Get ready for the ultimate tribute experience at Rewired Festival 2025!
The weather looks fantastic for the Rewired Festival, which is set to light up Grimsthorpe Castle THIS SATURDAY, bringing an electrifying lineup of the UK’s best tribute acts to the iconic venue.
Prepare to be blown away by SEVEN incredible Tribute Bands – live on stage! Each act delivers an electrifying set packed with the biggest anthems from rock and pop history, complete with powerhouse sound and stunning lighting effects. If you love live music, this is unmissable.
Fans can expect unforgettable performances from Oasis Forever, Planet ABBA, Pure Queen, Gladness, Blurz, Steptastic, and Mardy Bums, delivering all the hits from legendary bands like Oasis, ABBA, Queen, Madness, Blur, Steps, and Arctic Monkeys.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill pub tributes – they’re genuine fakes! With every look, move, and note perfected, they bring the spirit of the original legends to life in jaw-dropping style.
Masters of their craft, these performers will have you singing your heart out, throwing your hands in the air and dancing with your mates all night long. Get ready for the ultimate tribute experience!
This is your last chance to book in advance and enjoy the best rates, book today on www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk and get ready to sing your heart out all day long!
Winterton to gain new pump track for all ages
A purpose-built pump track is set to be installed in Winterton following £120,804 in funding through North Lincolnshire Council. Led by Winterton Town Council, the facility will be built on land behind the Winterton Community Pavilion on Newport Drive.
Designed for cycling and scootering, the track will cater to all ages and abilities, with aims to encourage outdoor activity, improve fitness, and provide a safe space for recreation. It will also feature extended CCTV coverage and a Biodiversity Gain Plan to enhance the surrounding environment.
The project responds to strong local support for more inclusive, outdoor spaces and addresses the current shortage of recreational facilities in the town. By revitalising an underused site, it also aims to help reduce anti-social behaviour.
Funding comes via North Lincolnshire Council’s management of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilRoyal Navy veteran’s memories captured as part of local Victory over Japan commemorations
A Royal Navy veteran’s memories of Far East service in 1945 have been captured on film as part of the local 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory over Japan.
Peter Foxon, 102, lives in Deeping St James and spent the war as a wireless telegraphist.
The video – Peter’s War – has been filmed by South Kesteven District Council and added to the Council’s YouTube library in honour of Peter’s service.
His time at sea included Atlantic convoy protection, launching British troops towards the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and action against the Japanese in the Pacific.
Peter defied pressure to join the Army when he got his call up papers – thanks to his mother’s advice to wear his Merchant Navy uniform.
“I always wanted to go into the Navy ever since I was a boy,” Peter said. “I had already qualified as a radio officer in the Merchant Marine but I got called up before I even got to a merchant ship.
“What it did mean was that I had a Merchant Navy uniform, so I wore it for the interview, gained release from the Army and went straight off to the Royal Navy recruiting centre. The uniform did the trick.”
Early in 1943 Peter joined HMS Richmond on convoy duties to protect Allied ships carrying vital supplies between Britain and America.
As well as enemy fire, 20-foot waves and the danger of submarines, Peter recalls a remarkable story of a dog rescue.
“We had a ship’s dog, a little terrier called Timo, who loved to race across the deck chasing waves. One day, after the deck had been freshly oiled with linseed, he slipped and went straight over the side.
“Against regulations we turned the ship around and searched until we found him, weakly paddling away. We stopped engines and got him back on board, with a tot of rum.”
In 1944, Peter’s ship, HMS Nith, successfully launched soldiers of the Highland Division towards Gold Beach on D Day.
Tragedy struck when the Nith was stationed off the French coast three weeks later. The ship took a direct hit from a German ‘Mistel’ aircraft drone packed with explosives. It killed Peter’s best friend, along with nine others
“I volunteered to help recover the dead and we buried them at sea,” said Peter. The badly damaged ship had to be towed back to England
By 1945 Peter was in the Far East as part of the British Pacific Fleet. With the Allied Invasion of Rangoon only days away, his ship, HMS Roebuck, encountered a Japanese convoy trying to escape. It was here that Peter witnessed first-hand the Japanese refusal to surrender.
“We sank several Japanese boats one night and the next morning sighted one of the vessels with half a dozen Japanese clinging to it. Just as our sailors were pushing off in a lifeboat to rescue them, they blew themselves up, preferring to die rather than suffer the disgrace of being taken prisoner.”
Cllr Phil Dilks, SKDC cabinet member for Armed Forces who helped Peter get his lifetime membership of the Royal British Legion, is featured on the video.
“Not many people are left who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and more. We have to thank men like Peter for their service, and never forget the sacrifices made.”
Survey reveals training and job priorities in North East Lincolnshire
More than 1,200 residents have shared their views on skills, training, and employment in North East Lincolnshire, helping to guide the borough’s future skills strategy.
The consultation, run by the Council’s Economy and Growth team with local training providers, explored how people discover learning opportunities, which communication channels they trust, and the barriers they face.
Most respondents preferred to learn online from home. Limited awareness of local courses, health conditions, disabilities, and low confidence were common challenges to both training and employment.
The results will inform an updated Skills Strategy due next year. Existing initiatives such as the Adult Careers Team’s careerShift programme aim to address these barriers by connecting participants with employers, offering personal wellbeing support, and providing tools for self-reflection and financial management.
The feedback will also shape opportunities in growing sectors across the Humber, including renewables and engineering.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilBaby bank launches to support families and cut waste
A new baby bank has opened in Lincolnshire to provide essential items for children aged up to three while encouraging the reuse of quality goods.
Run by Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire with support from Lincolnshire County Council, the Baby Bliss Baby Bank serves families in Boston, Sleaford and surrounding areas. It offers donated prams, clothing, toys, highchairs, baby baths, Moses baskets without mattresses, baby walkers, books and other items.
Donations in clean, good condition can be dropped at Tattershall Household Waste Recycling Centre from Friday to Tuesday between 9am and 3.50pm. The scheme aims to address local demand, with over 1,200 families seeking children’s support last year.
By rehoming unwanted items, the project reduces waste that would otherwise be incinerated. Families using the service can also access wider help from Citizens Advice, including guidance on benefits, debt and grants.
Image credit: Lincolnshire County CouncilRelief helicopter lands at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance base
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has welcomed a relief helicopter to its operation as its iconic AW169 aircraft departs for a scheduled major service in Emden, Germany.
The charity’s flagship AW169 will undergo it’s four-year annual maintenance inspection at HeliService headquarters in Emden.
LNAA’s Chief Pilot, Llewis Ingamells said: “The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational, and safe. This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.”
To maintain uninterrupted service during this period, LNAA will operate an AW109 Grand New relief helicopter. Slightly smaller, the AW109 is a capable and reliable aircraft. It will enable the charity to continue delivering critical care to patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The relief helicopter is similar in design and performance to the new model (AW109 Grand New) LNAA plans to introduce in 2027. This provides LNAA’s pilots with a valuable opportunity to gain additional flight hours in an equivalent aircraft, supporting future readiness and operational continuity.
Before the relief helicopter begins active duty, LNAA’s crew will conduct detailed loading exercises and weigh all onboard medical equipment to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for frontline missions.
The AW169 is expected to return from Germany in the coming months, fully serviced and ready to resume its vital role in saving lives.
1940s Weekend returns to mark 80th Anniversary of VJ Day
Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens will once again step back in time this summer as the much-loved Ayscoughfee 1940s Weekend returns this Saturday (16 August) and Sunday (17 August), commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).
Running from 10:30am to 4pm each day, the free-to-attend event invites visitors to don their best 1940s attire and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of the era.
Highlights will include authentic period displays and military vehicles, living history re-enactors, live music, dancing and entertainment throughout the weekend.
On Sunday 17 August, the weekend will feature a special parade and Service of thanksgiving and reflection, organised on behalf of the Chairman of South Holland District Council, Councillor Jan Whitbourn.
The parade will assemble at the Ayscoughfee Hall tennis courts at 1:45pm, setting off at 2pm. It will be followed by a commemorative service at St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Spalding.
This poignant occasion will honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Far East during the Second World War, reflecting on the historic day that brought the conflict to an end on 15 August 1945.
Councillor Henry Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, said: “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is first and foremost a chance for our community to come together and remember those who served our country and to reflect on their bravery.
“The Ayscoughfee 1940s Weekend is of course the perfect way to celebrate our shared history of the war-time era by transporting people back in time and I have no doubt the event will be a huge success, I look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.”
Lincolnshire set for major boost in EV charging points
Lincolnshire will see 40 new electric vehicle charging points installed over the next year, following £249,000 in government funding.
The expansion is part of Lincolnshire County Council’s plan to have 55 new charging points in place by 2027. The county currently operates eight council-owned chargers, with three more recently added. The upcoming installations will be delivered by the council and managed by private contractors.
The project is backed by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles and is supported by a wider £5.6 million allocation to expand EV infrastructure in the county.
Lincolnshire’s funding forms part of a £39.3 million award from the Local Electric Vehicle Investment Fund, shared among 13 Midlands councils. The initiative aims to strengthen the region’s charging network ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, with a particular focus on areas where drivers lack off-street parking.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Southworks
Completion marked at Sutton on Sea Colonnade redevelopment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed phase 1 of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, which was celebrated with a time capsule burial with staff and pupils from Sutton-on-Sea Community Primary School.
The project, delivered in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, CPMG Architects, and Alan Wood Associates through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the coastal landmark.
With over 100 students from Sutton on Sea Community Primary school in attendance, the burial included letters to the young people’s future selves, a worksheet detailing how pupils felt during lockdown, a list of predicted future inventions, a field recorder discussing topics including family life, AI and climate change, a school logo, Instax photos of each class, a newspaper from the day of burial, Sutton on Sea postcards, books, a letter from the deputy head teacher and a QR code to G F Tomlinson’s website to show the construction of the Seaview Colonnade.
Alongside G F Tomlinson and the school, representatives from Pagabo and the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, which includes East Lindsey District Council, were in attendance.
The recently completed redevelopment includes a pavilion featuring space suitable for a sea-view café or restaurant fit-out and a modern exhibition area. Enhancements to the former Pleasure Gardens provide recreational areas and open community space, alongside a base to receive 15 new beach huts supplied directly by the Council.
A link bridge now connects the promenade to the new Seaview Colonnade, improving public access and the visitor experience. Popular nearby existing features have been retained, which include the refurbished paddling pool, tennis court and anchor water feature.
As part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal, the project received £4.2 million in government funding, with the remaining costs funded by East Lindsey District Council.
Adrian Grocock, group managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering this project has been a privilege, and we are pleased to see the colonnade restored as a key destination for the local community and visitors.
“The redevelopment balances modern enhancements with the area’s heritage, creating a space that will bring long-term benefits to Sutton on Sea. We were delighted to mark its completion with the community time capsule burial – bringing together all who made this possible alongside the younger generation, for the landmark occasion.”
Richard Hodgson, project sponsor and assistant director – strategic projects for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, said: “The completion of phase 1 of the Sutton on Sea Seaview Colonnade is a fantastic milestone for the community.
“This phase of the redevelopment brings new opportunities for local businesses, enhances our beautiful coastline, and creates a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. We are delighted to see our vision for this historic site come to life, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.”
Community RePaint Store opens in Boston
A new Community RePaint Store has opened at the Bittern Way Household Waste Recycling Centre in Boston. The store gives residents access to free, reusable paint.
The Community RePaint initiative collects unused and leftover paint that would otherwise go to waste and makes it available to local people free of charge.
Cllr Danny Brookes, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re really pleased to see the Community RePaint network expanding across Lincolnshire. These stores offer a brilliant way for residents to access free paint, save money, and do their bit for the environment at the same time.”
This latest opening follows launches at the Louth, Grantham, Lincoln, Tattershall, Sleaford and Market Rasen Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, Boston Borough Council, said: “It’s great to hear about this new initiative being launched by Lincolnshire County Council at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Boston.
“Leftover building and decorating supplies such as paint are often just discarded without much thought, so it is pleasing to see this facility open in Boston making disposal of used paint far easier.
“As such, I would like to encourage all residents who are planning on doing some DIY, or indeed those who have just finished some DIY, to head down to the Community RePaint Store and get your hands on some free paint and help the environment at the same time!”
Residents wishing to take advantage of the Community RePaint scheme — whether to drop off paint or collect some — simply need to speak to a member of staff on site.
