We are eight months into the vaccination programme in the UK, with almost three quarters of the adult population now double-jabbed, although that figure is lower in Nottingham. It would be easy to become complacent and feel that the job is done. But most people who are still being hospitalised by Covid are not vaccinated, and often are in younger age groups. There are reports of otherwise fit and healthy people dying from Covid saying they wished they had taken the vaccine when they had the chance. So there is still a vital need for those who have not yet had the jab to do so. It will help protect them and others from a disease which while slowed in its tracks, is still present and poses a serious threat to health and life.

The vaccines are proven to be safe and effective and getting jabbed couldn?t be easier now, with walk-in vaccination centres around the city with long opening hours. Please do it yourself if you haven?t already, or encourage anyone you know yet to have it to do it as a matter of priority.

We have been speaking to the Showmen?s Guild to explore how Goose Fair could go ahead this year after the disappointment of last year.

It?s right that we consider all possible options during a pandemic to ensure that events can go ahead safely and within any prevailing Government guidelines.

To that end we have considered what we could do in the event that Government impose vaccine passports on large events like Goose Fair. We put forward the option of fencing off the site to enable vaccine passport checks, while covering the costs of this and extra security through a small entry charge. It?s not something we would have wanted to do, nor was there a prospect of this becoming an ongoing feature of Goose Fair, and following feedback from Guild members, I can confirm this is no longer being considered.

Like most major event planners, we will continue to seek clarity from Government on the possible implementation of vaccine passports and what this means for unstructured major events like Goose Fair. In the meantime, we are continuing to work collaboratively with the Guild and have a further meeting scheduled with them. We expect to reach a decision on this year?s Goose Fair later this month.

There is a great opportunity to enjoy some wonderful entertainment in our parks this weekend as?Arboretum Sunsets?continues this evening with a concert from 80?s star Tony Hadley. There is a Folk Festival all day Saturday from 1pm, and a free Hotpod Yoga session on Sunday morning.?

?On Sunday afternoon, why not take a trip to the Victoria Embankment Bandstand for the second?Bands in The Park?performance of the season which is from?Maltby Miners Welfare.?These performances are free and start at 2pm. It?s very informal so please feel free to bring your own chairs, or you can use the amphitheatre seating.

It is wonderful to see the city?s bandstands being used again this summer at both the Embankment and at the Nottingham Arboretum. These are real cultural assets and we are glad to be able to work with partners across the city to allow people to enjoy them. Look out for the?Nonsuch On Trent events?at the end of month which will offer a range of shows for the whole family from music, to comedy, to beat boxing!

This afternoon, I was able to visit Bestop Kitchen which is run out of Bestwood Park Church. This pop-up kitchen serves healthy free meals to people across Bestwood, with people coming to socialise and enjoy the community spirit. Their work throughout Covid has been remarkable, providing meals and food parcels to those in need with plans to expand further with a vibrant community based caf?. The project relies on the hard work and spirit of local volunteers and the enthusiasm of Church minister Chris Easton whose tireless work has resulted in a real celebration of community spirit.