In brief
The Old General statue, prominent in Nottingham for over a century, has made a festive comeback this Christmas after disappearing amid changing times and pub closures.
The Old General, a landmark carved from limestone, has stood watch over Nottingham for more than a hundred years. Perched within a pub’s window, the statue was a symbol of continuity through the city's industrial transitions and modern developments. However, after the pub's closure in the mid-2010s, the Old General seemed to fade from the city’s festive consciousness, disappearing into memory.Despite this, the tradition of dressing the statue as Santa Claus every Christmas persisted amongst locals. Steve Oliver, a lifelong Nottingham resident, noted that the statue’s annual transformation was a hallmark of the Christmas season, evoking nostalgia and community spirit.This year, the Old General is back for the holidays, adorned in his typical red velvet attire. As Nottingham embraces its history amidst contemporary changes, the Old General stands as a testament to the city’s enduring customs, reminding residents of their shared past while celebrating the present. The statue's return embodies the hopes of locals who see him not just as an ornament but as a cherished friend and reminder of their collective memories.
