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Live at Lincoln Castle hailed a huge success
Organisers of Lincoln’s biggest music series are heralding the event a huge success after 10 headline concerts.
Over the past two weeks 10 global music icons have presented huge shows as part of TK Maxx presents Live at Lincoln Castle and as the sun set on the final show the team behind the series said they can’t wait to announce plans for 2026.
Live at Lincoln Castle kicked off on Friday June 13 with a headline show from English rock band The Stranglers and support from fellow punk pioneers Buzzcocks. Over the course of nine more nights, the city’s historic venue welcomed indie heroes James, pop favourite Olly Murs, synth-pop legends The Human League, award-winning singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man, pop sensation Sugababes, Scottish rock legends Texas and Simple Minds and British reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.
Almost 30 artists performed during the series which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership between Lincolnshire County Council and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring world class artists to perform in this historic location.
Cuffe and Taylor promoter Mark Harrison said: “Wow, this year has just been incredible. We increased our shows to 10 for 2025 and I am delighted to report that we have had 10 hugely successful nights.
“The weather has been incredibly kind to us and the comments from people attending have been even kinder. We have been truly blown away at the compliments we have received from both customers and artists. Everyone has had an amazing experience and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”
Kim Vickers, Lincoln Castle general manager, added: “This year’s concert series has been extraordinary – the atmosphere, the feedback, and the sheer scale of it all. Hosting 10 headline shows in such a historic setting is no easy task, but thanks to a brilliant partnership with Cuffe and Taylor and the dedication of everyone involved, we’ve delivered something really special.
“We’ve had visitors from all over the world, fantastic praise for accessibility, and local businesses thriving with the buzz across the city. It’s a reminder of how powerful live music can be — not just for entertainment, but for place, people, and pride in Lincoln. We’re already excited about what next year will bring.”
Lincolnshire residents invited to make a difference this Plastic Free July
Residents across Lincolnshire are being encouraged to ditch single-use plastic this summer, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership’s support for the global Plastic Free July campaign.
Plastic Free July, led by the Plastic Free Foundation, is a global movement helping millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution — working toward a cleaner, healthier planet.
Plastic pollution is a serious issue that affects our environment, health, and contributes to carbon emissions. In the UK, only around 25% of plastic packaging is recycled, even though households throw away an estimated 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging each year — an average of 66 items per household per week.
Around 61% of plastic bottles are collected for recycling, and 75% of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drink bottles are reprocessed.
Given the scale of the problem, Lincolnshire County Council, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, is supporting this campaign by sharing practical tips to help residents reduce plastic use throughout July.
Here are five simple tips to get involved:
- Tip 1: Take a reusable water bottle out with you and use the Refill app to find places to top up.
- Tip 2: Remember to take a reusable coffee cup when out and about.
- Tip 3: Carry a reusable straw — try metal, bamboo, silicone, or paper instead of single-use plastic.
- Tip 4: Take a bag for life with you to avoid using single-use plastic carriers.
- Tip 5: Take a reusable cutlery set — bamboo or stainless-steel beats plastic when eating on the go.
New playground comes to Immingham
Residents in Immingham joined in with the celebrations as Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) officially opened a new playground for families in the area.
The playground is designed for children of all ages and features a range of purpose-built play equipment, including slides, swings, roundabouts, and a basketball court.
Funded by LHP’s partner E.ON, the investment in the play area is part of a joint project which has upgraded the energy efficiency of over 600 homes in Immingham and Grimsby, while contributing to local neighbourhoods with community initiatives.
To celebrate the opening earlier this month (June 11), residents enjoyed free ice cream courtesy of E.ON, who funded an ice cream truck that served families after the school run.
The event also gave residents the opportunity to meet LHP and E.ON colleagues and take home some free goodies.
Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero were in attendance, as part of a planned visit to observe LHP’s energy efficiency work which is being part financed by the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 2.1.
Immingham Town Council also played a key role in supporting the project, with the council agreeing to maintain the site moving forward.
Vijay Tank, chief commercial officer of energy infrastructure solutions at E.ON UK, said: “We’re committed to delivering real social impact as part of our work improving the energy efficiency of homes, businesses, cities and entire communities across the UK.
“Partnering with Lincolnshire Housing Partnership on this playground has allowed us to give something meaningful back to Immingham, beyond the energy improvements we’re delivering for local residents.
“We look forward to our continued partnership with LHP, transforming homes and building stronger community ties across Lincolnshire for a greener and more connected future.”
Charlotte Johnson, executive director of property at LHP, said: “While our Wave 2.1 project focuses on making homes warmer and more energy-efficient, it’s just as important that we invest in our neighbourhoods. Seeing the local community come together to celebrate the opening was incredibly rewarding, and it’s fantastic to see so many families already enjoying the new space.
“We’d like to thank E.ON, Immingham Town Council, and our colleagues who worked hard behind-the-scenes to bring the project to life. It’s projects like these which remind us what can be achieved when we come together to support our communities.”
Leak forces closure of newly renovated paddling pool
The Maple Leaf paddling pool in Sutton on Sea has closed just weeks after reopening, following a £524,000 renovation completed in May.
East Lindsey District Council found the pool was losing water due to problems with its circulation and drainage systems.
Investigations are under way to resolve the issue, with no reopening date confirmed. The council said repairs will not add extra costs for taxpayers.
The pool’s refurbishment began in 2023 as part of the £7.5 million Seaview Colonnade project and ran £124,000 over budget, mainly due to the installation of a new underground filtration system and rising material and labour costs. A further refill test is expected in the coming days to assess whether the site can reopen for summer visitors.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/KalpanaLincoln warm spaces project helps locals save £100k on energy
A community project in Lincoln is helping residents reduce their energy costs and manage household expenses, saving them over £100,000 to date.
The scheme, launched last September, is run by Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey in partnership with Cadent Gas and supported by the City of Lincoln Council. It offers practical support for people struggling with rising bills, from tailored energy advice to free carbon monoxide alarms.
More than 1,000 locals have already benefited. Around 575 residents received guidance on saving energy and managing their bills, while 130 people facing more complex energy issues received extra help. Over 100 households with young children, older residents, or medical needs joined the Priority Services Register for added support.
The project also tackles wider household challenges. Citizens Advice has helped over 100 people maximise their income through welfare benefits, supported nearly 100 with debt, and assisted 33 residents with housing issues.
As part of its practical approach, the programme distributed slow cookers and provided training to 60 residents to help them prepare affordable meals and reduce energy consumption. Set to run until March 2026, there are hopes to extend it so even more people can build long-term financial stability.
Image credit: Lincoln. GOV. UKWordFest to bring books to life in the Wolds
A world of stories, song, and literary celebration will come to the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds this July with Wolds WordFest, a 10-day festival. From children’s adventures to talks and live performances, Wolds WordFest 2025 has something for everyone.
Families will enjoy WordFest Wizzine – where young imaginations can bloom in the Story Garden with Mr Inkwell, or embark on an ice-cream ice-spy trail in search of Gruffalo clues. Don’t miss the charming tales of woodland creatures Hari, Kettle and Ralf, shared by Woody Birch Bark.
For history enthusiasts, Wolds WordFest shines a light on the hidden stories of Lincolnshire women – from powerful medieval figures to the pioneering 19th-century women of the North Lincolnshire Wolds who shaped the region by managing land and estates.
Literature lovers will discover the poignant work of Bernard Gilbert, Lincolnshire’s “forgotten” poet and writer, alongside a celebration of writers and poets inspired by the Lincolnshire landscape and its people.
Music meets storytelling as Loretta, doyenne of Lincolnshire Dialect, brings her “Linkisheere chitter n’ jabber” to life with folk duo Nige and Teri. And The Bookshop Band will perform at Caistor Town Hall – a gig endorsed by none other than Pete Townshend himself.
For some calm, retreat into one of Wolds WordFest’s bookshop cafés. Share your favourite reads, join a silent reading session, or relax with a good book in good company.
Most Wolds WordFest events are free, but some require advance booking to manage numbers.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarz
Motorbikes, meals, and muddy mayhem roll into Grimsthorpe Castle this July
Lincolnshire’s Grimsthorpe Castle will again host the Malle Mile festival from 18 to 20 July, blending fast bikes, wild races, and lifestyle flair in one eclectic summer weekender.
Now in its 11th year, the event brings back crowd favourites like the original 1/8-mile Sprint, the uphill battle of the Hill Climb, and the Malle500 – a one-mile off-road race with a Le Mans-style running start. The action doesn’t stop there: the festival also features quirky contests like Motopolo, the Malle-Go-Round, and the Scramble, along with trials, knockouts, and vintage displays.
For those looking to ride, race, or roam, there are off-road zones for kids and adults, including the Open Scramble, a 10km free-ride loop, and expert-led training sessions with Desert Rose Racing. Four-wheel fans can tackle the 15km 4×4 Safari Scramble.
The festival isn’t just about fuel and dirt, there’s an onsite cinema, yoga, wild swimming, test rides, workshops, and an expanded food and music lineup. A new Thursday pre-party promises early camping, cocktails, and courtyard DJ sets. For a slower pace, ticket-holders can book The Mile Feast, a shared three-course dining experience with wine pairings under the stars.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jeff B/peopleimages.comSmart bus displays start popping up across North Lincolnshire
Bus stops in North Lincolnshire are getting a tech upgrade, with new digital displays being installed to make catching the bus a little easier. These screens display live arrival times, full timetables, and alerts for service changes, reducing guesswork for passengers.
The first 49 displays are rolling out across towns and villages, including Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, Epworth, Broughton, Barrow-upon-Humber, and Haxey. Each unit is battery-powered, using low-energy e-paper technology, and features both 13- and 23-inch screen sizes. They’re also equipped with text-to-speech functionality, making the information accessible for visually impaired passengers.
The project is funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and is part of a broader initiative to enhance public transportation infrastructure across the region. More displays are expected in the coming months as part of the first phase.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilCelebrating success: Lincoln College Group’s summer awards bloom
The Lincoln College Group returned once again to The Drill for its annual Further Education Awards Ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 25 students across its three campuses – Lincoln College, Newark College, and the Air & Space Institute (ASI).
Students, their guests, staff, and sponsors were welcomed into a vibrant, floral-themed venue, where a summer high tea set the tone for the evening. The event opened with a dazzling performance of Tea for Two by Level 3 Dance students, choreographed by one of the evening’s award winners, Demi Xystouri, who proudly watched from the audience.
Mark Locking, principal and CEO of Lincoln College Group, said: “Year after year, we welcome incredible students through our doors.
“Tonight, we celebrate just a handful of our extraordinary learners, many of whom have overcome barriers that even adults would struggle with – all while juggling their studies and building their future careers.
“They are a credit to us all. We can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve beyond their time with us. Congratulations to all our student and apprentice winners.”
One of the evening’s most inspirational moments came with the recognition of Kymani Campbell, winner of both the Engineering & Technology Award and the Extraordinary Student of the Year Award (16–18). Kymani was honoured for his perseverance and positivity during a time of profound personal upheaval.
After tragically losing his mother and his leg in a devastating accident, Kymani made the courageous move from the Caribbean to Lincoln in August 2024, leaving behind friends and family to start a new chapter. Joining Lincoln College that September, he enrolled on the Level 2 Computer Studies course, embracing both academic and personal challenges with extraordinary determination.
Balancing studies, accessibility struggles, and life in a new country, Kymani has shown an unshakeable commitment to his goals. Now walking with a prosthetic leg and nearing the end of his first year, he has his sights set on a computing apprenticeship.
Kymani Campbell, Level 2 Computing Student, said: “I feel great about achieving this award. I came to Lincoln College having a few troubles, but I have overstepped these troubles and worries. The obstacles I had to go through was the passing of my mum and the accident losing my leg, so that’s been a bit much for me and a lot I had to go through.
“I was resilient and fearless – I came in and did what I had to do and now I have achieved an award for doing all of that. It hasn’t affected my education; it’s just put me on a higher level to push myself harder than I used to before.”
The evening also featured outstanding vocal performances by Level 3 and 4 Performing Arts students, including renditions of Don’t Rain on My Parade, Funny Girl, All That Matters, and Maybe This Time, whilst Catering & Hospitality students contributed to the evening celebrations delivering a delicious three course meal.
Guests were also inspired by a keynote speech from a former Lincoln College student, now vice president of gas services UK & Ireland at Siemens, who shared his journey from college to corporate leadership.
Full list of winners
- A Level Student Award sponsored by the University of Lincoln: Martyna Wierzbicka
- College of Art & Design Award sponsored by SOOPA DOOPA: Ellie Kennedy
- Performance Arts Award sponsored by The Drill: Demi Xystouri
- Business & Education Student Award sponsored by Nova Talent: Ewa Darmoroz
- Policing & Protective Services Award sponsored by The Order of the St. John Care Trust: Zoe Maxwell
- Construction Award sponsored by GRS Electrical Services: Tabitha Morris
- Engineering & Technology Award sponsored by Siemens Energy: Kymani Campbell
- Hair & Beauty Award sponsored by Red Hair: Grace Rhodes
- Maths & English Award sponsored by Viridis: Luke Holland
- Sport & Animal Care Award sponsored by the JHT Group: Ignas Bukovskis
- Apprentice Academic Achievement Award sponsored by Newark & Sherwood District Council: Breanna Newberry
- Apprentice Best Employee Award sponsored by HubGem: Hollie Belshaw from DC Baxter
- Service Sector Award sponsored by Doddington Hall & Gardens: Noah Quint
- Apprentice Outstanding Skills Award sponsored by Core Architects: Charlie Sullivan
- College Community Spirit Award sponsored by Rockbox Advertising: Sam Hunt
- Air & Space Institute Award sponsored by DEA Aviation Ltd: Malakai Atakora
- Care Services Award sponsored by Lincolnshire Care Association (Linca): Noah Forbes Turner
- Community & International Students Award sponsored by Biffa: Manuel Hanif Dias
- Philip Dawson Supported Education Award Supported by Castle Education: Robert Kunkiel
- T Level Award sponsored by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce: Jack Bevan
- Apprentice Rising Star Award sponsored by the Royal Air Force: Finley Cox
- Best Progression Award sponsored by Currys: Imogen Parlett
- Richard Arbon Award for Overcoming Adversity sponsored by Creed: Mia Grant
- Kev Gibbon Most Improved Student of the Year Award sponsored by Oakmoor: Freeman Edwards
- Extraordinary Student of the Year Award Exceptional Achievement 16-18 sponsored by Quiet Tiger Aviation: Kymani Campbell
- Extraordinary Student of the Year Award Exceptional Achievement 19+ sponsored by Game Saints: Manuel Hanif Dias
- Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Destec Engineering Ltd: Tabitha Morris
Improved diagnosis for prostate cancer patients thanks to charity fundraiser
Patients with suspected prostate cancer can now access treatments closer to home, thanks to a generous charitable donation.
A newly opened Urology Diagnostic Room at Grantham and District Hospital is providing faster and more convenient access to prostate cancer treatments for many residents in the south of Lincolnshire. This vital improvement has been made possible by the generosity of former mayor of Lincoln, Rosanne Kirk.
When Rosanne’s father died of prostate cancer aged 78, she vowed to help improve earlier detection of the disease so patients could access treatments quicker, helping to improve their chance of survival.
Rosanne said: “It was a difficult time for my father and all the family. He was a very private person and found it hard to talk about his illness. By the time clinicians confirmed he had prostate cancer, it was too late for him to respond to treatments.
“He lost a lot of weight and became a shell of himself before he died in 2021. It was horrible to see how fast he deteriorated, and I kept thinking, had the cancer been detected earlier, he may still be here today.”
When Rosanne became mayor of Lincoln in 2022, she decided to fundraise for United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals Trust’s urology units and over the year she raised an impressive £5,000 which she gifted to United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity for the purchase of a biopsy trolley for Grantham’s new Urology Suite.
Since opening in January 2024, the unit has treated over 700 patients. Sara Anscombe, general manager for the hospital’s Urology Department said: “One in eight men will have prostate cancer during their life, but the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.
“Rosanne has made a massive difference – giving the funds for the biopsy trolley spurred us to create the Urology Diagnostic facility at the hospital. Now patients living in and around Grantham can come here for a biopsy instead of travelling to Lincoln or Boston. They can be seen quicker, which enables us to detect the cancer quicker.”
Patients are referred to the clinic when anomalies have been detected in their prostate following an MRI scan. The biopsy takes a tiny piece of the identified cells for analysis.
Sue Willson is one of two advanced clinical practitioners working at the unit. She said: “A biopsy takes about 20 minutes to complete. It is paramount in detecting cancer in male patients.
“Biopsy results are discussed in our Multi-disciplinary Team meeting to identify the best treatment options which are then discussed with the patient. This can include removal of the prostate gland by robotic assisted surgery at Lincoln County Hospital.”
Rosanne was overwhelmed to realise the extent to what her fundraising efforts have achieved. She said: “It is very emotional to find out that because of my contribution, a whole clinic has been set up, it is a bit overwhelming. I know my dad would be proud of what has been achieved, and his legacy will be to help other men.”
Charity manager, Ben Petts said: “United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity funds those additional items and services that the NHS simply cannot provide. We were honoured to work with Rosanne to fund this new piece of equipment that has helped to improve the lives of so many prostate cancer sufferers.”
For more information on the work of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity visit: ulhcharity.org.uk
Rosanne continues to work to raise awareness of prostate cancer and recently attended the Houses of Parliament with members of Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of its deadly effects.
