Dinosaurs stomp into Grantham

Families are being invited to have a roaring good time as the age of the dinosaurs returns to Grantham.
The town’s Market Place will host three Dinomania shows on Sunday 17th August in a jaw-dropping experience for children. Dinomania is an interactive dinosaur entertainment experience, reached the 2022 semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent and also featured on Blue Peter in 2024. South Kesteven District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “This interactive educational experience promises a combination of fun and learning – and what a fantastic outdoor space to hold it in. “The revamped Grantham Market Place is really coming alive thanks to a series of activities and events brought to you by our imaginative team at SKDC.” The Dinomania shows are free to attend and take place at 11am, 12.30 and 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the Guildhall Arts Centre Box Office, Grantham, and chairs are provided.

Steam and country charm return to Belvoir Castle this August

Belvoir Castle will once again host a classic countryside celebration as the Steam and Country Show returns from 23 to 25 August, marking its first appearance in over a decade. Set against the sweeping parklands near Grantham, the three-day event promises vintage nostalgia and lively outdoor fun for all ages.

The show brings together an impressive collection of heritage vehicles from across the UK, featuring traction engines, Showman’s engines, vintage cars, military trucks, classic motorcycles, and more. Visitors can stroll through displays, admire miniature steam models and take in the soundscape of traditional fairground and ballroom organs.

In the main arena, action unfolds with high-speed carriage racing in the British Scurry and Trials Driving Challenge, falconry displays, and vintage vehicle parades. Thrill seekers can witness daredevil stunts on the Wall of Death, while younger visitors enjoy fairground rides, inflatables, puppet shows, and hands-on workshops like sand art.

Rural-themed experiences continue with archery, axe throwing, model construction diggers, and a packed craft and food marquee featuring handmade gifts, local produce, and refreshments. A bar and food outlets will keep guests fuelled as they take in the entertainment.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Garden Guru

Lincoln bus station gets a cleaner, bird-free upgrade

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Lincoln Central bus station has recently undergone a low-key but meaningful upgrade to improve the everyday experience for commuters. The City of Lincoln Council has introduced humane pigeon deterrents and is adding more bins to reduce mess and maintain hygiene.

Previously, the station’s open-plan layout, with exposed beams and wide automatic doors, became a popular nesting spot for pigeons, which raised concerns about cleanliness for regular travelers.

In collaboration with the Gelder Group, the council installed discreet netting and rounded spikes last month. These measures are designed to gently prevent birds from landing or nesting, without causing them harm. It’s part of a wider effort to keep public transport spaces welcoming and well-maintained.

To further support the clean-up, additional bins have been ordered and will be fitted soon. The plan is to introduce clear, easy-to-use receptacles to encourage proper waste disposal and discourage pigeons from returning.

Early results suggest that pigeon numbers have dropped noticeably, making the station a more pleasant space for both daily commuters and visitors. The council plans to keep an eye on the results and adjust as needed.

Image source: City of Lincoln Council

Time capsule buried at new cinema site

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A time capsule has been buried at the site of the new Savoy Cinema in Gainsborough. This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Levelling Up project, aimed at revitalising the local area and fostering community spirit. The time capsule contains a collection of items that reflect the vibrant history and future aspirations of Gainsborough. Contributions include letters from students at Parish Church C of E Primary School and Aegir Specialist Academy, thoughtfully crafted newspaper article templates titled ‘Letters from 2025’, and a variety of photographs and information about key local landmarks. Cllr Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey District Council, who helped bury the capsule with Wayne Gregory, Savoy operations manager, said: “The burial of this time capsule is a symbolic act that connects our past, present, and future. It reflects the community’s collective effort to build a brighter future for Gainsborough, while ensuring our rich heritage continues to be remembered.” Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “We were thrilled to be joined by pupils from Gainsborough’s Parish Church C of E Primary School, andAegir Specialist Academy, Gainsborough who were excited to have their work included within the time capsule and was great to hear their enthusiasm for seeing a movie at the new cinema this summer. “Our thanks go out to the Gelder Group, who helped the ceremony go to plan and who have been supportive throughout and have been instrumental in enabling the cinema project to come to fruition.” Headteacher of Gainsborough’s Parish Church C of E Primary School, Theresa Peacock, said: “We think it’s fantastic that in 50 years’ time that someone will have an insight into what life was like for our children here at Gainsborough Parish.” Gelder Group CEO Steve Gelder MBE FCGI said: “It’s an honour for Gelder Group to be playing a part in the transformation of Gainsborough through the construction of the new Savoy Cinema. “The burial of the time capsule is a brilliant initiative that connects the past, present, and future of this vibrant town. Seeing local school pupils get involved is particularly inspiring — they are the next generation of community leaders, and it’s fitting that their voices will be heard many years from now. “We’re proud to support West Lindsey District Council and the Levelling Up project in creating a legacy that the whole town can be proud of.”
  Image credit: West Lindsey District Council

The Baston Car & Bike Show returns

The Baston Car & Bike Show returns on Sunday 29th June and will feature a whole host of special vehicles – vintage, classics, road, race, sports, customised, commercial and more! Not to mention the wide array of retail stalls, live music, entertainment for the kids, culinary delights, all set to the gorgeous backdrop of Grimsthorpe Castle. The show will also include an historic F1 showcase from Hall & Hall and even a Lancaster Bomber flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Team! Discounted advance tickets are available now with under 12s free of charge. If you own any special vehicles, you can enter the Pole Position Parking area for discounted entry and to show off your wheels at the show. Learn more and secure your tickets today on www.bastoncarshow.com. If you’re a proud owner of a Supercar and want to join the event – apply for a spot in the Supercar Paddock! The top entries will be displayed pride of place in the heart of the show. Learn more and apply here www.bastoncarshow.com/exhibitors.

Ministry of Sound brings balearic beats to Lincoln Castle

Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems with Ellie Sax & Friends is the brand-new live show, from the world’s biggest dance music brand. Coming to Lincoln Castle on Saturday 26th July, don’t miss this epic journey through a day in the life of the party island, taking the audience from pool parties to sunset lounges, and ending up in the superclubs. Lose yourself by reliving your favourite anthems, including tracks from Faithless, Eric Prydz, Becky Hill, The Shapeshifters, Daft Punk, Robin S, Fisher and more, all with the incredible backdrop of Lincoln Castle. The show will also feature a special K-Klass DJ set! K-Klass are responsible for some of the biggest dance tracks ever made. Forged in the white heat of the house and acid big-bang of the late eighties, for almost four decades they have rocked dance floors and live gigs without fail, racking up no fewer than 5 UK top 40 hits and a GRAMMY nomination along the way. Ministry of Sound is truly bringing the balearic beats to the UK this summer, no airport check-in required! Secure your tickets today at www.livepromotions.co.uk.

Butlin’s Skegness in the running for national travel awards

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Butlin’s in Skegness has earned two nominations at the 2025 British Travel Awards, putting the Lincolnshire seaside favourite in the spotlight for both its family-friendly stays and standout radio campaigns.

The resort is up for Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays and Favourite Company for Radio Advertisements, with voting now open to the public until 1 November.

Those who cast a vote will be entered into a prize draw featuring holiday packages worth thousands, including a £5,000 Greek escape, a European villa break, and cruise and voucher giveaways.

The recognition follows a string of major investments at the Skegness site. In recent years, Butlin’s has unveiled the £2.5 million SKYPARK playground, designed with accessibility in mind, and introduced 128 new Premium Lodges as part of the £12 million Maple Walk village expansion.

The British Travel Awards are among the most widely recognised consumer-voted accolades in the industry, drawing over 1.6 million votes in 2024 alone. For Butlin’s, it’s a chance to rally their community of holidaymakers and fans to help bring home a win.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Electric Egg Ltd.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance to open new charity shop in Wragby

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The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) will open its new charity shop in Wragby tomorrow (Thursday 12 June). The new store, in the Market Square, will open from 11am with music, special offers and a visit from LNAA’s Parameduck! LNAA’s head of retail, Elizabeth Wright said: “We are beyond excited to open this new shop in Wragby where we have had such a supportive community for so many years. “The new store is looking great and we hope people will come and pay us a visit and maybe find a bargain.” The charity has had a shop in Wragby since 2009 which was closed last October while a new retail strategy was developed. Now, having moved just a few doors down from the original shop, the new-look store will sell clothes, bric-a-brac and furniture. LNAA past patient, Isla Benham, who was airlifted after a horse-riding accident will cut the official ribbon to open the store. The shop’s standard opening hours will be 9.30 – 4.30 Monday to Saturday The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance relies completely on donations and responds to an average four missions each day.

Crematorium forms heartwarming partnership with county day care service

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Lea Fields Crematorium has formed a new partnership with Lincolnshire County Council Adult Care to recycle floral tributes into sustainable, hand-crafted confetti. Each confetti bag is hand-filled by individuals attending Lincolnshire County Council’s Adult Care centres. This offers an opportunity for individuals to use their skills, gifts and talents to have purpose in their life and to contribute to their community. All participation is strictly voluntary and a means of funding extras such as sailing trips, short breaks, and other enriching experiences. Until now, uncollected flowers left at the crematorium were respectfully composted after seven days. Through this new initiative, Lincolnshire County Council Adult Care have the opportunity to collect these flowers before they are composted. The petals are carefully dehydrated and turned into confetti for weddings and celebrations. Cllr Stephen Bunney, chair of West Lindsey District Council Environment and Sustainability Working Group, said: “This is a shining example of sustainability in action. It gives people a chance to contribute positively to both the environment and the well-being of others. Initiatives like this highlight how we can reduce waste, foster creativity, and support those in our communities who need it most. We hope to see more projects like this flourish. “This compassionate reuse of flowers also supports Lea Fields Crematorium’s ongoing environmental efforts. The site received the Greener Globe Gold Award in March, recognising its dedication to eco-friendly practices.” Deborah Balsdon, crematorium manager, said: “This initiative is not only a beautiful way to repurpose flowers, but also a meaningful way to support our local community. “We are proud to be working with Lincolnshire County Council to ensure that tributes left in remembrance can continue to bring joy and meaning to others. It aligns perfectly with our values and our Greener Globe Award commitment to sustainability.” Cllr Steve Clegg, executive member for adult care and public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is a really rewarding project for our day centre users, and it’s great that we’re able to do something positive with the flowers instead of simply composting them. I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with the crematorium to make this happen.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/kieferpix

Sutton on Sea steps back in time with return of Vintage on Sea event

Sutton on Sea will step back in time on Saturday 28 June as the popular Vintage on Sea event returns. The free event is set to provide a day of nostalgic fun, attractions, workshops and performances throughout the village centre from 10am until 4pm. The day will be packed with an array of entertainment and activities, designed to celebrate the traditional seaside holiday experience. Visitors can expect to enjoy classic fairground rides, live performances and even vintage hair styling appointments, all capped off with a planned fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, expected to be a Hurricane and Spitfire. The Meridale Youth and Community Centre will be transformed into a vintage cinema, complete with popcorn for the authentic movie experience, whilst live performances across the day will showcase a mix of talent for all ages, bringing together a variety of singers, bands, theatre, dance groups, magicians, and more. Other highlights will include traditional fairground attractions in the Spar car park, and a market with over 30 different stalls offering everything from vintage items and delicious food and drink to engaging games and activities to get involved with. Those looking to get into the spirit of the day will be able to take part in a best dressed vintage competition, complete with trophies for the top three, with face painting available alongside craft workshops where people can create their very own miniature wooden beach hut to take home. Vintage cars will be on display in Marine Avenue car park, the Bacchus Hotel car park and along Cromer Avenue. All visitors can enjoy free parking at both Broadway car park and Furlongs field football pitch for the event. Cllr Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “Vintage on Sea is a true celebration of community spirit and the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to get creative, step back in time, and enjoy a day filled with amusement and entertainment. “I hope that like last year there will be a great turnout to enjoy the fantastic range of sights and activities on offer, remembering why we fell in love with our beautiful coastline, whilst making brand new memories at the same time.”
  Image: Sutton-on-Sea – credit: Stock.adobe.com/mparratt