A new green space has opened in Gainsborough, along the riverside overlooking the River Trent.
The former Baltic Mill site has been turned into a welcoming, accessible space for the community to enjoy, in time for the summer. People can enjoy the grassed area, benches and plants as well as exploring the new pergola which features a map of the town.
Cllr Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This is one of my favourite projects from the Levelling Up Fund. This wonderful transformation of the Baltic Mill site delivers much-needed green space for Gainsborough.
“It’s a place for people to rest, relax and connect with nature—right in the heart of the community. I encourage everyone to come down and enjoy it.”
The area located just off Caskgate in the town was visited by councillors, residents and the developers for an official opening.
Cllr Matthew Boles, chairman of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we invest in our public spaces with a long-term vision. Creating accessible green areas like this not only benefits our health and wellbeing but also brings people together and strengthens our sense of community.”
Andy Jones, director of AWJ Business Services, added: “Not only did this contract successfully deliver the regeneration of a key site in Gainsborough Town Centre, but the works were testimony to how collaborative working can overcome the significant obstacles associated with the transformation of a site that had been derelict for some time.
“It was a pleasure to deal with West Lindsey District Council and the Project Centre, and we look forward to future opportunities to do so again!”
Folk rock legends Lindisfarne play Scunthorpe in June
Geordie folk rock legends Lindisfarne play Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre this June.
The ever-popular band fronted by co-founder Rod Clements are back touring an extensive repertoire of world-renowned songs delivered in the cheerfully engaging way that has trademarked its stage act since formation in Newcastle in 1970.
Lindisfarne’s pioneering sound, combining acoustic instruments like mandolin and fiddle with their electric blues roots, proved the perfect medium for catchy, memorable songs, many written by band co-founder, Alan Hull.
Hits such as “Meet Me On The Corner”, “Lady Eleanor”, “Run For Home” and “Fog On The Tyne” continue to resonate down the years, and in the process slipped into the very fabric of British culture.
The Clements-penned hit “Meet Me On The Corner” paved the way for their classic ‘Fog On The Tyne’ release to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972.
Further acclaimed albums were to follow, buoyed up by powerful live performances. An accessible, unpretentious style bestowed them with an enviable reputation as festival favourites, while the Lindisfarne annual Christmas concerts held in their native Newcastle became the stuff of legend.
Says Rod: “People keep coming back to Lindisfarne live and while that carries on, we carry on. We’re thrilled to be playing Scunthorpe – and we’re hoping everybody will all join in!”
Lindisfarne will be at Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre on 13th June.
A behind the scenes glimpse ahead of Classic Ibiza’s return to Burghley House
As Classic Ibiza’s 10th birthday celebrations at Burghley House on Saturday 26 July draw ever closer, Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra and London Community Gospel Choir, the show’s special guests, gathered in a London music studio last week to perfect this summer’s show.
Bringing together an orchestra that’s worked with many dance music greats, such as Groove Armada and Robert Miles, with a choir that’s recorded with the likes of Madonna and Blur, promises to be a performance not to be missed.
The combination of USO’s powerful instrumentals and LCGC’s soulful vocals, will create a euphoric wall of sound on eight anthemic house tracks, voted for by Classic Ibiza’s audience, in the first half of the show. You can get a tantalising glimpse from the rehearsal of one of those tracks, “You Got the Love,” captured by Pjamz Productions below.
Stephen Hussey, USO’s founder and Classic Ibiza conductor, said: “Getting Urban Soul Orchestra together ahead of the Classic Ibiza summer tour always gets the blood pumping, but this year we’re talking a whole new level. Hearing London Community Gospel Choir perform live with us for the first time literally blew me away. Get ready to throw your hands up in the air, Burghley. We’re gonna be taking you to church!”
In total, USO will perform over 50 house anthems, in two sets packed full of crowd favourites from the concert’s 10-year repertoire. Tracks from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy and Faithless will be given the full orchestral treatment.
Stephen Hussey adds: “Because we’re playing more tracks than ever before, I’ve created a set that concentrates on those killer hooks, beats and of course drops. From beginning to end, you’re gonna be taken on a high-octane rollercoaster ride of the very best in house music. I can’t wait to share what we’ve got in store.”
Elsewhere in the show, LCGC will be joining former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis for a live mash-up of uplifting house. And of course, Classic Ibiza’s DJ Goldierocks will be joining USO on the decks and performing her very own set of deep house classics.
Tickets to Classic Ibiza at Burghley have sold-out. Concertgoers are urged to use the show’s official ticket resale site, Twickets, if they have missed out. The show is proud to be supporting Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Visit classicibiza.co.uk for more information.
Image credit: Pjamz Productions
Norwegian students say goodbye after year in Lincoln
It’s time for a fond farewell as 16 A Level students from Sørumsand in Norway return home.
Personal Tutor and International Academic Co-Ordinator, Corinne Hills, said: “It’s time to say goodbye to our Norwegian A Level learners.
“Since joining us in September, the 16-strong cohort have had to overcome many firsts, including moving away from home, getting to know a new city and culture, and studying for three A Levels in their second/third language.
“The A Level team have taken great pleasure in supporting and watching these young people thrive and become very much part of the whole A Level cohort.
“We wish them all well, on their return to Norway, and the very best for the future!”
The students also recently climbed Lincoln Cathedral as part of their programme here.
The group took the Cathedral’s roof tour, which takes guests up to the east and west rooves of the historic building. Corrine added: “The students really enjoyed the tour and it gave them a real taste of the city’s history as well as some amazing views.
“The students are about to sit their AS Level exams after studying hard, all year, so this was a great break for them.”
The students learned about the history of the iconic building from its fortress-style early years to its short time as the tallest building in the world.
Wish granted with 007-themed day at Tallington Lodge Care Home
Residents at Tallington Lodge Care Home, situated in the village of Tallington, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, enjoyed celebrations for the Oscars, which included a special surprise as part of their popular ‘Make a Wish’ initiative.
The surprise was organised by the home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team, bringing the residents and staff together. To begin the afternoon, they hosted their very own Awards Ceremony, which was followed by a glamorous James Bond Casino-themed after party – specially created for one of their wonderful residents, Judith, whose biggest wish is to meet Daniel Craig.
Of course, he was too busy to make an appearance, so the next best thing was to transform the lounge into a Casino Royale afternoon complete with blackjack tables, Bond music, James Bond posters, and Daniel Craig pop-ups. Judith was also presented with a signed photograph of Daniel Craig to frame and a large poster for her room, so she can remember her special day.
Judith was your typical, bubbly teenager who loved music and television. She would immerse herself in her favourite shows and had a vast knowledge of all her favourite musicians and actors. Growing up, she adored covering her walls with posters of stars like Liam Neeson, Donny Osmond, Doctor Who and the cast of Dad’s Army. Her mum even made her a pillow with Donny Osmond on it!
Judith says it’s more about the characters than the celebrities themselves – a fascination that deepened later in life when she would binge-watch movies with a friend. As her mobility declined, television became a comforting constant. It was during a broadcast of Casino Royale that her love for Daniel Craig – and James Bond – truly blossomed. She began collecting memorabilia and DVDs, and it’s rare that a day goes by without her mentioning Daniel Craig with a smile.
It was her love for 007 that inspired the Wellbeing Team to ask her: If you could have any wish come true, what would it be? Her answer was immediate – to meet Daniel Craig.
“As part of our ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, no wish is too big or too small,” said Home Manager Natalie White. “We want every resident to feel valued and heard, and when we heard how much Judith loved Bond films and Daniel Craig, we just had to do something special. Seeing the joy on her face reminded us all why we do what we do. These moments really are priceless.”
At Country Court, the team always go the extra mile to make memories that matter – and this Bond-themed celebration was certainly a mission accomplished.
For more information about Tallington Lodge Care Home, please contact Natalie White, Home Manager, on 01780 740 314 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
Creative sector brings £5.35m boost to North East Lincolnshire
Creative and heritage industries in North East Lincolnshire have grown significantly over the past year, generating over £5.3 million in external investment and delivering hundreds of employment opportunities through the Create North East Lincolnshire (Create NEL) initiative.
Launched in September 2023 with support from Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, North East Lincolnshire Council, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Create NEL supported the region’s creative economy through targeted investment, cross-sector collaboration, and talent development.
In 2024/25, 45 funded projects attracted £5.35 million in heritage and cultural investment into the area. Over 3,700 hours of paid work for local creatives were recorded, and 451 volunteers were engaged in community projects. The programme distributed more than £136,000 in direct grants to 23 practitioners and 23 larger-scale and small-scale projects, with 54% of funds going to first-time recipients.
The initiative supported a broad range of activities, from public art and performance to music and visual arts, with over 61% of the funded work falling under these categories. Major events such as Edible Grimsby, Our Future Starts Here, and the Festival of the Sea collectively attracted over 11,000 attendees. Meanwhile, Paint the Town Proud completed its 14th mural and extended its community outreach through merchandise and workshops.
In addition to project funding, the programme ran 347 workshops and mentoring sessions, 115 public engagement events, and a creative careers conference to strengthen the local talent pipeline and support long-term sector sustainability.
With continuing public investment and growing participation across disciplines, Create NEL is positioning North East Lincolnshire as an emerging hub for creative sector development with economic and social impact for the wider region.
Image source: North East Lincolnshire CouncilInclusive upgrades at Lincolnshire sports facility near completion
Grantham Squash & Fitness is finalising significant accessibility improvements following a £35,000 investment from South Kesteven District Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The funding supported the installation of a lift at the Harlaxton Road facility, addressing previous accessibility issues that limited participation from individuals with mobility challenges. The upgrade is part of the club’s broader effort to increase usage across a wider demographic and expand its function as a multi-purpose community hub.
This latest phase complements earlier works last summer, which included electric entrance doors and improved internal access to core amenities such as the gym, squash courts, sauna, and toilets.
Once the lift is operational, the venue’s upper-level function rooms and squash court viewing areas will become more accessible, making it easier for the club to host a broader range of events and increase community engagement. The lift installation is expected to be completed this week.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81Make a splash at the 2025 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race!
Get ready for one of Lincoln’s most exhilarating annual events – the 2025 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race is back and bigger than ever! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 12th July, as the Brayford Waterfront transforms into a vibrant hub of competition, community, and celebration.
Teams from across the region will battle it out in a day packed with thrilling races, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lincoln’s waterfront. Whether you’re in the boat or cheering from the sidelines, it’s guaranteed to be a day full of high energy and heart-pounding excitement.
More Than Just Racing – A Full Day of Family Fun
The Dragon Boat Race isn’t just for competitors – it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family! Enjoy:
🎶 Live performances from the Lincoln Rock Choir
🎨 Free face painting by Lollipops Facepainting
🎪 Circus skills workshops and interactive dragon displays
🐉 Plus loads more entertainment and activities for all ages
Join the Fun – Everyone’s Invited!
Not racing? No problem! Bring your friends and family, cheer on the teams, explore the festivities, and enjoy an unforgettable summer day by the water.
📍 Date: Saturday, 12th July
📍 Location: Brayford Waterfront, Lincoln
📍 Time: Races begin at 11 AM
To find out more click here.
Fun-filled family days out come to Burghley for May Half Term
With May Half Term and another Bank Holiday on the horizon, Burghley is offering fun-filled family days out, where the gardens are blooming, history is coming to life, and the next adventure awaits.
Hide & Secrets
Open daily (10am-5pm), big thrills await at the Hidden Towers, where imaginations run wild! Zoom down giant slides, brave the rope bridge over the craggy gorge, and climb to the treetop lookout.
Cecil the Mole’s Spy Missions
Scurry through tunnels, crack secret codes, and follow sneaky trails, to find Cecil’s friends through the Hide & Secrets woodland, to earn ultimate spy status with Cecil’s free Spymaster Guide.
Craft Workshops
From 27-30 May (12pm-4pm), cut, stick and create! Kids of all ages can get hands-on in colourful, creative craft sessions.
Beastly Boring Tours
From 27-29 May and on 31 May (9.30am-10.30am), take a family tour like no other! Explore the State Rooms of the House with costumed guides as they share engaging and fun stories of Burghley’s past. Each child receives a free Beastly Boring Guidebook.
Joe’s Top Picks
With early summer colours making their way into every corner of the Garden, Head Gardener, Joe has chosen his top three must-see garden highlights to look out for as a family. See the vibrant violet-blue and purple petals of the Siberian iris, in the Valley Garden, the vivid orange and yellow blooms of Bulley’s primrose, in its shady spot by the stream, and the fragrant, lavender-blue Catmint in the Cut Flower Garden.
View the Gardens Map here.
Also in the Gardens, don’t miss a spectacular outdoor art installation.
Botanic Tapestry by Graphic Rewilding
This bold exhibition features striking botanical prints brought to life through a parade of large-scale flags lining the lake’s edge and colourful textile tree wraps woven throughout the Burghley Gardens.
As Half Term arrives and summer peeks around the corner, it’s the perfect time to unlock a whole season of fun and adventure with a Burghley Annual Pass.
Dog exercise area to support biodiversity in Lincolnshire park
A new dog exercise area is opening in Wyndham Park, Grantham. It is being designed to serve a dual purpose: as a dog paddock and a wildflower meadow to support pollinators and boost local biodiversity.
The site, which spans 4,000 square metres, is part of South Kesteven District Council’s initiative to enhance green spaces through nature-friendly land management. The project’s funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
In addition to its recreational use, the area has been planted with native wildflowers and trees to provide a habitat for bees and other pollinating species. The move aligns with broader environmental goals, including carbon reduction and improved ecosystem health.
A local consultation found strong community support, with 71% of respondents backing the plan. The council expects the multifunctional site to contribute positively to public wellbeing and environmental outcomes.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Vasyl