A new four-month heritage project is under way to share, celebrate, and record the history of Central and Eastern Europe communities in the Mansfield area.

Capturing shadows is being run by CEE Notts thanks to an Everyday Heritage grant from Historic England.

Groups of people from CEE have settled in the town at various times, including in the aftermath of the second world war, the 1956 Hungarian revolution, and the accession of predominantly Eastern European states to the EU from 2004 to 2007.

Residents will be invited to take part in a public programme, including talks, a documentary screening, creative workshops, a collaborative exhibition, and more, to share and bring together stories.

Liam Skillen, CEE Notts project manager said: “This is a significant project for Mansfield. Recognising and acknowledging the diversity in our community is only ever a good thing and helps us strengthen our connections.

“I’m so lucky to have grown up and live in Mansfield, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to celebrate the town’s past and future.”

Louise Brennan, Historic England regional director (Midlands), added: “There are so many hidden histories to uncover. Every community has a story to tell and Mansfield’s unique history involving Central and Eastern European communities deserves to be better known.

“This is the strength of our Everyday Heritage grant programme, funding projects that uncover diverse working class histories, encouraging local people by empowering them to research and tell their own stories.”

CEE Notts is an online archive, sharing memories of Nottinghamshire’s Central and Eastern European communities from the past and present.

Through social media and public programmes, it promotes learning and cultural exchange, and celebrates the diversity of Central and Eastern Europe, its culture, history, and people.

For more information on CEE Notts go to https://ceenotts.co.uk