Details of the unveiling of the highly anticipated statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II have been released, including road closures set to take place on the day of the event.

The statue of the late queen, HM Queen Elizabeth II, is the first to be commissioned since her death. 

This permanent memorial to Britain's longest reigning monarch was commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, and will be unveiled on what would have been the late Queen's birthday.

It is hoped that the statue, which has been much anticipated but also heavily debated by Oakham locals, will rejuvenate tourism in Oakham and Rutland.

Dr Sarah Furness explained that "the unveiling will be an opportunity for the children and people of Rutland and the wider country to celebrate this tribute to Britain's longest reigning and possibly greatest monarch."

The statue was launched in early 2023, when fundraising began. Image credit: Nub News.

Foundations are currently being put in place ready for the spring-time unveiling event, to be hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

This will take place on 21 April at 2pm in the Oakham Library gardens, behind the library - where Google Maps has already introduced a location tag for the addition to Rutland's county town.

Work is underway in the Oakham Library gardens. Image credit: Nub News.

The family-friendly launch event will welcome food stalls and a mini funfair, which will be located in Oakham Market Place.

As such, Oakham Market Place and a small section of the B641 outside Oakham Library and Rutland Family Hub will be closed on the day of the event.

Oakham Market Place will be shut off from 11am until 5pm, and the B641 from 12pm until 4pm on 21 April.

Oakham Market Place will be closed to make way for the funfair. Image credit: Nub News.

Head to the Oakham Nub News What's On page for other local events taking place across the county this spring.