Heritage book fair to launch festival

Countless events, from fairs to poems and pints to scooters are all on offer over the duration of the event, which is the jewel in Hucknall’s calendar crown.

The festival is launched on Saturday, 28th June with the Heritage Day and Book Fair in the town centre’s Central Methodist Church.

It offers a nostalgic look back into the town’s history and its connections to Lord Byron and Newstead Abbey.

Papplewick resident and local historian, Mavis Ellis, has published a book to mark the event about a fallen Linby soldier who lost his life fighting in the Great War.

‘Lieutenant Gray’s Byron Country’ will be on sale in St Mary’s Church and at the book fair for £1.50 with all monies going to church funds.

“I knew Lieutenant Gray’s sister from Linby’s Sherwood House, who died in 1996, and she told me the fascinating story of her brother,” said Mavis. “I thought it would be lovely to write about him and his bravery.

“His sister never got over his death and spoke about him often,” added Mavis who has published many books about local history. “I thought Lieutenant Gray ought to be immortalised.”

If you are a fan of scooters then don’t miss the congregation of vehicles on Sunday 29th at 9.30am in the Market Square before they head to Newstead Abbey for displays.

If you fancy a walk around the area, then why not attend the Heritage Walk on Monday 30th from 2-4.15pm? It is free and so is the Byron Pilgrimage Walk on Thursday 3rd July, which starts at St Mary’s Church, Hucknall, at 9.30am.

The festival culminates in a day at Newstead Abbey on Sunday 6th July.

For more information visit: www.internationalbyronsociety.org or visit the stand at Hucknall Library or Byron.