People can now listen to the "sounds of Nelson" with recordings from the town added to an online open database. 

'Nelson Overheard', is a project led by two artists, who are working with local people to record the everyday sounds in the places where they live, work and play.

The sounds are being archived in an online sound map for the town, as well as being included in the global sound database Freesound. 

Anyone can submit a recording, which can be taken on a mobile phone. The vision is to create a permanent archive of sounds from Nelson, 'capturing the essence of the town'. 

The project was created by artists Rob St John and Tommy Perman. 

Tommy said: "These days everyone is very used to taking photos and videos with their phones and our visual culture is now extremely well documented. But collecting sounds isn’t nearly as common. 

"It’s lovely to be involved in a project which encourages people to gather noises that are unique to Nelson and then make them available as a sound map for anyone to explore.”

The sound map is part of ongoing workshops and conversations with local people, uncovering their views on their place and homes. 

Rob said: "It is great to be working back in East Lancs after many years away.

"Nelson Overheard aims to celebrate the diversity of daily life in Nelson, particularly in places that are otherwise overlooked or hidden. 

"Sound can tell us a lot about what a place is like, and Nelson occupies a unique space between the town and the hills, where birdsong and the river blur with the voices and songs of different communities. 

"We have created an online sound map where people can submit their own sound recordings of Nelson, which are mapped and shared with people around the world.

"We're working with local groups in the town in workshops to learn more about sound recording and the value of listening."

Nelson Overheard is Part of This is Nelson, the arts and culture strand of the Nelson Town Deal. 

The Nelson sound map is available to explore here: https://www.in-situ.org.uk/nelsonoverheard.

Sound files can be sent to soundsnelson@gmail.com or via whatsapped 07508 902 008.