The twinning link between Nottingham and Ghent was formally established in 1985. It has developed primarily through community led initiatives, supported by the City Council, and has included exchanges between churches, sports teams, schools, businesses, arts and culture.

Ghent is a historical port of significance in the Flanders area of Belgium. It has many places of interest including castles, museums, abbeys, churches and historical buildings. Rich in culture, both classic and modern, Ghent is a picturesque city of canals, open squares, shops, restaurants and monuments.

Its name is of Celtic origin meaning 'estuary'. Lying at the meeting place of the rivers Lys and Scheldt, its economic and strategic importance through the centuries has been considerable; particularly as capital of Flanders.

Although a major industrial complex served by one of Europe's largest inland ports, Ghent is also a leading tourist town, notable for its historical background, museums, medieval quarter, massive castle and splendid cathedral.

The textile industry dominated Ghent's economic history, from cloth in the Middle Ages, through linen in the 17th century to cotton in the 18th century. The heavy reliance on the lace industry for its economic development made Ghent an obvious choice to twin with Nottingham, whose history is strongly linked with lace.

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