Today Nottingham Castle has opened its gates to visitors after its incredible ?30m redevelopment- the beginning of an exciting new era for this historical landmark. It?s great that despite the final stage of the roadmap being delayed, the castle is operating in a Covid-secure way which allows the opening to go ahead.

The visitor experience has truly been transformed and I have no doubt those who were first through the gates today will be impressed with what the castle now offers as an attraction. A superb new visitor centre and adventure playground in the grounds are matched by some fantastic new exhibits inside, including an engaging introduction to Robin Hood, as well as tours of the caves beneath the lovingly restored ducal mansion.

Tickets must be booked from the Nottingham Castle website here.

I shared my thoughts on this historic moment while at the castle today in the video below.

Covid rates continue to rise nationally and locally and so it continues to be vitally important for as many people as possible to be vaccinated. Every adult is now eligible and the NHS in Nottingham has now confirmed that there is no need to book ? you can simply turn up at any of the main vaccination sites without an appointment to receive your jab. See details of the opening hours and location of the sites here.

Eighteen-year-old Hannah explains in this video why she grabbed her chance straight away https://twitter.com/MyNottingham/status/1406195346187952128.?

There will be more news later this week making it even easier to get your jab ? watch this space.

Nottingham is proud to celebrate?Windrush Day?tomorrow, Tuesday 22 June. The first Windrush Day was held in 2018 when it was the 70th anniversary of the Windrush migration. The Windrush generation has enriched Nottingham culture and their contribution to life in our city has been significant.

It is important to show appreciation and to honour the Windrush pioneers by marking the anniversary and celebrating the diversity of Nottingham?s history and keeping the Windrush?legacy alive for future generations as a?vital part of our shared history and heritage. A booklet outlining the events programme can be found here and I am looking forward to speaking at an event at the Council House where I will be highlighting the contribution of Nottingham?s Caribbean community to our city, particularly its role in the city?s response to Covid in the last year.

The Young Creatives Awards have been running for 12 years now and it?s a wonderful celebration of the incredible talent in our city among those aged 11 to 24. This year just under 600 young people from all over Nottingham entered, and 31 talented young creatives have been named as the cream of this year?s crop.

Entrants used their creativity to address important issues including racism, gender stereotypes, mental health, homelessness, female body image and, of course, the ongoing impact of Covid-19.

Well done to all the winners who have excelled in such a variety of different art forms ? from photography, film, theatre and music to fashion, animation, dance and writing. See more here