RiverLight Festival 2023: Sleaford’s celebration of culture and heritage
The highly anticipated RiverLight Festival is set to return for its 2023 edition, following the resounding success of the inaugural event in March 2022.
As we embark on the second chapter of this celebration of Sleaford’s rich culture and heritage, we are thrilled to announce that the festival will once again bring the town alive with a vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
RiverLight Festival is not just an event; it’s a tribute to Sleaford – its people, its history, stories, and unique spaces, with the river at its heart. Central to the festival’s essence is the River Slea, a source of inspiration and life. Visitors will have the opportunity to follow a creative trail that winds through the town, guiding them to four distinct zones where the synergy of artists, businesses, schools, and community groups has given rise to captivating projects and artworks, inviting everyone to partake in the festival either as an active participant or even just taking the whole experience in as an audience member.
This year’s festival promises an array of artistic expressions, performances, street theatre, live music, inspiring dances, charming puppet shows, food stalls, light projections and mesmerising sculptures as well as an entire Eco Village with mindful activities, stalls and a pedalled powered cinema focusing on sustainable living. These are just a few of the highlights that await attendees.
Behind the scenes, a small, dedicated team is meticulously organising the event to ensure that every detail is covered. As the final festival programme takes shape, we encourage everyone to stay connected and updated by following RiverLight on social media @riverlightfestival and keeping a watchful eye on hub-sleaford.org.uk/riverlight.
But that’s not all; the festivities extend beyond the main event date. Leading up to the festival, and especially from Saturday, 14 October to Friday, 20 October, attendees can enjoy a range of incredible fringe events, engaging workshops, vibrant community activities, art installations, school activities, and more.
RiverLight Festival 2023 is poised to be a resplendent testament to Sleaford’s creativity, spirit, and unity. Join us in making this celebration a memorable experience for all.
“RiverLight 2023 will show off the immense talents and beautiful spaces that Sleaford has to offer by a synergy of community and professional acts as well as artist commissions. We are so excited to bring you another co-produced festival with a new and fantastic programme of joyful experiences across Sleaford, there is something for everyone,” said Marion Sander, Hub & RiverLight Programme Manager.
RiverLight Festival 2023 is made possible thanks to the generous support of North Kesteven District Council and the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It aligns with the Communities & Place investment priority, strengthening social fabric, fostering local pride, and enhancing physical, cultural, and social ties within our community.
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, which is administering the funding for RiverLight from the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, said: “Building on the success of the inaugural RiverLight Festival in spring 2022, we are really pleased to be able to revisit and revive it, this time in the autumn season which brings fresh opportunity to celebrate and champion cultural and creative richness through community collaboration.
“Making good use of this further Government regeneration grant for Sleaford, I am again anticipating another wonderful day of wide ranging interest right through the town, centred on the Hub but also creating a trail of interactivity and intrigue along the river, in the Market Place and linking various locations.
“Once more it should be a really eventful day and night, bringing the town to life and providing a fresh perspective on the many positive aspects of Sleaford.”
For the most up-to-date information and exciting announcements, follow on Facebook and Instagram @riverlightfestival.
Save the date and be part of the vibrant celebration of Sleaford’s culture and heritage at RiverLight Festival 2023 on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Let’s come together to make this year’s festival a memorable and inspiring experience for all!
Image credit: Lidia Crisafulli
San Pietro raises £5k at Lady Garden event to support cancer research
San Pietro is donating £5,000 to support cancer research and awareness following the success of its first, fully-booked Lady Garden event.
An incredible way to kick-start Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, Michelle Catalano and the San Pietro team hosted this event following Michelle’s mum’s recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer. “I felt it was time to be #silentnomore,” said Michelle, and so The Lady Garden event was born.
With a bespoke menu created by Pietro himself, an English country garden theme and some top prizes to be won at both a raffle and auction, 73 of the region’s most influential women gathered at San Pietro, to raise funds for women everywhere – daughters, mothers, sisters, aunties, and friends.
“We were overwhelmed by the support shown by those in our local community for this event. We’ve hosted hundreds of events over our 20 years but this was without doubt the most special and personal event we’ve organised,” added Michelle.
“The atmosphere was amazing. To have so many influential women in one room was phenomenal – I’m so flattered that they took the time out of their busy schedules to attend. It was an honour to host so many and to share the event with my mum and my daughter.
“I was a little nervous about how people would react to the whole ‘Lady Garden’ theme, but everyone really embraced it and got behind the message which was all I hoped for.
“A big thank you to all the guests that attended, and many who made their own private donations too. And a special thank you to all the businesses and individuals that donated to the raffle including Queen Bee Beauty Salon, Fairshare Group, P66, The Design Den, Pepperell’s Solicitors, Wilton Productions, Balloons Galore, Teemans Ltd and G K & N Services, the latter two each donating £500 each to the pot.”
All profits from the event contributed to the £5,000 total, alongside individual donations, raffle ticket purchases and the £850 raised by a very special prize auction.
Won by Nichola Threadgold, Company Director of Jason Threadgold Funeral Director, the auction prize will see Nichola enjoy a private dining experience in the Grade II Listed windmill ‘The Mill Room’. Nichola and her guests will enjoy a bespoke menu created by herself and Chef Director Pietro, Prosecco and canapes on arrival, complete with silk floral room dressing and crystal glassware.
“To be able to split £5,000 between the Lady Garden Foundation and Cancer Research UK means so much to us,” concluded Michelle. “The work they’re doing is crucial and something Mum and I feel so passionately about, to be able to put this event on and actively support their work means the world. We can’t wait for the next of what will be an annual event here at San Pietro.”
Boston Borough Council prosecute fish and chip shop owner
The former owner of a Boston fish and chip shop has been banned from operating a food business and received a four figure fine after pleading guilty at Boston Magistrates’ Court to various food hygiene offences.
Yasin Nabi, who ran the Pisces chippy on Fenside Road until March this year, admitted that he had not met basic standards of cleanliness and hygiene over the course of several months in 2022.
Problems found by Environmental Health Officers from Boston Borough Council included dirty walls, floors, ceilings, work surfaces and equipment, mouldy food, chicken and kebab meat being stored at unsafe temperatures, fridges not working and flies on food and food preparation surfaces.
The court heard the same conditions were found on three separate occasions between July and October 2022.
Magistrates imposed fines and costs totalling £2,972 and Mr Nabi has now been banned from operating a food business.
Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental, said: “The public have a right to expect safe food, and we as Council work hard to safeguard Boston residents’ health and wellbeing.
“This case reinforces the message that we will not hesitate to prosecute food businesses that show a disregard for the safety of their customers – food safety standards are there for a reason. The prohibition order should serve as a warning to other food businesses that we will use every means at our disposal to keep our residents safe.”
Pisces Fish and Chips is now under new ownership.
HeART Trail ends, but it’s not all over quite yet…
After a wonderful summer spreading joy and awareness of hospice care, the St Barnabas Hospice HeART Trail has now come to an end.
From Saturday, 10th June until Monday, 4th September, thirty wonderful heart-shaped sculptures were available to view all around the county, including in Lincoln, the East Coast and the five towns in which St Barnabas has a Wellbeing Centre.
Although the trail has now ended, the campaign continues with a HeART Reunion exhibition. Hosted by the Lincoln Museum (formerly The Collection) from the 14th until the 28th of September, the exhibition offers the chance for the public to see the sculptures again, all in one place.
The Lincoln Museum is free to enter and is open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum will be hosting twenty-seven of the thirty sculptures for viewing.
The three sculptures not available for viewing at the reunion exhibition include the ‘Seat of Love’, located in Lincoln’s Waterside Shopping Centre until 21st September. ‘Notes of Love’, which is still available to see at the St Barnabas ‘superstore’ The Warehouse in Lincoln until 28th September and, finally, the ‘In Memory of Stefanos’ sculpture, which can now be found at the St Barnabas Wellbeing Centre in Louth.
On 23rd and 24th of September, from 10 am to 3 pm, St Barnabas fundraising staff and volunteers will be hosting Heart Hubs at the Lincoln Museum. Here, people can find out more about the HeARTs and the work of St Barnabas in the local community.
On the final evening of the Reunion, the museum will host an auction of twelve of the HeART Trail sculptures. Tickets for this exclusive evening are still available for purchase on the charity’s website.
Danny, a nurse for St Barnabas ‘Hospice at Home’, said: “The HeARTs raise awareness of the work that we do in the community with life-limiting and palliative illnesses.
“Twelve HeART sculptures will be available to bid on on the 28th of September at the Lincoln Museum. The bidding will start at £3,000 per sculpture.
“There are limited spaces available at the auction. You can book your tickets online or make a proxy bid if you’re unable to attend in person.
“All of the funds raised will go towards St Barnabas so that we can continue to support people in and around Lincolnshire. If you’re interested in art and supporting a local charity, then don’t miss out.”
Only a few dozen tickets are available at £15 each, with welcome drinks and canapés included. To find out more and buy tickets to the HeART Trail auction, visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/hearttrail/auction/.
Lincolnshire Freemasons consecrate new Lodge for services personnel
Freemasons from every Lodge in Lincolnshire have gathered in Grimsby to consecrate the area’s 76th Lodge.
150 people saw the creation of the Armed Forces Lodge of Lincolnshire, whose membership is open to serving members and veterans. The Lodge will have its nominal base at the Freemasons’ building in Sleaford, but will hold its meetings at other Freemasons’ Halls around the Province of Lincolnshire, which stretches from The Wash to the Humber.
The first master is Bob Chalklin, who has promised it’ll be a place of friendship and welcome – but with a sprinkling of good-natured inter-services banter.
After the ceremony Bob said he felt relieved it had gone well. The run up to creation of the lodge had been just the same as the day of the consecration itself; succeeding through the combined efforts of a large number of people, to whom he was effusive in his thanks. Those thanks included a special mention for Peter Hegarty, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire, who had assisted by providing the new Lodge with equipment worth about £3,500 – all of which will retain references to the Lodges it came from.
Bob added that services personnel returning to civilian life often missed the comradeship offered by life in the Forces. He said: “Freemasonry offers the same thing, and as such can fill a gap which might otherwise exist in ex-servicemen’s lives. Just like the Forces, Freemasonry is a place in which to form life-long friendships with people you probably wouldn’t meet under any other circumstances.”
Charity event in Lincoln to strengthen community
Families in Lincolnshire can take part in craft workshops, storytelling and more in an upcoming community event.
The Annual Get Together event staged by the charity BRIC (Building Resilience in Communities) is taking place at Bridge Central in Lincoln on Tuesday 26 September, 1pm to 3pm.
The aim is to provide a safe space for families to connect, build friendships and support one another.
Alongside the activities, there will be refreshments available and the chance to chat with BRIC staff and volunteers as well as other families to share experiences and get advice. Everyone is welcome to attend.
BRIC is organising the event to help strengthen relationships and promote social engagement within the community.
BRIC is a locally focused charity that provides emotional support and practical help to vulnerable children and their families. Issues that BRIC offers help for include illness, disability, abuse, financial problems and the demands of having a young family.
By providing safe spaces and inclusive events such as the Annual Get Together, BRIC can engage with the community and facilitate relationship building between families in similar situations.
The Asda Foundation has awarded BRIC a grant of £900 which is being used to fund the event.
Paula Robinson, Community Champion at Asda North Hykeham, said: “It was our pleasure to secure an Asda Foundation grant to enable BRIC to put on this amazing event.
“Asda Foundation’s mission is to transform communities and improve lives, and bringing families and the community together is really at the heart of this.”
Rachel Taylor, Community Connector at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are excited to see that BRIC is hosting an event to connect with families living in Sincil Bank.
“The Annual Get Together will be a great event that will create new partnerships and friendships in the area.”
Sian Wade, Church Leader at Bridge Central, said: “Providing space for families to gather can be a real lifeline for parents who may be isolated or feeling overwhelmed by the task of parenting, so we’re really excited to partner with BRIC in this exciting initiative.”
Kamila Zolotar, Community Engagement Manager at BRIC, said: “We’re delighted to offer this event which is open to all but with a particular focus on including families and isolated single parents from different cultures.
“This will give those who attend the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, build friendships, grow confidence and learn from one another.
“The Annual Get Together will be full of activities that bring families together through a shared experience.
“BRIC staff and volunteers will also be there to support the friendship building of families in the Sincil Bank community.”
The Annual Get Together is the first event in a new family project which will consist of weekly coffee mornings every Monday between 10am and 11:30am at the Bridge Central venue, providing continued support for local families.
Natural England launches new nature reserve along Lincolnshire’s coast today
Natural England has today launched a new National Nature Reserve on the Greater Lincolnshire coast, marking the first in the new King’s Series of National Nature Reserves committed to enhancing biodiversity and nature recovery while connecting people with nature.
The Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve covers 33 square kilometres along almost 30 kilometres of the Greater Lincolnshire coast containing a rich variety of sand dunes, salt marshes, mudflats and freshwater marshes which are of international importance.
The Reserve brings together the existing Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserves, adding a further 2,350 hectares of land managed for nature conservation, supporting many breeding and over-wintering birds, natterjack toads, special plants and insects. The new site is now two thirds larger, making it the ninth largest National Nature Reserve of the 220 in England.
National Nature Reserve status is given to the very best nature conservation sites in England and is recognition that the land is nationally important and will be managed in perpetuity for its wildlife and geology. Many National Nature Reserves are managed – like the LCCNNR – by multiple parties who are committed to working together towards a shared future vision for the nature reserve.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “Today’s declaration of the new Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve is a landmark moment for nature recovery in England, not just in Lincolnshire but also nationally.
“Not only is it a visible demonstration of ambitious targets being translated into practical action, but also a fine example of how broad partnerships can be harnessed for nature recovery at scale.
“This area of coastline is of international importance due to habitats that support hundreds of thousands of birds, rare natterjack toads and a host of special insects and plants.
“This newly expanded National Nature Reserve will enhance the nature and biodiversity of the Greater Lincolnshire coast making it a bigger, better and more joined up area for wildlife. This reserve also presents opportunities for local people to connect with amazing wildlife while also providing an attractive destination for tourists to visit, bringing benefits to the economy too.”
Justice was seen to be done at Lincoln Crown Court open day
The public has been given a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to try on wigs and gowns, hear how judges prepare for cases, and even make the walk from the dock to the cells at Lincoln Crown Court when the historic site opened its doors to celebrate 200 years of serving the community and delivering justice.
Residents were invited into the historic court building at the weekend to explore its rich history, relive criminal trials over the past two centuries, and take a behind-the-scenes look at how justice is done.
Court hearings have taken place on the same site in the grounds of Lincoln Castle as far back as the 11th century. Building on the current Crown Court building began in 1823, designed by Sir Robert Smirke, with a grand jury room and 2 courtrooms to hear criminal and civil cases.
In March 1872, the court held the trial of William Frederick Horry who was convicted of murdering his wife and became the first person in the UK to be executed by the long drop method of hanging.
The building still hears criminal cases from across Lincolnshire today, and the open day offered a unique hands-on opportunity to take in its courtrooms, defendant dock, cells, and jury rooms.
Judges, magistrates and court staff were on hand to answer questions, and families could speak to Probation Service and Crown Prosecution Service teams about how they each play a vital role right across the modern-day justice system.
Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “As well as a world-leading justice system, we have a truly historic courts estate with fascinating histories and stories to tell.
We are investing millions of pounds every year to ensure our court buildings are fit for the future and reflect our high standards, while also preserving their unique and incredibly important history.
The open day followed an announcement from the government that court buildings across the country will benefit from £220 million for essential modernisation and repair work across the next 2 years to minimise disruptions caused by old buildings. Improvements will maintain the heritage of the courts and tribunals estate, while ensuring it is equipped with the latest technology to deliver modern justice as well as improving accessibility for all users.Seafood industry boosted by Lincolnshire organisations’ research
Two Lincolnshire-based organisations have joined forces to identify a fresh and sustainable approach to the freeze/thaw process of seafood produce, which could transform the global seafood industry.
The University of Lincoln, UK, has partnered with New England Seafood International (NESI), through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). Designed to link forward-thinking businesses with the expertise of academics, KTPs provide schemes to help organisations innovate and grow. This KTP project will research and develop a brand-new fish thawing process, combining ecological, environmental and sustainable business outputs.
The UK seafood industry relies on a large quantity of frozen and raw ingredients as part of the food manufacturing process. Currently, seafood thawing remains an under-researched area of the food chain, bringing many costly processes relating to timescales, cost efficiencies and retention of produce quality.
In addition to identifying new and sustainable practice in the seafood industry, the initiative will also aim to tackle the skills shortage gap. The project will be based at NESI’s North East Lincolnshire facility in Grimsby, and the team at NESI will have access to a team of the University’s industry experts at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), who will assist on the project and impart their knowledge and expertise.
The KTP will use a blended approach across manufacturing and scientific disciplines, in which they will challenge established industry practise, advancing the understanding of the freeze/thaw process and creating opportunity for wider industry adoption.
Martin Davies, Group Operations Improvement Manager at NESI, said: “New England Seafood are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the University of Lincoln to improve one of the most complex and critical manufacturing process steps.
“The academic expertise the University will provide, combined with many years of seafood industry experience in New England Seafood, a recipe to optimise this process for the long-term in a balanced way, across people ergonomics, food hygiene, environmental, and operational efficiency factors.”
Janey Bellamy, Associate Professor in Food Robotics and Process Automation at NCFM, said: “This is a great opportunity to challenge established industry practices and to advance the understanding of the freeze/thaw process with clear and validated data. This work will have a positive transformational impact on the food supply chain across multiple sectors.”
The project is funded by Innovate UK and will last for 2 years.
Pick up Lincolnshire Today’s Wedding Guide at Cupid’s Autumn Wedding Show this Sunday
Pick up a copy of Lincolnshire Today’s Wedding Guide at Cupid’s Autumn Wedding Show THIS SUNDAY, for your complete guide to making sure your big day is remembered for all the right reasons.
Taking place on 17th September at Springfield’s Exhibition Centre, Spalding (10.30am-3.00pm), Cupid’s Autumn Wedding Show will showcase the region’s greatest wedding suppliers, their products and services!
Whether you have just started planning your wedding or you have just a few things left to organise, you will find everything you need to plan your special day at this spectacular event.
You will find plenty of wedding inspiration – see decor experts, incredible cake specialists, wedding ring boutiques, formal attire professionals, leaders in wedding entertainment, trusted photographers, incredible bridal hair specialists, luxury vehicle hire and much much more!
Get wedding gown inspired by watching the fashion shows at 12.00pm and 1.45pm whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly.
To ensure you get the most out of your day:
- visit www.cupidsweddingshows.com and download your complimentary tickets!
- Bring labels with your name and address printed on them. Many exhibitors will ask for your details usually to send your further information and offers after the event. If you already have these printed it will save you a lot of time on the day!
- You could create a temporary wedding email address to pass on to suppliers. Many people do not like passing on their personal email address – this way suppliers can still send you information and offers after the show.
- Bring swatches of material or ribbon in your chosen colour scheme to help when talking to exhibitors (for example florists could recommend certain flowers in season the date of your wedding which will match your chosen colours).
- Talk to as many suppliers as you can – many will have gifts for every couple.
- And most of all – enjoy your day!
