Hucknall prepares for Byron Festival showstopper with hopes to be next Stratford-upon-Avon and compete with Shakespeare

With only a week to go before the town’s event of the year, which commemorates and celebrates the life of Lord Byron, Sheila Robinson, treasurer of the HRTG, said tourism is the way forward for the town.

“Hucknall should be like Stratford-upon-Avon as Byron is the most importantic romantic poet that lived,” said Mrs Robinson. “The festival is very important to Hucknall and it is getting better each year but more should be done to create opportunities for tourism in the town and surrounding area.”

The festival begins on Friday 3rd and runs until Sunday 12th July with countless events, activities, shows, tours and trips planned into a heavy timetable for visitors.

“We are launching the festival with a special market on Friday and craft fair on the Market Place at the request of Ashfield District Council’s markets manager,” Mrs Robinson explained. “But there is something everyday and a lot of hard work has gone into preparing and planning the festival by the committee who all volunteer their time.”

The popular classic scooter show on Sunday 5th, which sees vehicles congregate in the Market Place before parading to Newstead Abbey, will be joined by classic cars this year.

All the events will culminate in a family day at Newstead Abbey on Sunday 12th from 2-5pm with free shuttle bus from Market Place from 10am every hour until 4pm.

For full details of the Byron Festival visit www.newsteadabbeybyronsociety.org.