Busking to be celebrated in Grantham

Tess Egginton
-
0
Busking to be celebrated in Grantham
The sound of guitars, accordions, tambourines, and voices will be heard across Wyndham Park in Grantham this summer as the free Busking Festival arrives on Saturday 9th August. Visitors will be able to enjoy music and watch performances from a range of styles and instruments, all buzzing with energy as the talent shines through. Cllr Paul Stokes, South Kesteven District Council’s cabinet member for arts and culture, and deputy leader, said: “We’re offering a fantastic opportunity for talent young and old to shine with a jam-packed day of free musical experiences designed to inspire the next generation of musicians. “People can look forward to a day full of live music and entertainment – created by the community for the community – to share and appreciate a unique blend of musical talent and street entertainer performances. “The event is free to attend, so please visit Grantham and make a day of it.”   Image credit: Google maps

Robot dogs steal the show at Lincolnshire’s rural showcase

April Lara
-
0
Robot dogs steal the show at Lincolnshire’s rural showcase

Robot dogs turned heads at the Lincolnshire Show as the STEP fusion energy team gave visitors a glimpse into the future. The two mechanical pups entertained crowds, sparking conversations about the upcoming fusion power plant planned at West Burton, a former coal-fired station being transformed into a hub for clean energy.

Around 60,000 people visited this year’s show, which marked its 140th anniversary with a celebration of agriculture, trade, and local produce. The robot dogs drew curious children and adults alike, along with a few confused real dogs who weren’t sure what to make of their animated counterparts.

The STEP programme, hosted at the event by West Lindsey District Council, is expected to create thousands of jobs and new training opportunities while helping bring green power to the Grid. Visitors were also invited to take part in naming the two robot dogs, adding a playful touch to a project that promises to shape the future of energy.

Image credit: GOV.UK

Live at Lincoln Castle hailed a huge success

Tess Egginton
-
0
Live at Lincoln Castle hailed a huge success
Organisers of Lincoln’s biggest music series are heralding the event a huge success after 10 headline concerts. Over the past two weeks 10 global music icons have presented huge shows as part of TK Maxx presents Live at Lincoln Castle and as the sun set on the final show the team behind the series said they can’t wait to announce plans for 2026. Live at Lincoln Castle kicked off on Friday June 13 with a headline show from English rock band The Stranglers and support from fellow punk pioneers Buzzcocks. Over the course of nine more nights, the city’s historic venue welcomed indie heroes James, pop favourite Olly Murs, synth-pop legends The Human League, award-winning singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man, pop sensation Sugababes, Scottish rock legends Texas and Simple Minds and British reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell. Almost 30 artists performed during the series which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership between Lincolnshire County Council and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring world class artists to perform in this historic location. Cuffe and Taylor promoter Mark Harrison said: “Wow, this year has just been incredible. We increased our shows to 10 for 2025 and I am delighted to report that we have had 10 hugely successful nights. “The weather has been incredibly kind to us and the comments from people attending have been even kinder. We have been truly blown away at the compliments we have received from both customers and artists. Everyone has had an amazing experience and we look forward to doing it all again next year.” Kim Vickers, Lincoln Castle general manager, added: “This year’s concert series has been extraordinary – the atmosphere, the feedback, and the sheer scale of it all. Hosting 10 headline shows in such a historic setting is no easy task, but thanks to a brilliant partnership with Cuffe and Taylor and the dedication of everyone involved, we’ve delivered something really special. “We’ve had visitors from all over the world, fantastic praise for accessibility, and local businesses thriving with the buzz across the city. It’s a reminder of how powerful live music can be — not just for entertainment, but for place, people, and pride in Lincoln. We’re already excited about what next year will bring.”

Lincolnshire residents invited to make a difference this Plastic Free July

Tess Egginton
-
0
Lincolnshire residents invited to make a difference this Plastic Free July
Residents across Lincolnshire are being encouraged to ditch single-use plastic this summer, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership’s support for the global Plastic Free July campaign. Plastic Free July, led by the Plastic Free Foundation, is a global movement helping millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution — working toward a cleaner, healthier planet. Plastic pollution is a serious issue that affects our environment, health, and contributes to carbon emissions. In the UK, only around 25% of plastic packaging is recycled, even though households throw away an estimated 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging each year — an average of 66 items per household per week. Around 61% of plastic bottles are collected for recycling, and 75% of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drink bottles are reprocessed. Given the scale of the problem, Lincolnshire County Council, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, is supporting this campaign by sharing practical tips to help residents reduce plastic use throughout July. Here are five simple tips to get involved:
  • Tip 1: Take a reusable water bottle out with you and use the Refill app to find places to top up.
  • Tip 2: Remember to take a reusable coffee cup when out and about.
  • Tip 3: Carry a reusable straw — try metal, bamboo, silicone, or paper instead of single-use plastic.
  • Tip 4: Take a bag for life with you to avoid using single-use plastic carriers.
  • Tip 5: Take a reusable cutlery set — bamboo or stainless-steel beats plastic when eating on the go.
Residents are also encouraged to share their own ideas using the hashtag #PlasticFreeLincs. Rachel Stamp, waste partnership and projects manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to make simple swaps that reduce single-use plastic in our daily lives. “Whether it’s carrying a reusable bottle, cup, or cutlery set, these small changes add up to a big difference for our environment. It’s about building habits that last well beyond July — and showing that living with less plastic is easier than we think. “I’d encourage anyone who can to try some of our tips for reducing plastic use this July. “Together, we can keep working towards a Lincolnshire that’s sustainable — now and for future generations.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Bits and Splits

New playground comes to Immingham

Tess Egginton
-
0
New playground comes to Immingham
Residents in Immingham joined in with the celebrations as Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) officially opened a new playground for families in the area. The playground is designed for children of all ages and features a range of purpose-built play equipment, including slides, swings, roundabouts, and a basketball court. Funded by LHP’s partner E.ON, the investment in the play area is part of a joint project which has upgraded the energy efficiency of over 600 homes in Immingham and Grimsby, while contributing to local neighbourhoods with community initiatives. To celebrate the opening earlier this month (June 11), residents enjoyed free ice cream courtesy of E.ON, who funded an ice cream truck that served families after the school run. The event also gave residents the opportunity to meet LHP and E.ON colleagues and take home some free goodies. Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero were in attendance, as part of a planned visit to observe LHP’s energy efficiency work which is being part financed by the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 2.1. Immingham Town Council also played a key role in supporting the project, with the council agreeing to maintain the site moving forward. Vijay Tank, chief commercial officer of energy infrastructure solutions at E.ON UK, said: “We’re committed to delivering real social impact as part of our work improving the energy efficiency of homes, businesses, cities and entire communities across the UK. “Partnering with Lincolnshire Housing Partnership on this playground has allowed us to give something meaningful back to Immingham, beyond the energy improvements we’re delivering for local residents. “We look forward to our continued partnership with LHP, transforming homes and building stronger community ties across Lincolnshire for a greener and more connected future.” Charlotte Johnson, executive director of property at LHP, said: “While our Wave 2.1 project focuses on making homes warmer and more energy-efficient, it’s just as important that we invest in our neighbourhoods. Seeing the local community come together to celebrate the opening was incredibly rewarding, and it’s fantastic to see so many families already enjoying the new space. “We’d like to thank E.ON, Immingham Town Council, and our colleagues who worked hard behind-the-scenes to bring the project to life. It’s projects like these which remind us what can be achieved when we come together to support our communities.”

Leak forces closure of newly renovated paddling pool

April Lara
-
0
Leak forces closure of newly renovated paddling pool

The Maple Leaf paddling pool in Sutton on Sea has closed just weeks after reopening, following a £524,000 renovation completed in May.

East Lindsey District Council found the pool was losing water due to problems with its circulation and drainage systems.

Investigations are under way to resolve the issue, with no reopening date confirmed. The council said repairs will not add extra costs for taxpayers. 

The pool’s refurbishment began in 2023 as part of the £7.5 million Seaview Colonnade project and ran £124,000 over budget, mainly due to the installation of a new underground filtration system and rising material and labour costs. A further refill test is expected in the coming days to assess whether the site can reopen for summer visitors.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Kalpana

Lincoln warm spaces project helps locals save £100k on energy

April Lara
-
0
Lincoln warm spaces project helps locals save £100k on energy

A community project in Lincoln is helping residents reduce their energy costs and manage household expenses, saving them over £100,000 to date.

The scheme, launched last September, is run by Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey in partnership with Cadent Gas and supported by the City of Lincoln Council. It offers practical support for people struggling with rising bills, from tailored energy advice to free carbon monoxide alarms.

More than 1,000 locals have already benefited. Around 575 residents received guidance on saving energy and managing their bills, while 130 people facing more complex energy issues received extra help. Over 100 households with young children, older residents, or medical needs joined the Priority Services Register for added support.

The project also tackles wider household challenges. Citizens Advice has helped over 100 people maximise their income through welfare benefits, supported nearly 100 with debt, and assisted 33 residents with housing issues.

As part of its practical approach, the programme distributed slow cookers and provided training to 60 residents to help them prepare affordable meals and reduce energy consumption. Set to run until March 2026, there are hopes to extend it so even more people can build long-term financial stability.

  Image credit: Lincoln. GOV. UK

WordFest to bring books to life in the Wolds

Tess Egginton
-
0
WordFest to bring books to life in the Wolds
A world of stories, song, and literary celebration will come to the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds this July with Wolds WordFest, a 10-day festival. From children’s adventures to talks and live performances, Wolds WordFest 2025 has something for everyone. Families will enjoy WordFest Wizzine – where young imaginations can bloom in the Story Garden with Mr Inkwell, or embark on an ice-cream ice-spy trail in search of Gruffalo clues. Don’t miss the charming tales of woodland creatures Hari, Kettle and Ralf, shared by Woody Birch Bark. For history enthusiasts, Wolds WordFest shines a light on the hidden stories of Lincolnshire women – from powerful medieval figures to the pioneering 19th-century women of the North Lincolnshire Wolds who shaped the region by managing land and estates. Literature lovers will discover the poignant work of Bernard Gilbert, Lincolnshire’s “forgotten” poet and writer, alongside a celebration of writers and poets inspired by the Lincolnshire landscape and its people. Music meets storytelling as Loretta, doyenne of Lincolnshire Dialect, brings her “Linkisheere chitter n’ jabber” to life with folk duo Nige and Teri. And The Bookshop Band will perform at Caistor Town Hall – a gig endorsed by none other than Pete Townshend himself. For some calm, retreat into one of Wolds WordFest’s bookshop cafés. Share your favourite reads, join a silent reading session, or relax with a good book in good company. Most Wolds WordFest events are free, but some require advance booking to manage numbers.   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarz

Motorbikes, meals, and muddy mayhem roll into Grimsthorpe Castle this July

April Lara
-
0
Motorbikes, meals, and muddy mayhem roll into Grimsthorpe Castle this July

Lincolnshire’s Grimsthorpe Castle will again host the Malle Mile festival from 18 to 20 July, blending fast bikes, wild races, and lifestyle flair in one eclectic summer weekender.

Now in its 11th year, the event brings back crowd favourites like the original 1/8-mile Sprint, the uphill battle of the Hill Climb, and the Malle500 – a one-mile off-road race with a Le Mans-style running start. The action doesn’t stop there: the festival also features quirky contests like Motopolo, the Malle-Go-Round, and the Scramble, along with trials, knockouts, and vintage displays.

For those looking to ride, race, or roam, there are off-road zones for kids and adults, including the Open Scramble, a 10km free-ride loop, and expert-led training sessions with Desert Rose Racing. Four-wheel fans can tackle the 15km 4×4 Safari Scramble.

The festival isn’t just about fuel and dirt, there’s an onsite cinema, yoga, wild swimming, test rides, workshops, and an expanded food and music lineup. A new Thursday pre-party promises early camping, cocktails, and courtyard DJ sets. For a slower pace, ticket-holders can book The Mile Feast, a shared three-course dining experience with wine pairings under the stars.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Jeff B/peopleimages.com

Smart bus displays start popping up across North Lincolnshire

April Lara
-
0
Smart bus displays start popping up across North Lincolnshire

Bus stops in North Lincolnshire are getting a tech upgrade, with new digital displays being installed to make catching the bus a little easier. These screens display live arrival times, full timetables, and alerts for service changes, reducing guesswork for passengers.

The first 49 displays are rolling out across towns and villages, including Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, Epworth, Broughton, Barrow-upon-Humber, and Haxey. Each unit is battery-powered, using low-energy e-paper technology, and features both 13- and 23-inch screen sizes. They’re also equipped with text-to-speech functionality, making the information accessible for visually impaired passengers.

The project is funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and is part of a broader initiative to enhance public transportation infrastructure across the region. More displays are expected in the coming months as part of the first phase.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council
123...101Page 2 of 101