A digital campaign to mark 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing has been launched

West Lindsey District Council is working with local partners to develop an programme of activities that will tell the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their connections to Lincolnshire and the Pilgrim Roots region.

A new digital campaign, PilgrimAGE has launched on Gainsborough’s historic Pilgrim date, Sunday, May 10, and it will run throughout the summer, leading up to the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in September and will include historical blogs, snapshots of exhibitions as well as videos, podcasts and specially commissioned digital activities.

This year will definitely be a year to remember not only because of how COVID-19 has affected everyone around the world, which has seen shops and tourist attractions close, and lockdown has also meant many events have been cancelled or postponed.

But also as a landmark date in history as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.

Although events cannot go ahead as planned, it is hoped that this new digital campaign will inspire people to discover the history of the Pilgrims and their roots.

Faye Pudney, visitor economy project officer at West Lindsey District Council, said: “We have a strong connection to the Mayflower story here in the East Midlands.

“Although the Mayflower set sail from the south of England, it was in this region that the Separatists formed their ideas and decided to break away from the established church, at a time when this was illegal.”

To follow the PilgrimAGE campaign like Discover Gainsborough and Pilgrim Roots on Facebook or follow @DiscoverGains and @PilgrimRoots on Twitter.

Be part of the conversation and post your images, comments and thoughts about the story using #PilgrimAGE.

You can also still get involved with craft activities at home including the Make a May Flower community art project or Bassetlaw Museum’s Open Art Exhibition.

For more information visit www.discovergainsborough.com/pilgrimroots or www.pilgrimroots.co.uk. Find out about the national project at www.mayflower400uk.org.