Classic Ibiza delights Burghley House with 10th birthday celebrations
Classic Ibiza returned to the beautiful grounds of Burghley House on Saturday 26 July, delighting a capacity crowd of Lincolnshire partygoers with over five hours of Balearic-infused house music.
The fifth concert of the show’s 10th anniversary tour saw Urban Soul Orchestra (USO), conducted by Stephen Hussey, perform a ‘best of’ set of over 50 house classics. The concert also featured Classic Ibiza debutants, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC), who added their soulful and uplifting vocals to a number of tracks during the evening.
Concertgoer, Annette Mawby, summed upped the crowd’s reaction perfectly on Classic Ibiza’s social channels: “Incredible night, brilliant music and just the best atmosphere! The crew you have at the event are some of the best people I’ve come across at an event, so helpful, nothing was too much trouble, and everything was just so easy to find. 10/10 great job!”
Gates opened at 5.30pm, and as the audience settled into the family-friendly vibe over their picnics, they enjoyed a soundtrack of Afro/Latin-infused house, expertly mixed by DJ Jose Luis, a former Pacha Ibiza resident.
Towards the end of his set, he was joined on stage by LCGC for a live mash-up of gospel-inspired tracks, including Clivillés and Cole’s A Deeper Love and Blaze’s Most Precious Love, which featured the iconic vocals of Aretha Franklin and Barabara Tucker on the original recordings.
At 8pm, USO and DJ Goldierocks took centre stage for the Ghost Ship Sundowner Set, with the BPM taking a noticeable uptick. Beginning appropriately with Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now, USO were joined by LCGC for a spine-tingling rendition of eight classic tracks, including Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters and Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters.
LCGC are one of the world’s most in-demand choirs, having recorded with a veritable who’s who of popular music, including Adele, Blur and Madonna.
USO, who have collaborated with the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles, took a short break at 9pm, leaving the Burghley audience in the capable hands of party-starter extraordinaire, DJ Goldierocks. She mixed up a storm of deep house anthems, setting the scene perfectly for what was to come.
As night fell, and the grounds of Burghley House transformed into magical, alfresco nightclub, USO returned to the stage at 9.30pm for the Dance Set. Accompanied by an awesome laser and light show, the crowd partied to USO’s breathtaking orchestral performance, featuring Galvanise by The Chemical Brothers, Out Of Space by The Prodigy and Adagio For Strings by Tiësto.
The audience was then treated to a fitting encore of two of Classic Ibiza’s most popular tracks. Saving the best for last, USO went out on high to Insomnia by Faithless and Sandstorm by Darude. The concert ended at 11pm.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward comments: “Well Burghley, that was certainly one helluva ride! A huge shout out to everyone that came to party with us – the joy and love that you brought was incredible.
“Then there’s the ever-wonderful Urban Soul Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Hussey, and our DJs Goldierocks and Jose Luis. Every year you manage to take things to a whole new level. Finally, a massive thank you to London Community Gospel Choir. Your soulful vocals and uplifting harmonies were truly magical – the icing on our delicious 10th anniversary birthday cake!”
Classic Ibiza, sponsored by Adnams Ghost Ship, is proud to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
To be the first to hear about Classic Ibiza’s 2026 tour dates, sign-up here: www.classicibiza.co.uk/burghley/keep-in-touch.
Image shows Classic Ibiza Ghostship Sundowner Set at Burghley House. Credit: David Evans Photography
Mum’s charity abseil to thank hospital for saving son’s life
Baby Jack was born fighting for his life after arriving eight weeks premature. His parents, Emma and Nat, credit the dedication of the teams at Lincolnshire’s hospitals’ neonatal units for his survival. Emma is now undertaking a charity abseil in gratitude of the care for her son.
When Jack was born eight weeks early at Pilgrim Hospital’s Maternity Unit, his lungs were not fully formed, and he was unable to breathe independently. He was placed on a special C-PAP machine which helped him to breathe by delivering air into his tiny lungs through small tubes inserted into his nose.
It took twelve hours to stabilise him, to ensure he was able to be safely transferred to Lincoln County Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit where he could receive more specialist care.
Mum, Nat, had complications during her pregnancy and over Christmas 2023 spent three days in hospital when just 28 weeks pregnant. On 8 February 2024, she was once again rushed to hospital and a few hours later Jack was born.
It was a worrying time for Jack’s other mum, Emma. She said: “Jack was immediately placed into an incubator, and I had to follow him to ICU leaving Nat in theatre. She had lost half her blood and need transfusions desperately.”
Jack spent a week at Lincoln’s neonatal unit, then, when he was strong enough to breathe independently, he was transferred back to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston and closer to home. It took two more weeks for him to learn to feed but finally he was well enough to leave hospital and join his sisters at the family home in Boston.
Emma and Nat will be forever indebted to the exemplary care Jack received. To say thank you, Emma is abseiling from Liverpool Football Club’s iconic Anfield stadium in August as a fundraiser for United Lincolnshire Hospital’s Charity. Emma explained: “There are not enough words to thank the staff for what they did. I don’t know what we would have done without them; we just want to show our appreciation.
“I have been a fan of Liverpool FC for over 30 years, ever since I went with my dad at the age of 10 to see my first game. I am looking forward to the abseil and will be nervous, but I am definitely doing this.”
Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “It is wonderful that Emma is supporting us in this way. Each year, the charity funds a wide range of projects to support our staff and the patients they care for, from scalp coolers that prevent hair loss in cancer patients to MRI play therapy for children needing a scan, from a Sensory Room at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston to teddy bears for babies on the neonatal unit.”
Emma is aiming to fundraise £500. To help her achieve her target please visit: https://www.ulhcharity.org.uk/fundraisers/the-anfield-abseil-for-neonatal
Summer perks return for North Lincolnshire’s young people
Children and teenagers in North Lincolnshire can once again enjoy free swimming and cheaper bus fares throughout the school summer holidays.
Single bus tickets for young people aged five to 19 are capped at £1.50, while adults travelling with them pay no more than £3 per single journey. The fare offer applies to all local services, making it easier to visit attractions such as Normanby Hall Country Park, leisure centres, museums and market towns across the region.
Swimming is also free for under-16s at six local pools: The Pods, Riddings Community Hub, Ancholme Leisure Centre, Axholme North Leisure Centre, Baysgarth Community Hub and Epworth Swimming Pool. The free swims, part of the Summer Daze sessions, must be booked in advance for children aged eight to 16.
Children under eight need to be checked in by an adult at reception, and pool safety rules mean the youngest swimmers must be supervised at all times.
The seasonal scheme, which proved popular last year, is designed to give families affordable ways to spend the summer together while encouraging safe swimming and greater use of public transport.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilLincolnshire hospices share funding to enhance end‑of‑life care
Hospices in Lincolnshire will share more than £780,000 in new funding aimed at improving facilities and services for people receiving end‑of‑life care.
St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice in Lincoln has been allocated £709,550, while Butterfly Hospice in Boston will receive £36,645. Beaumond House Hospice Care in Newark, which also serves parts of Lincolnshire, has been awarded £98,556.
The investment is part of a national £75 million programme for the 2025/26 financial year, supporting 170 hospices across England. The funding will go towards refurbishments and upgrades that focus on creating more comfortable spaces for patients and their families, including private rooms, communal areas and landscaped outdoor spaces.
Hospices will also use the funding for improvements such as energy‑efficient facilities, adapted beds, and digital systems that allow smoother coordination with other health services. The upgrades are designed to make end‑of‑life care more personal and accessible in local communities, reducing reliance on hospital settings.
Hospice UK will manage the distribution of the funds, with organisations able to draw from their allocated share as work is completed.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MGSeaside to be brought to Sleaford
Sand, sun and buckets of fun are being brought to Sleaford Market Place, with a pop-up beach from 20 August until 4 September.
Open to the public throughout the two weeks, there will be striped deckchairs to relax on by day, buckets and spades from Market Square Café and Restaurant, while fish and chips, ice creams and beach-side snacks and drinks will be available from nearby cafés, restaurants and eateries.
There will also be a special Bank Holiday Weekend event on Saturday 23 August, with activities taking place between 11am and 4pm, with free Helter-Skelter rides, Punch and Judy performances, a ‘YARD Putz’ putting green, free face painting, seaside singing, a bubbleologist, crafts, and Teenage Market stalls.
Visitors will further witness art crafted out of sand, as a live sculpt takes place at the event from 11 am to 4pm; don’t miss the sand-sculpted Red Arrow!
Image credit: North Kesteven District Council YOPEY Befrienders recognised for connecting generations at Fenchurch House Care Home
Fenchurch House Care Home, located in Spalding and part of the Country Court family, recently hosted a heartwarming afternoon tea to celebrate a young volunteer who has made a meaningful difference to residents’ lives.
18-year-old Matthew Simons, a student at Spalding Grammar School, was honoured for his dedication to supporting older people through the YOPEY Befrienders scheme – an initiative run by the East Anglian charity YOPEY (Young People of the Year). The programme trains young people to visit care homes, offering their time, companionship, and conversation to residents.
Matthew has given over 52 hours of his time, regularly visiting both Fenchurch House and neighbouring St John’s Care Home in Spalding. His commitment was formally recognised by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, David Chambers, who presented him with a prestigious High Sheriff Award. Matthew was also presented with a special certificate by YOPEY founder Tony Gearing MBE, who described him as “a great friend to the elderly.”
The celebration was attended by residents, staff, school representatives, and special guests, including Dr Adriana Leadbeater, Sixth Form Director at Spalding Grammar School, and her deputy, Alex Dearing. Dr Leadbeater praised the scheme, saying: “Being a YOPEY Befriender is a great way for students to give back, gain perspective beyond the teenage bubble, and learn to appreciate and respect older generations.”
The Spalding Grammar School students involved in the programme have clocked up over 200 visits, giving nearly 300 hours of their time to local care homes.
Matthew, who hopes to study conservation biology at Leeds University, reflected on the experience: “I learned a lot about how people cope in old age and how important it is to make the most of life and stay positive, whatever challenges they may face.”
Tony Gearing MBE, founder of YOPEY, added: “Matthew was a great friend to the elderly. When young people persevere with care home visits like he did, they become a source of real comfort to residents. We’re also grateful to the supportive staff at Country Court care homes, which create a welcoming environment for young volunteers.”
Fenchurch House Home Manager, Ganiyu Lawal, said: “Being part of the YOPEY programme has been an uplifting experience for everyone at Fenchurch House. Matthew brought joy and genuine companionship to our residents, and it’s been a pleasure to watch those connections grow. We wish him all the best in the future.”
For more information about life at Fenchurch House Care Home, please contact Hannah Mills on 01775 711 959 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
Get Ready for the ultimate tribute experience at Rewired Festival 2025!
Rewired Festival is set to light up Grimsthorpe Castle on 16th August 2025, bringing an electrifying lineup of the UK’s best tribute acts to the iconic venue.
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.
Early bird discount tickets are now available, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic celebration of music.
Secure your tickets today at www.rewiredtributefestival.co.uk and get ready to sing your heart out under the stars!
Free swimming sessions return for summer in North Lincolnshire
Children and families in North Lincolnshire can once again enjoy free swimming throughout the school summer holidays as the council’s Summer Daze programme returns.
The sessions, open to anyone aged 16 and under, run until early September across leisure centres in Barton-upon-Humber, Crowle, Scunthorpe’s The Pods and Riddings pools, Epworth Swimming Pool and the small pool at Ancholme Leisure Centre.
Young swimmers aged between eight and 16 need to book online in advance, while younger children can be registered on arrival. Family sessions are also part of the programme, giving the opportunity for parents and children to swim together free of charge.
More than 6,100 free swims took place last year as part of the initiative, which aims to give children a safe, healthy and low-cost way to spend their summer holidays while encouraging an active lifestyle.
By offering supervised sessions at local leisure centres, the programme provides a safe alternative to swimming in open water and helps support families looking for affordable activities over the summer.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilFirst phase of redevelopment works get the go-ahead at Castle Sports Centre
South Holland District councillors have given the final go-ahead for the redevelopment of the Castle Sports Centre site in Spalding.
Following the approval, the first phase of the £28.3m project will now move forward, with a further set of external works scheduled to begin in late August. The main construction phase is expected to start in September, with a public opening for the new facilities in January 2027.
The project is receiving £20m in UK Government funding alongside further investment from South Holland District Council.
The improved centre will provide a modern and inclusive mix of indoor and outdoor facilities, designed to support residents of all ages to live healthier lives.
The first phase of works will include the creation of a single building containing two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, a children’s adventure play area and updated reception and café-type areas. Outdoor works will see a new 3G pitch installed, alongside an outdoor running and cycling circuit and community garden.
Later phases will involve the demolition of the existing swimming pool building, and the addition of a new outdoor multi-use games area, new children’s play area, splashpad, and additional car parking for the site.
While the current ‘dry side’ section of the centre is redeveloped, temporary fitness suite and group exercise facilities will be available at the Spalding Campus of Boston College on Red Lion Street. The Council is also arranging temporary facilities for indoor bowls activity to continue in Long Sutton. Swimming facilities will remain operational.
Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s project sponsor, said: “I’m delighted that we can deliver this bold and ambitious project for the people of South Holland, and bring the high-quality leisure, sport, and wellbeing facilities that our district so badly needs – now and for many generations to come.
“This redevelopment is about empowering and encouraging our residents to live healthier, more active lives together, and I can think of no better or more impactful way to invest in our future. This project can be a catalyst for real, lasting change, and I can’t wait to see the next stage of these exciting plans get underway.”
Councillor Nick Worth, leader of South Holland District Council, said: “Opportunities for investment of this size and ambition are not historically common for places like Lincolnshire, and I am proud of the work we have done to secure this funding and now to take another serious step towards making it a reality.
“As a result of the government funding, local taxpayers are effectively getting a brand new facility for just £8million, which is really good value for money.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about investing in the future of South Holland and giving everyone in our district the chance to thrive physically, mentally and socially.
“Part of our vision of a greater Lincolnshire for all is about working closely with our health partners to deliver better outcomes and to provide better, more accessible services to our residents of all ages and circumstances, and this project shows those pledges in action.”
Image shows Spalding. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville
Lincoln makes list of best value cities for families
For parents juggling school catchment maps and mortgage calculators, there’s good news: Lincoln has landed a spot on a new list of cities where great schools don’t come with eye-watering house prices.
The study, carried out by University of Technology Sydney Online, looked at more than 130 locations across England to find where families can get the most bang for their buck, balancing quality education with affordable property. The rankings are based on the proportion of schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted between January 2024 and January 2025, alongside average house price data from the Office for National Statistics.
Lincoln came in 22nd place overall, with homes averaging £187,000, making it the 12th most affordable location in the study. While the city didn’t score top marks on school quality, with just under 7% of schools rated outstanding, its historic charm and comparatively low property prices still make it a standout choice for families seeking long-term value.
Wigan topped the list thanks to a rare mix: high-performing schools and house prices under £200,000. Preston and Chorley followed closely, with Burnley offering the lowest house prices overall at just £118,000. Luton rounded out the top five.
At the other end of the scale were places like Bath, Brighton and Hove, and parts of Hertfordshire, where house prices are high but outstanding schools are harder to come by. Unsurprisingly, London fell outside the top tier, ranking 72nd, well behind regional cities like Liverpool, which placed 15th.
For families who don’t want to sacrifice either their child’s future or their financial sanity, cities like Lincoln offer a rare middle ground. The perfect school might still take some searching, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to live nearby.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/U-JINN Photography