Black Friday deals arrive at Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange
Applications open for children starting school in 2026
Families in North East Lincolnshire with children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 can now apply for a Reception place for September 2026. The admissions window has opened and runs until 15 January 2026.
Details on how to apply have been shared with nurseries and early years providers across the area and are available on the North East Lincolnshire Council website. Most families are expected to apply online through the Parent Portal, where they can access guidance, submit their preferences securely, and receive their offer by email. Paper forms remain available for anyone unable to complete the digital application.
School places will be confirmed on National Primary Offers Day on 16 April 2026 for all on-time applications.
The council’s School Admissions Team continues to support families throughout the process and can be contacted by email or telephone for impartial advice.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilLincolnshire takes a top spot in UK’s best travel destinations
- The New Forest, Hampshire
- Escrick Park Estate, Yorkshire
- Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
- Alford, Lincolnshire
- Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire
- Langham Estate, Essex
- Holme-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
- Ludlow, Shropshire
- Craven, North Yorkshire
- Clophill, Bedfordshire
Lincoln to host festive ice trail across city centre
Lincoln’s annual Ice Adventure will return on 6 and 7 December 2025, offering a free, family-focused trail of 14 hand-carved ice sculptures displayed across the city centre. The event runs from 11am to 5pm each day and forms part of the wider Christmas in Lincoln programme.
Visitors can collect a trail guide from the Lincoln Visitor Information Centre and follow the route to view sculptures inspired by the city’s history, culture and seasonal traditions. Each piece has been created by Icebox, whose artists will also demonstrate live ice-carving at St Paul in the Bail between midday and 3pm on both days.
The weekend will feature a Makers’ Market in Castle Square and Castle Hill car park, offering handmade gifts from independent traders. Food and drink stalls, including a traditional Glühwein stand, will add to the festive atmosphere, alongside performances from local choirs, bands and community groups.
Street entertainers such as Guiding Sparks and Aura Performances will appear throughout the city, introducing winter-themed characters for younger visitors. Families can also submit design ideas at the Post Box Ice Sculpture on High Bridge, with the winning concept to be carved for the 2026 trail. This year’s line-up includes last year’s winning entry: a sculpture based on a child’s drawing of his sister ice skating.
Shops, cafés and restaurants across the city will remain open throughout the weekend, providing opportunities for Christmas shopping and warm-up stops between trail locations.
Image credit: Lincoln City CouncilThe BIG Lincolnshire County Wedding Show returns to dazzle brides and grooms
Guests will have the opportunity to meet top local award winning wedding professionals, discover the latest trends, and gather ideas to make their celebration truly unforgettable, whether they have just started their wedding planning or looking for last minute ideas to ensure their day has the wow factor.
With goody bags for every couple (while stocks last), the event will run from 11.00am – 3.00pm. Entry is free with a pre-booked ticket from www.cupidsweddingshows.com or £4.00 on the day. WinterLight to bring festive magic to Sleaford
Council homes set for major energy upgrades
South Kesteven is rolling out a large-scale upgrade of its council housing, with 273 properties lined up for improvements designed to lower energy use and cut household bills. The £7.8 million programme includes solar panels, air source heat pumps, and new loft and cavity wall insulation for bungalows and traditionally built houses across the district.
Many of the homes currently hold EPC ratings as low as E. The upgrades are expected to raise their rating to a C, improving warmth, comfort, and overall energy performance. Early estimates suggest residents could save up to £1,400 a year on their bills once the work is complete, alongside reduced issues with humidity, condensation, and mould.
An SKDC spokesperson said: “These improvements will bring peace of mind at a time when energy costs have been soaring. This council’s tenants will see a dramatic drop in their household energy bills because of what we’re doing. So many people will benefit. There’s also a positive outcome in terms of the environment – carbon footprints are reduced, and the project supports a greener future for us all in line with government initiatives.”
The project is supported by a £4.2 million grant from the government’s Warm Homes Local Grant scheme. Work began in August and is scheduled to finish in August 2027. Equans Building Ltd is delivering the improvements and has already completed upgrades in 35 properties.
South Kesteven District Council recently held its first resident engagement event in Ancaster, bringing together the council team, Equans, and technical specialists from Vaillant to help residents understand the upcoming changes and what the new systems will offer.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jo Panuwat DFestive market brings early Christmas cheer to Grimsby town centre
Grimsby’s Riverhead Square will host its monthly Farmers’ and Craft Market on Friday 21 November, offering visitors an early taste of the festive season ahead of the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.
The event arrives with just weeks to go until Christmas, giving shoppers the chance to browse handmade gifts, local produce, and seasonal treats.
A mix of food, crafts, and homeware stalls will return for the November market, including pork products, artisan cheeses, and baked goods.
Other traders will offer vegan skincare, wax melts, personalised keepsakes, crystals, illustrations, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
The market operates on the third Friday of each month between 9am and 3pm, weather permitting.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilViral sensation and Britain’s favourite school teacher James B Partridge to bring Primary School Bangers tour to Scunthorpe
Brigg Town FC completes £1.7m redevelopment
Brigg Town FC has completed a £1.7m upgrade of its facilities, marking a significant investment in one of the world’s oldest football clubs. The redevelopment includes a new 3G floodlit pitch, an expanded and modernised changing pavilion, and a full refurbishment of the clubhouse and function room.
The club, founded in 1864 and operating as a community interest company since 2017, positioned the project as part of a wider effort to broaden local access to sport and community services. New initiatives include additional training programmes for young players, expanded opportunities for girls’ football, and plans for disability and walking football teams.
The enhanced clubhouse and free-to-use function room have already seen increased demand from local groups and private events. The club says rising footfall through both sporting and hospitality facilities has improved financial sustainability.
The redevelopment was supported by a £50,000 contribution from North Lincolnshire Council, which helped unlock more than £1m in further funding. Brigg Town FC continues to compete in the Northern Counties East League Division One.


