Sleaford Festival returns with family fun and fundraising

April Lara
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Sleaford Festival returns with family fun and fundraising

Sleaford’s annual community celebration is back this September under a new name.

Formerly known as Sleaford Oktoberfest, the event will now run as Sleaford Festival, continuing to raise money for local charity SHOCK Sleaford.

The two-day festival takes place at Boston Road Recreation Ground on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 September.

Saturday will feature family activities from midday, including a craft tent, circus skills, a bouncy castle and face painting.

Proceeds from the event will support the installation of new defibrillators in the NG34 area and the maintenance of the 82 devices already in place.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mirko Vitali

Broadbent Theatre to present A Brief Encounter with Noël Coward

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Broadbent Theatre to present A Brief Encounter with Noël Coward
Two short plays by Noël Coward, including one which became the classic movie Brief Encounter, can be seen at the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby next month. Still Life and Come Into the Garden, Maud will be staged by Lincoln-based Common Ground Theatre Company, who are returning to Wickenby for the second time this year. In Still Life Alec and Laura meet and fall in love in a railway station tearoom in the 1940s. Their relationship is mirrored by the courtship rituals of two other couples. But Alec and Laura are both happily married – will they follow their hearts or bury their love forever? Come Into the Garden, Maud features an American couple who are staying in a luxury Swiss hotel in the 1970s. Anne-Mary is petulant and domineering, while her husband Verner is quiet and philosophical. Verner is drawn to the widow of an Italian prince, Maud Caragnani, who pays the couple a visit. Will he take a chance on love, or remain stuck in his loveless marriage? A Brief Encounter with Noël Coward can be seen at the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby from Thursday 9th until Saturday 11th October 2025. Performances begin at 7.30pm.

Shoppers to step back in time with 1940s Picnic Day at Marshall’s Yard

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Shoppers to step back in time with 1940s Picnic Day at Marshall’s Yard
Marshall’s Yard is taking visitors on a nostalgic trip back in time on Saturday (13th September), with a 1940s Picnic Day. The event is planned for the fountain area at the centre from 11am – 2pm and will bring some of the sounds and nostalgia of the era to life with a memorable day out for the family. The centre will be transformed with themed bunting and vintage displays, with visitors treated to a performance from the Room 21 Big Band alongside authentic 1940s dancers. Children can enjoy free face painting between 11am and 1pm, while families are encouraged to take part in traditional garden games and enjoy the collection of vintage vehicles on display. Melissa Clement, centre manager at Marshall’s Yard, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the 1940s Picnic Day to Marshall’s Yard. It’s a chance for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy fantastic live entertainment, vintage displays and good old-fashioned fun. “The Yard has such a special atmosphere, and this event is a wonderful way to celebrate the past while making new memories together.”

North Lincolnshire adopts ten-year health and wellbeing plan

April Lara
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North Lincolnshire adopts ten-year health and wellbeing plan

North Lincolnshire has set out a new long-term strategy to improve health outcomes across the region. The Health and Wellbeing Board has formally adopted the Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2035, which aims to reduce inequalities and extend healthy life expectancy.

The plan focuses on two main ambitions: narrowing the gap in healthy life expectancy between different communities by 2030 and adding five years to overall healthy life expectancy by 2035.

Three priority areas form the backbone of the approach: creating healthier environments for families and communities, improving outcomes for women and children, and supporting people to live well in later life.

The strategy is aligned with the Integrated Care Strategy for Humber and North Yorkshire to ensure regional collaboration. It also introduces a new framework for measuring outcomes, combining lived experience with local data to track progress transparently.

Adoption of the plan marks a decade-long commitment to tackling health challenges in North Lincolnshire, with emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and stronger collaboration between local services.

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11

Experience the festive magic: Belton Estate reveals enchanting new Christmas light trail for 2025

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Experience the festive magic: Belton Estate reveals enchanting new Christmas light trail for 2025
It’s never too early to plan the perfect Christmas day out with family and friends! Tickets to Christmas at the National Trust’s beautiful Belton Estate in Lincolnshire are now on sale for its spectacular seasonal illuminated trail. Open to visitors from Friday, November 21, 2025, to Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, the immersive experience includes thousands of twinkling lights, colourful trees and larger-than-life illuminations. Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a fairground, and, of course, magical glimpses of Father Christmas along the way. Among the new installation highlights for 2025 is ‘On the Tide’ by Squidsoup, a water-based floating floral lightwork created from points of light floating in strands, positioned by the natural movement of the water. Other features which visitors can enjoy this year include an immersive area filled with multi-coloured lasers, a fire garden and a festive themed animated story projected onto Belton House’s facade. Guests can look forward to the iconic tunnel of lights, larger-than-life installations, and the ever-popular appearances by Father Christmas. The trail is designed to engage all the senses, with seasonal music accompanying the stunning visual displays. Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a festive spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special. Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice. For full pricing, ticket information and bookings visit: www.christmasatbelton.co.uk Christmas at Belton is brought to visitors by Sony Music Limited in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.

North Lindsey College welcomes playful new residents

April Lara
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North Lindsey College welcomes playful new residents

North Lindsey College has expanded its Animal Management facility with the arrival of two Royal Golden Guernsey goats, Otto and Finnagan.

The pair came from an educational farm in Saffron Walden, where they were hand-reared by children and community visitors. Now settled in Scunthorpe, they have quickly adapted to their new home and joined the college’s existing herd of four goats.

Over the summer, the young goats have been exploring their surroundings, enjoying climbing frames, attention from staff, and plenty of food. Their presence adds to the department’s appeal for students learning about animal care and management.

The goats arrive as the college prepares to open a £40 million main campus building. Due to launch this month, the facility will include modern classrooms, breakout areas, an auditorium, SEND learning spaces, a dining zone, and a coffee shop.

With new facilities and a growing animal family, the college is setting the stage for an engaging start to the academic year.

Image credit: North Lindsey College

Summer Fair at The Grove Care Home raises over £800 for residents’ activities

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Summer Fair at The Grove Care Home raises over £800 for residents’ activities
The Grove Care Home, located near Grimsby, hosted a successful Summer Fair in August, welcoming around 60 visitors from the local community, as well as residents, families, and staff. The afternoon offered a range of activities and attractions, including summer games, friendly conversations, community connections, and light refreshments for all guests to enjoy. A fun raffle and tombola, along with classic games like the chocolate board and ‘Wine or Not’, helped create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. A variety of local stalls supported the event, featuring Catherine Love (homemade textile gifts), Linda Callahan (art and craft supplies), Margaret Lamb (bric-à-brac) Audrey (handmade cards), Karen Wilkinson (crystals), Bertie’s Ice Cream, and John’s Sweet Truck. Together, the day raised a total of £841.10, which will go towards extra special activities for residents. Ros Wells, customer relations manager, said: “It’s always a pleasure to organise these events. Our residents and families value the time spent together, and it’s great to involve the wider community in what we do. The Grove Care Home team extends thanks to all stallholders, volunteers, and visitors who contributed to the day’s success.” For more information about life at The Grove Care Home, please get in touch with customer relations manager Ros Wells at ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com or call 01472 821 127.

Brigg Community Hub to unveil new spaces after refurbishment

April Lara
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Brigg Community Hub to unveil new spaces after refurbishment

Brigg Community Hub is undergoing a series of upgrades aimed at creating more accessible and welcoming facilities for local residents.

The children’s library will be moved to the ground floor, making it easier for families to use. A new adult reading room and study space will also be added on the second floor, providing a quieter environment for learning and research.

To complete the work, the hub will temporarily adjust its services from 15 to 17 September. On 15 and 17 September, access will be limited, with only book enquiries, information, advice, printing, and scanning available through the Market Place entrance. On 16 September, the hub will close fully.

Normal services will resume on 18 September, when visitors will be able to explore the improved facilities.

The investment forms part of North Lincolnshire Council’s wider commitment to maintaining and enhancing library services, ensuring the hub continues to serve as a central community space for Brigg.

Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/WavebreakMediaMicro

Boston to welcome free celebration of the area’s rich heritage

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Boston to welcome free celebration of the area’s rich heritage
As part of the national Heritage Open Day scheme, Boston’s town centre will be transformed on Saturday 13 September from 10am to 3pm as part of a free celebration of the area’s rich heritage. The event will take place across the Market Place, outside The Stump, and Boston Guildhall Museum, offering a mix of street theatre, exhibitions, creative workshops, and immersive experiences for all ages. Inside Boston Guildhall Museum a live portrait experience will use traditional heritage cameras. The Guildhall will become a hub of image-making, celebrating the people of Boston through instant photography, vintage equipment and live film development. Visitors will also have the chance to experience virtual reality through VR headsets, offering a new way to explore Boston’s past and present. The Market Place will be full of activity including stalls alongside a wide range of creative and historical experiences. Visitors can take part in self-led trails that explore etched plaques, blue plaques and historic buildings or join an architecture scavenger hunt and a hands-on “design your own building” workshop. Cultural Quarter partners will be providing deeper insight into Boston’s heritage and architectural landscape. Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Boston Borough Council’s portfolio holder for heritage, culture and tourism, said: “It is so important that we have the chance to understand and celebrate the rich and fascinating history Boston has, and I am delighted that we can bring together the borough’s heritage creativity and community in a way that invites everyone to explore, participate and enjoy together. “Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the borough for the first time, there’s something here to inspire and connect you with Boston’s story, and I hope that lots of people will take the time to join us, support some wonderful work and performers and discover something new about the place we call home.”
  Image shows Boston, credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony

PM shows support to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance as Air Ambulance Week takes off across UK

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PM shows support to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance as Air Ambulance Week takes off across UK
Anyone, anywhere in the UK could be in need of life-saving care at any time. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) will showcase its life-saving work alongside other AAs across the UK during Air Ambulance Week, kicking off on 9 September 2025. And this year, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has expressed his thanks to the Air Ambulance community, including LNAA. In a letter to all Air Ambulances, the PM said: “This Air Ambulance Week, we proudly stand with the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities in celebrating the extraordinary work they do every single day.” He highlighted the importance of the service, describing Air Ambulances as a “lifeline for thousands” and went on to say: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to these charities and to everyone who helps keep these essential services flying, from the crews to the fundraisers and volunteers who make every mission possible. Your commitment saves lives.” So far this year, LNAA has responded to 1,065 missions and had one of the busiest days on record in August when it responded to eight emergencies. In fact, August became the busiest month on record with 157 missions. Of those missions, 44 were RTCs, 52 were medical events such as cardiac arrest, 16 were assaults and 25 were accidents. To find out more about the charity, you can meet the team on 13 September at Lincoln’s Waterside Centre and at Asda in West Bridgford. LNAA’s CEO Karen Jobling said: “As a charity we are completely funded by donations from the communities we serve. We know that some people believe that we are funded by the Government or through the NHS but it is the generosity of individuals, families, business, trusts and many others who fund our missions 365 days of the year. “That’s why AA Week is a great opportunity to showcase our amazing life-saving service that saves lives across Lincs & Notts, all thanks to donations.”
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