Running all week the 17th international Byron festival really has a variety of events to celebrate the life and works of Lord Bryon. Based around the town of Hucknall and its environs the International Association of Bryon Societies come together with locals to share their enjoyment of this ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ man.

Bryon, born in 1788, gained notoriety for his scandalous private life and gained the mad and bad tag from his lover Lady Caroline Lamb. In 1814 his half-sister Augusta gave birth to a daughter and it is said that Bryon was in fact the father, scandalous indeed. The writer’s ancestral home Newstead Abbey was founded in the 1160s but was sold off in 1798 to pay off his debts.

The festival has grown over the years and features a wide range of activities to suit all ages and interests and many are free to attend from open air performances of his work, to a guided walk around the grounds and even a ghost evening at nearby Annesley Hall. The festival ends next Saturday with a full afternoon of music and entertainment at Newstead Abbey.

This is a great opportunity to get your Karrimor walking boots on and experience a walk with a difference, visiting the various places of interest around the area where Byron once trod himself. The Bryon Pilgrimage Walk takes place on Thursday 3rd July, starting at 9.30am. This eight mile walk is guided so you will also learn about the history of the area and how it relates to the Bryon family. Who knows you just might get the muse yourself and get involved with some of the poetry and music that is on offer.