Southwell Minster to be illuminated by digital artwork and Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons to be lit across Advertiser area

A special collection of images featuring Southwell’s community both past and present will illuminate the front of Southwell Minster today at 9.45pm, thanks to funding by Arts Council England.

The west front of Southwell Minster will become a canvas for digital artwork in a meaningful celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Southwell Arts Beacon will bring an iconic piece of local heritage to life, as beacons across the nation are also lit to celebrate the milestone.

Members of the public are invited to take along some evening refreshments and relax with a blanket or rug in the grounds of the minster from 9.15pm for the free event.

There will be live music on the night and a special welcome by the Dean of Southwell, The Very Rev Nicola Sullivan.

The project is a joint effort by local organisations including The National Trust’s Workhouse and Infirmary, Southwell Minster and Southwell Town Council.

The projection artwork is designed by Guildhall Live Events, which is renowned nationwide for its production of immersive digital experiences.

The Southwell Arts Beacon will be managed by Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.

Further events will take place throughout June, culminating in a legacy arts trail from The Workhouse to Southwell Minster.

The successful bid highlighted how important local culture and creativity was for an area, which has shown great resilience during the last two years.

There is free parking available opposite the minster during the event, and it is accessible to those with mobility challenges.

Nottinghamshire will join regions across the UK in lighting Platinum Jubilee Beacons to celebrate the Queen’s reign.

Many have been combined with larger community events and parties to mark the occasion.

In the Advertiser area, beacons are scheduled to be lit in Balderton, Bingham, Collingham, Cropwell Bishop Memorial Hall Play Park, East Markham Playing Field, close to Fernwood Village Hall, Farndon Governors’ Field in Woodborough, Orston, Robin Hood Hill in Oxton, Southwell, Sparrow Park in Bilsthorpe, The Green in Cotgrave, The Plough carpark in Coddington, Walesby Forest Activity Centre, Syerston, Weston, Halam, Wilson’s Field in Farnsfield, Aslockton and Whatton Playing Field among others.

Sutton-on-Trent villagers are invited to process by torch or lantern-light to Sternthorpe Close Playing Field for a 9.30pm start where the National Bugle Call will sound at 9.40pm ahead of the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm.