Could you tell us about the history of St Mary's church?
The present St Mary’s – at the heart of the ancient Saxon borough - was completed around 1475 and is the third church on the site. It’s Nottingham’s finest medieval building and is the size of a cathedral. Many changes and refurbishments have come and gone; thanks to a sensitive work by the Victorians today’s appearance is that of a great space in the perpendicular style of architecture.
What types of events and occasions does the church get involved with?
Following major and significant work since 2000, St Mary's is both a living church and the latest Nottingham venue 'with a difference'; as such it offers a unique historic and atmospheric setting for a range of events that are compatible with an essentially ‘sacred’ space. There is a spacious interior with 8,000 ft2 of level floor, under floor heating, comfortable and flexible seating possibilities, modern toilet and kitchen facilities and effective lighting and sound systems.
How did the staff get involved with the church?
Events at St Mary’s are arranged by a volunteer (contactable at events@stmarynotts.org) with operations manager and PR/Marketing support.
What's the vision for St Mary's church?
St Mary’s primary function is to bring people closer to God through its services and mission. Alongside this, the church seeks to welcome people either as visitors or to take part in a whole range of community and other events. We want the Lace Market community and wider city area to see St Mary’s as ‘their’ church.
Is the church involved in any projects at the moment?
From January 2018 the church is being re-established as ‘resource church’ with its own priest. Inside the building there are proposals for a new welcome area and a major lighting upgrade.
How has the church changed and adapted over the years?
500+ years is a long period to summarise! More than ever, we now seek to make the Christian faith accessible to all and to be relevant in the 21st century. Meeting people as they are is an important part of this.
What are the future plans for the church?
To be as accessible and welcoming as we can be. To keep the building and its wonderful grounds – a rare green space in the city centre - open and used as much as possible, for calm reflection and much more besides.
Light Night is upon us! What does the church have planned?
Thousands flock to St Mary's Church on Light Night every year to experience a unique and sacred space, to hear ethereal music sung live by the choir, to view art installations and to find places to pause and reflect. All are welcome, 6pm to 10pm.
St Mary’s has a brand new website, https://www.stmarysnottingham.org/
Info about everything from services, music to heritage.
Visit http://www.eventsatstmarys.co.uk/ for more information about hiring The Nave Space at St Mary’s.
Follow them on Facebook - @Eventsatstmarys
