Nottingham will hold a day of celebration on Saturday 4 July as Councillor Jackie Morris is sworn in as the new Lord Mayor, including free fun day and free entry for everyone at Nottingham Castle.

The event will begin at 11am in the Old Market Square as Nottingham’s town crier makes a proclamation from the steps of the Council House.  A parade will depart the Old Market Square at 11am, carrying the incoming and outgoing Lord Mayor’s, plus the new Sheriff of Nottingham Councillor Mohammed Saghir in a horse and carriage procession to the gates of Nottingham Castle.

Members of the public are encouraged to convene in the Square at 11am to watch the ceremony, and see the horse and carriage parade – led by the ceremonial mace bearer.

On arrival at the Castle, The Town Crier will read an announcement on behalf of the Lord Mayor, who will knock on the Castle gates to demand entry. Then, the public will be invited to the Bandstand to watch a ceremony (at approximately 11:45am) known as ‘Mayor Making’, which will include a short service and blessing for the city of Nottingham.

Entrance to Nottingham Castle is free (on Saturday 4 July only) and there will also be a host of other activities for visitors and families to enjoy, including:

  • Have a go at archery (£1 per three arrows)
  • The chance to meet Nottingham’s Robin Hood, Tim Pollard, and see him narrate a play on the history of Nottingham
  • Castle Cave Tours (£5 per person)
  • Saxon and Norman Living History camp featuring two groups, The Household and Historia Normannis
  • Fancy dress competition – with prizes for the best medieval themed fancy dress (judging to take place at the Bandstand at 3pm)
  • Stalls from local groups including the Notts Wildlife Trust
  • The chance to meet Nottingham Castle’s Robin Hood mascot
  • Free entrance to the Castle Museum and Art Gallery, including the opportunity to see

Councillor Jackie Morris, Lord Mayor of Nottingham, said: “I’m delighted to be officially sworn in as the new Lord Mayor for Nottingham. After a year serving as the Sheriff of Nottingham, I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of representing our great city.”

Outgoing Lord Mayor Councillor Ian Malcolm will hand over to Councillor Jackie Morris, who will hold the ceremonial position for the next year. The Lord Mayor’s main duties include acting as the political figurehead for the City Council and a champion for Nottingham, and promoting the diplomatic, business, commercial, cultural and educational life of the city of Nottingham. Councillor Morris recently attended The Milk Race where she presented the winning cyclists with their trophies, and one of the roles of the Lord Mayor is also to officially declare the Goose Fair open during the annual opening ceremony.