Rising star composer and pianist Chris Miggells, from Boughton, teamed up with the new team at Sherwood Observatory in April to showcase two our local area’s success stories.
In a historic moment for the Observatory, Chris performed three consecutive sold-out concerts in this world class facility, which combined original piano compositions with incredible projections of the known universe – uniting culture and the arts with the sciences in truly special moments.
The concert and venue have generated a tremendous buzz and tell the story of how humble beginnings can lead to national acclaim.
Chris Miggells
Chris has played in some of the country’s top concert venues but has never overlooked his local roots – bring new audiences to his concert venues which have also included Clipstone Headstocks, the National Holocaust Museum and Mansfield Palace Theatre.
His debut album, ‘Synesthese’, was released in 2023 and it is part of a collection of 10 evocative piano compositions. Synesthese is taken from the term synesthesia, a neurological condition for experiencing one of your senses through another, such as seeing colours when hearing music. ‘Stone Giant’ was one of the singles from the album.
Proud of his local story and childhood heavily influenced by the area’s mining history, Chris still works from his studio based locally.
“I grew up through the echoes of Mansfield’s coal-mining past and as the grandson of a miner, inherited a legacy of resilience and hard work,” he said.
“In a town grappling economic hardships and social challenges, I found my sanctuary in music – I became determined to nurture my talent and turn the keys of an old piano into a gateway of hope and creativity, transforming adversity into inspiration.”
Regular updates on concerts and releases are available via: www.chrismiggells.com.
Sherwood Observatory
Sherwood Observatory’s new Planetarium and Science Centre opened to the public in November and was officially opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, and Professor Chris Lintott FRAS on 23rd January 2025.
The new centre houses a 59-seater public Planetarium built upon a converted Victorian reservoir, which now houses the venue’s exhibition space, to complement the original 60cm diameter Newtonian telescope and Radio Astronomy Centre. Visitors can book to see a range of immersive full-dome presentations that introduce viewers to the Solar System and the galaxies beyond. Monthly open evenings include the chance to view the night sky through a range of telescopes. From April through to September they run the events in the daytime, offering their other telescopes which are specially adapted for viewing the Sun.
Owned and operated by the Sherwood Observatory charity (1187777), the centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield is run primarily by volunteers, embracing education and advancement opportunities by partnering with ATTFE (Academy Transformation Trust Further Education) to provide work experience in the onsite cafe.
Find out more at www.sherwood-observatory.org.uk.