None! The scheme promotes responsible operation of alcohol licensed premises to offer a high quality, safe and enjoyable drinking experience within the city. more >

	Robin Hood Festival a success 06/08/07 Sherwood Forest Country Park's annual Robin Hood Festival attracted over 75,000 visitors according to organisers Nottinghamshire County Council’s Country Parks Service. The Festival proved to be extremely popular again this year with visitors from all over the UK, Europe and many other parts of the world. Sunday was the busiest day for over ten years.  It shows that the Robin Hood legend is still alive and well in the heart of Sherwood Forest. more >

	Nottingham Restaurant Awards 2007 winners 15/06/07 The public cast their votes for the fifth  Nottingham Restaurant Awards sponsored by London Clubs International throughout April. 15 awards were up for grabs this year including a brand new category, Best Waiter/Waitress. And last night's ceremony were hosted by TV personality, Mark Durden-Smith, for the third consecutive year. Congratulations to World Service, winner of Nottingham Restaurant of the Year 2007. more >

	Control wins top prizes and critical acclaim at Cannes Film Festival 31/05/07 Control, the biopic of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, starring Sam Riley and Samantha Morton and directed by acclaimed photographer Anton Corbijn, has been awarded three top prizes at the 60th Cannes International Film Festival. The film, which premiered in Cannes to a standing ovation from the assembled audience of press and critics, shot on location in Nottingham during 2006 and was co-financed by the Regional Screen Agency for the East Midlands, EM Media. more >

	Regional fine foods markets return to Old Market Square 22/04/07 East Midlands Fine Foods and Nottingham City Council bring top quality food and drink to the newly redeveloped Old Market Square on the third Friday and Saturday of every month. The first market in April featured TV chef Rachel Green, who cooked recipes with produce from the market in her demo kitchen. more >

	Visitors flock to Wollaton Hall's reopening celebrations 10/04/07 Following a £9 million restoration, Wollaton Hall re-opened to the public on Easter Saturday. To celebrate, a huge family festival was held over the Easter weekend. The hall and grounds featured music, dance, art, costumed characters, demonstrations, workshops and more to entertain visitors. Using the themes of art, the environment and heritage, there was something for all the family to enjoy. more >

	East Midlands makes itself family friendly 05/04/07 Many parents worry about how to keep their children occupied, and wonder whether an eagerly awaited day out will live up to expectations. Wouldn’t it be great if planning a trip could be made easier for families? EMT has produced the ‘think family Q-book,’ which is full of ideas on how business can make the new family of today feel like they are truly understood and valued. more >

	Creswell Crags secures major funding for a new museum for the Ice Age 14/03/07 Creswell Crags has received funding support from The Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant award of £4.23 million. The money will be used to build a new Ice Age centre which will safeguard the future of the nationally important monument. It'll be a centre of excellence telling the Ice Age story of the Crags to school children, local communities and tourists and will underpin the site’s national and international prominence. more >