Six exciting digital exhibits which will form an important part of the renewed Nottingham Castle visitor experience from 2021 are up for grabs for creative companies. The £30m Nottingham Castle Transformation Project, made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is well underway and now a process to select companies to deliver six exciting digital projects has been launched.

These range from medieval themed interactive exhibits and games to immersive film production and more, capturing a thousand years of history and transforming it into a revolutionary modern visitor experience.
Nottingham Castle has a highly ambitious vision for the various exhibits, experiences and games, which will bring history to life for visitors. It is therefore seeking digital companies with a talent for storytelling and the ability to produce highly immersive, creative, engaging and visual experiences. It is hoped that in the initial years after reopening in 2021, Nottingham Castle will attract around 250,000 visitors annually. Any digital company involved in designing and delivering these projects can therefore expect a substantial amount of exposure and the opportunity to play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle.

CPU 3650 – Rebellion Films (£115k): A synced, multi-screen film experience telling stories of rebellion in Nottingham’s history. Closing date 11/09/2019.
It will be followed by an additional four opportunities which will go live on ProContract in September: Robin Hood Immersive film tender (£220k): An immersive film experience with accompanying audio soundscape that transports viewers on a journey from modern day Nottingham to the medieval world of Robin Hood. Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Gallery Screen Games tender (£180k): A series of fast-paced and challenging interactive touchscreen and tabletop games to encourage visitors to engage with the world of medieval Nottingham by playing the role of particular characters. Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Rebellion Digital Content (£70k): A series of high quality digital, explorable interactives and animations which bring to life objects in the gallery and the idea of satirical political posters, encouraging visitors to engage with these objects and concepts. Opens w/c 23.09.19.

Alabaster Carving & Salt Glazed Pottery (£30k). A series of ‘making’ stations which allow visitors to try out and learn more about the design and production techniques of alabaster carving and salt glazed pottery. Opens w/c 30.09.19.

During the tender process, digital companies will be asked to provide a company profile, detail of any relevant previous experience and a proposal for how they would design and deliver the project.

For more information, go to ProContract to register. Nigel Hawkins, Head of Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a very exciting stage in the development of the Castle Transformation Project. We are looking for the most imaginative and creative ideas from local talents and further afield who will play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle for years to come. “These exhibits will contribute significantly towards building the experience for our visitors as they begin to explore the site and the thousands of years of history it holds. We’re really looking forward to receiving entries and expect there to be a great deal of competition as the project continues to bring investment and opportunities into the city.” For more information, please visit https://www.nottinghamcastle.org

Wollaton Park, Nottingham – Saturday 20 July 2019

Tickets are selling at record speeds for Nottingham’s biggest summer party Splendour, set to take over Wollaton Park in just one month on Saturday 20 July.

Following the full line-up announcement, with headliners Manic Street Preachers and The Specials, as well as Rag’n’Bone Man and All Saints set to perform next month, Splendour fans were quick to react. The organiser, DHP Family, has reported tickets are selling faster than ever before in the festival’s 10-year history and are predicting a sell-out.

George Akins, DHP Family owner, says: “The overall reaction to this year’s line-up announcement has been overwhelming; we’ve definitely got the right mix of exciting new artists and established favourites to make it an epic party for everyone to enjoy. With ticket sales well ahead of all previous years, we’re encouraging those who haven’t bought a ticket yet to act quickly to avoid missing out.”

Behind the scenes, DHP Family, working in association with Nottingham City Council, are busy putting the final touches to the festival to deliver a great day out for the whole family.

Across the site, there will be an array of food and drink to please all appetites. Indulge on Cheesy Does It’s gourmet toasties, prime and local Nottingham meat from Romano’s or vegan, veggie and gluten-free pizzas from Stone Baked Pizza, washed down with a tasty unique blend of coffee from Boxed Drinks Limited or a tipple from one of the beer tents. In the exclusive VIP retreat, there will be a gin garden, gourmet food and a quality choice of craft ales and cocktails. There are also a number of trade stalls selling everything from bonsai trees, novelty jewellery for children, clothing and accessories, plus festival body art, with more details to be revealed on the Splendour social channels in the coming weeks. A fantastic fringe line-up will also be revealed soon.

The award-winning music event is Nottingham’s biggest party of the summer, with a funfair, fringe entertainment stage, kids’ area and entertainers out and about in the crowd, as well the extremely popular Gem Anthems Silent Disco, back for another year.

A Splendour Ale has now been launched at Bodega and Rescue Rooms in Nottingham. Created in collaboration with Hollow Stone, the light refreshing pale ale has a slight citrus finish with notes of grapefruit and hints of the tropics and is the perfect way to look forward to the festival.

Once again, the Confetti Stage at Splendour is in partnership with Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, a leading provider of creative industry education. Working alongside Notts TV, preparations are underway to ensure technical operations on the day run smoothly, including fitting the big screens and sound control.

Craig Chettle, Chief Executive of Confetti Media Group, said: “This is Confetti’s 10th year partnering with Splendour, and our 25th anniversary year too. We’re counting down to another great festival, and looking forward to seeing our students crewing for the Confetti Stage and putting their music, tech, film and TV skills to good use. We also have an array of student talent performing across the various stages which is really exciting.”

Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council said: “We’re really looking forward to Splendour with just a month to wait now. There is always something for everybody to enjoy and it’s great to see how all the city comes together to celebrate at Wollaton. While we get lots of people coming into the city for the festival, don’t forget Nottingham residents can take advantage of a £10 discount just by adding their Nottingham City Council Tax number when booking online or taking proof of residency to the Nottingham Tourism Centre when buying tickets.”

The opening slot at Splendour also remains up for the grabs. Nusic’s 2019 ‘Future Sound of Nottingham’ finalists, soul-pop artist Mollie Ralph, electronic-pop singer Jacob Fowler, singer-songwriter Remy, pop-punkers Desensitised, indie-rockers Near Mrs, pop-indie providers Don’t Forget Rupert, plus rapper Exchecker, will all play at the epic, free final at Rock City on Sunday 7 July.

Children under 11 will once again be admitted free and discounts are also in place for Nottingham City residents. Including booking fee, a standard ticket is £56.65, coming down to £45.65 when the Nottingham City discount is applied. Tickets for Nottingham City residents aged 11-17 are £22. VIP packages are also available and start from £87.65 for a Nottingham City adult.

Tickets can be purchased from the newly launched website splendourfestival.com or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre. To claim Nottingham City resident discount, a copy of your council tax bill is required.

To stay in touch with festival news follow Splendour on social media: Facebook: @splendourfestivalUK
Twitter: @splendourfest
Instagram: @splendourfest
#SplendourFest.

Line-up to date:

MAIN STAGE
Manic Street Preachers
The Specials
Rag’n’bone Man
Louisa
The Slow Readers Club
Barns Courtney
Rob Green
Nusic Comp Winner

CONFETTI STAGE
All Saints
Ash
Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
The Rifles
The Coronas
Bria
Ava Saint

COMEDY STAGE
Andy Robinson (Compere)
Suzy Bennett
Roger Monkhouse
Vince Atta
Sean Heydon
Nathan Caton

COURTYARD STAGE
My Pet Fauxes
Mid November
Esther Van Leuven
Megatrain
Velvet Blush
94 Gunships
Re Teu
Camille Christel
Laurie Illingworth

GREAT Yarmouth seafront is gearing up to welcome 15,000 motorcyclists as part of the two-day Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival in July, creating a spectacle along the Golden Mile while raising funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

The free festival, taking place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7, is organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council with sponsorship from individual seafront businesses, and the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area company. In its fifth year, the festival is set to draw families and vehicle enthusiasts to the seafront for an action-packed weekend.

This year’s expanded event will see a larger area of the seafront lined with even more prestige, classic and bespoke cars, large commercial vehicles and other special activities and entertainment. The big headline attractions and further details will be announced over the coming weeks. A highlight will be on the Saturday, when an estimated 15,000 motorcyclists are set to visit the festival, arriving from 10am for On the Throttle’s Great Yarmouth Motorcycle Take Over. Then on the Sunday afternoon, Centre 81 Classic Car and Bike Rally will parade along the seafront for judging by the mayor at the Sealife Centre Gardens.

The borough council has again worked closely with Norfolk County Council, as highways authority, and the organisers of these authorised visits, to ensure they happen in a co-ordinated way, which reduces the impact on other road users, while still capturing the huge economic benefits that thousands of extra visitors bring.

This year, motorcyclists planning to access and park within the festival site along the Golden Mile are asked to make a voluntary donation of £2 per bike, which will go towards the running of the festival and the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Bikers are encouraged to make their donation online in advance to get a fast lane entry sticker for parking via www.gywheelsfestival.co.uk

One of the most anticipated motorcycle attractions on Saturday will be Seastar Superbikes, who will be bringing the Ducati and Kawasaki Norwich Roadshow and will be located close to the Sealife Centre Gardens. They will have a mobile dyno “rolling road” enabling motorcyclists to test the performance of their bikes, and will also be running escorted Ducati ride-outs for those who pre-book by calling 01508 471919 or emailing sales@seastarsuperbikes.co.uk.

New for 2019, there will be a drop-off point for helmets and leathers at the Marina Centre Café, as well as extra stalls selling motorcycle parts, accessories and other merchandise, with confirmed traders including Flint Motorcycles, Motus Bikewear and Clean My Ride. The festival is brought to you by Great Yarmouth Borough Council in conjunction with the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area, Joyland and the American Diner, On the Throttle, plus other seafront businesses.

Andy McSweeny, of the Great Yarmouth-based social media forum On the Throttle, said: “The Takeover, as part of the Wheels Festival, is an annual highlight for motorcyclists and this year we’re hoping to welcome a record 15,000 bikers for the Motorcycle Takeover on July 6, raising funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and for the sustainable running of the festival.
“Please remember to make your £2 donation, ideally in advance online, to get your fast lane entry sticker. The £2 donation per bike allows visitors to access and park their bike within the festival site along the Golden Mile.”

Cllr Paul Hammond, vice chairman of the economic development committee, said: “Wheels is a major highlight in our events calendar, which boosts visitor numbers and spend, and promotes our borough as a vibrant place to live, work and visit. This year, we’re gearing up for an even bigger festival, bringing fun for everyone over two action-packed days, centred around the spectacle of 15,000 visiting motorcyclists on the Saturday and the car and bike rally on the Sunday.”

Alan Carr, chief executive of the Great Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA), said: “The Wheels Festival brings a real buzz to the Golden Mile and the many thousands of people it attracts are good for the town and great for business. This year’s festival looks like being bigger than ever and GYTABIA is delighted to be able to support it.”

Michael Cole, of Joyland and the American Diner, said: “We are very excited to be sponsoring Wheels again this year. This free festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, promising a great weekend for families and enthusiasts alike while boosting trade right along the seafront.”
The festival will take place from 10am to 6pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. For more information and to enquire about a trade stall, visit www.gywheelsfestival.co.uk

Highways arrangements
Marine Parade, between the junctions with North Drive at Britannia Pier and the Kings Road roundabout, will be closed to traffic between 7am and 11pm on the Saturday and until 7pm on the Sunday, with a clear signed diversion in place.

There will be no direct vehicular access to Marine Parade from Lancaster Road, York Road, Trafalgar Road, Trafalgar Square and Britannia Road. The taxi and coach stops along North Drive will not be affected. Motorcyclists will be routed onto Marine Parade via Trafalgar Road, Kings Road and St Peter’s Road.

The car parks at St Nicholas (limited spaces), North Drive, Euston Road and in the town centre will remain open for the public. However, the car parks at Anchor Gardens, Marina Centre North and South, and Jetty North, plus the closed roadway of Marine Parade including the landau lane, will be designated parking zones for the motorcyclists and Wheels exhibitors, who will be guided by traffic marshals. Access along the whole length of Marine Parade will be maintained for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

A rare and exciting exhibition of paintings entitled ‘Father and Son’ by Kip and Richard Combes is currently on display at Bassetlaw Museum. Kip Combes (1924-2013) was a prominent figure on the local art scene and a president of the Worksop Society of Artists, while his son Richard is a highly respected New York-based artist who has exhibited internationally and has work in major private collections worldwide.

Donated by Richard, the exhibition has 17 paintings from both artists whose styles have been influenced by their surroundings and life experiences. During the early stages of World War II, Kip Combes was evacuated to Retford with his family and, apart from a period of living in Manchester, he remained in the town for the rest of his life.

Richard Combes, said: “Being originally from Norfolk Kip’s work is very much influenced by the Norwich School of Painters, and this can be seen in the atmospheric moody watercolours and oil renderings of his much loved local landscape.” Richard was brought up in Retford and worked as an architect in the UK before moving to New York City. There he earned Master’s degree in painting at the New York Academy of Art and his remarkable skills and mastery of techniques have earned him multiple awards and a full membership of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Although many of Richard’s works are realistic representations of people and objects, they are not just skilful depictions of subjects. His art transports viewers into the middle of an intriguing, unfinished story and makes them wonder about how it continues. This exceptional artistry transforms everyday spaces and objects into extraordinary images that are both absorbing and haunting. Richard said: “I am definitely interested in perspective, light and architectural details and the relationship between single figures, still life and empty spaces. I would like to thank the museum on behalf of my father and myself for this opportunity to show our work together. I know he would have been greatly honoured, as I am myself.” The ‘Father and Son’ exhibition runs until Saturday 10th August at Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford and is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm. Admission is free.

Father and Son. Paintings by Kip and Richard Combes
Saturday 18th May – Saturday 10th August