As we move closer to some of the national Covid-19 restrictions being lifted next week, I would like to add a note of caution: let?s all go carefully. From Thursday, it will no longer be mandatory to wear a mask indoors and it will be up to each venue whether you need a Covid Pass to get in. People will also no longer have to work from home.

The lifting of restrictions by the Government set out in Plan B is a welcome sign that we are moving in the right direction, but I would like to stress that we still have high rates of Covid in our city and people sadly continue to die from the virus. We should continue to take care of ourselves with regular testing, isolating if we test positive, and being vaccinated.

I believe we should also continue to wear face coverings in shared indoor spaces. Wearing a face covering helps to reduce the transmission of the virus from person to person and is especially important in busy indoor public spaces ? such as in shops and on public transport. We?re asking people to continue to wear face coverings in council buildings too.

Learning to live with Covid does not mean doing nothing. Our regular behaviours should include:

• Get vaccinated: two doses and a booster gives you the best protection. Book your jab here: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination
• Keep testing: take a regular lateral flow test at home to make sure you are Covid-free. Find out where to get tests: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing
• Take care: continuing to wear face coverings, wash hands and keep shared spaces well-ventilated.

It is really important that we continue to work together on this. Let?s not throw off all protection that we have against the virus.

We are very excited to be able to announce the return of popular family event Light Night, which will take place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 February. This year?s theme is ?Rebel City.?

There will be over 50 installations from Victoria Bus Station down to Canal Wharf and from the Robin Hood Statue to Green?s Windmill. There is even a piece in The Meadows at the Arkwright Street allotments. Highlights include ?Fire Garden? in the gardens of the site of many rebellions, riots and royal rows - Nottingham Castle. And Nonsuch Studios? Rebel Heart in Old Market Square exploring ?What makes a rebel? using a wall of sound, light and projection.

Thanks to sponsors, Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), for helping ensure this free event for the city can take place. The event is also supported with funding from the?National Lottery?through?Arts Council England, and the European Regional Development Fund - Welcome Back Fund.

There will be a free App available at the end of next week to help plan your visit and navigate the city centre, as well as a brochure and map to download with info on shops and businesses opening late on the night with offers available.

More information here and keep up with the latest developments on Light Night here.

Benches to mark the final series of a Ricky Gervais TV show about loss have been installed in two parks in Nottingham to provide a place for people to chat and reflect. The new benches engraved with a quote from the After Life show "Hope is Everything" are at the Arboretum and Highfields Park and are among 25 benches donated to local councils by streaming service Netflix and the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

I am really pleased that Nottingham has been chosen to take not one but two of the Benches of Hope. People have really relied on our open spaces during lockdown - for exercise, for wellbeing and for their mental health. These benches will provide even more opportunities to sit, be still, chat as well as giving you a chance to reflect.