Victory in Europe’s 80th anniversary will be marked in Grantham with a celebration at Grantham House, a flag raising, a tea dance and a beacon lighting in Wyndham Park.
Organiser South Kesteven District Council is also inviting communities to stage their own events as part of the national commemoration.
The Grantham House celebration on 4th May will also illustrate the council’s Soldiers from the Sky project, made possible by National Lottery players, telling how locally-based Allied paratroopers contributed to the end of the war.
The free event, from 10am to 4pm, will include memorabilia displays from historic airfields and two local wartime air crashes, WWII jeeps and military re-enactors, teas on the lawn, Chapel House pizza, music and bookable military heritage talks in the morning and afternoon.
On Thursday 8th May, VE Day itself, events start with a flag raising on St Peter’s Green at 9am.
In the afternoon the Guildhall Ballroom will host a tea dance to the sound of Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra with quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes and Latin numbers.
In the evening, Wyndham Park will host military exhibits in the Visitor Centre, with the park café open, plus music and dancing from Grantham School of Dance and tours of the Heroes Commemorative Orchard in the build up to the beacon lighting at 9.30pm.
Cllr Phil Dilks, South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, said: “We are delighted to celebrate such a milestone in our country’s history as part of the national commemoration and extremely grateful to the National Trust for hosting this event at Grantham House.
“It’s vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms.”
Dr Henry Cutten, Local Partnerships Co-ordinator at Grantham House, said: “The National Trust is honoured to support this meaningful event. Grantham House will soon be opening with free entry, and our hope is that the property will become a special place for the community, somewhere they feel pride in and a sense of ownership for.
“Being part of events like this is a great step towards that ambition and we’d love to hear from any community groups hoping to host events in the future.”
Aled Jones set to share the stage with the Baths Hall Vocal Collective
Aled Jones will share the stage with a local choir on the latest leg of his one-man Full Circle tour.
Aled will be joined by the Baths Hall Vocal Collective on the stage of Bath Halls, Scunthorpe, at his show there on May 10, 2025.
It is one of several times local choirs will share the stage with Aled on this tour, which returns to theatres on March 25.
The choirs will all join the Welsh star for a duet of How Great Art Thou in the second half of the show, in which Aled shares the stories and songs of his 40-year career.
Choirs have also been given the opportunity to perform their own music in the venue foyers ahead of the start of the show.
Aled said: “I have enjoyed a long and successful career, and it is a real privilege for me to be joined on the stage with a talented local choir. It will be a really special evening.”
The choir’s leader added: “We are so grateful and excited to perform with Aled on his tour. Opportunities to support such great artists like Aled is a real privilege for any group, especially for our lovely local vocal collective. It is wonderful how he is supporting and encouraging community choirs and we can’t wait to perform in the show.”
Aled needs little introduction; he was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling more than seven million albums, Aled was the original, classical crossover star. His recording of Walking in the Air, from the animated film The Snowman, firmly established him as a household name and he has become an integral part of the nation’s festivities.
Equally at home on the classical stage, or starring in musical theatre productions in London’s West End, his credits include lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. He is an award-winning television broadcaster and radio presenter who’s interviewed hundreds of A-List stars over the years. He heads up BBC’s Songs of Praise and his own Saturday and Sunday morning shows on Classic FM.
Lincolnshire gin business ceases production
After almost six years selling gin across Lincolnshire and beyond, The Gentlemen Distillers has ceased production and is in the process of selling off the last of its stock of award-winning gins and liqueurs.
While things are still selling well, the business has decided that “the time has come to call it a day and move to pastures new.”
Having attended events across the county including brass band weekends at Butlins, The Lincolnshire, Revesby and Heckington Shows, Lincoln Christmas Market, and a number of events further afield, The Gentlemen Distillers said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years whether it be by being regular customers, stocking us in their shops, or simply buying a single bottle once and enjoying it.
“It’s been fun, but we are looking forward now to getting back to drinking gin instead of making it!”
Park busking festival comes to Grantham
A celebration of music, sound and colour will take over a Grantham park on Saturday 9th August.
The event, at Wyndham Park, will welcome street entertainers of all kinds, from musicians and performers to displays and demonstrations.
The hope is that the gathering will become a regular part of the town’s cultural calendar.
Busking spots must be booked in advance by contacting South Kesteven District Council’s Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis by email at alison.lewis@southkesteven.gov.uk for an application form.
Alison said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming a wide range of musicians and performers who can provide a fun experience for everyone visiting our award-winning park. From the interest shown so far, we’re already guaranteed to be captivated by the melodies, dazzled by performances and swept away by the energy of the event!
“This experience is the result of public demand and is also something called for in our regular surveys of what people would like to see in Wyndham Park.
“The atmosphere at our regular events here is always amazing and we know people really appreciate live music and the way it lifts the mood and makes for a more enjoyable day out.
“With Grantham Market also booming, it’s another reason to add the town to every family’s list for a great day out.
“So, hold the date of Saturday, 9th August, get busking on your calendars and come along!”
Owner fined for failing to maintain historic Boston property
The owner of a listed building has been prosecuted by Boston Borough Council after failing to carry out essential maintenance on the historic property, following warnings and a legal notice.
The English Heritage listed property, located at 65A-67 Wide Bargate in Boston, had fallen into a state of disrepair that caused concerns for its long-term safety and turned it into an eyesore in the local area.
Contact was made by the council to the building’s owner in December 2023, asking for necessary improvements to be made to safeguard the building and enhance its appearance.
No works were undertaken, and in June 2024 the council issued a legal notice under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, specifying the work that was considered necessary and setting a timescale for it to be completed by October of that year.
Despite this formal notice, no works were undertaken, and the owner failed to engage further with the council, leading to the need for legal action to be taken.
The case was heard at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 March, where the owner was found guilty in her absence and imposed a fine of £660, along with a victim surcharge of £264 and an award of £350 in costs to the council, making a total amount payable of £1,274.
The owner of the property is also still required to carry out the necessary renovations to the property, with the council able to take further legal action if this does not occur.
A Boston Borough Council spokesperson said: “Boston’s historic buildings form a key part of the town’s character, and we are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure they are maintained and managed in a way that preserves them and prevents them from becoming a blight on the community.
“Our planning enforcement team has worked over a prolonged period to engage with this property owner to make sure the required works were carried out, but unfortunately were left with no choice but to pursue legal proceedings to see action taken.
“We are pleased to see the court find in the council’s favour, and hope that these important renovations will now get underway to bring this listed property back to the state it should be.”
Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony
Scunthorpe school expands to meet demand
A new nursery is to be introduced at Priory Lane Community School in Scunthorpe to meet increasing demand for funded early years education, for three-and four-year-olds.
North Lincolnshire Council has approved plans to accommodate up to 15 (full time equivalent) places for nursery aged children within its existing foundation class, ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to reception.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “This is fantastic news for local families, and I look forward to more children getting the opportunity of the best possible start in their education.
“Expanding nursery places means more children will have access to high-quality early learning, helping to build strong foundations for their future success and is something that I am very pleased to support.
“Most importantly, this expansion will give more children the opportunity to develop essential early learning skills, preparing them for a smooth and confident transition into primary education within their own community.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/highwaystarz
An April full of activities as Burghley bursts with life and excitement
Whether it’s family adventures at Hide & Secrets, an Easter Sunday Treasure Hunt, exploring 500 years of history inside the house, or discovering outdoor art that celebrates nature & well-being, Burghley is bursting with life and excitement inside and out, with something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Hide & Secrets Adventure Play
Open daily, from 10am-5pm, an Easter mission awaits for woodland explorers and secret spies at Burghley’s Hide & Secrets Adventure Play. Pick up a free Spymaster’s Guide on arrival and take on special spy missions across fun-packed play zones, woodland trails and The Hidden Towers.
Easter Egg Treasure Hunt
On 20 April (10am-5pm), one of Burghley’s most popular events of the year returns. On Easter Sunday hunt for hidden clues throughout the Sculpture Garden, solve the puzzle, and claim a delicious chocolate egg from Burghley’s Easter Bunny.
Craft Workshops
From 7-11 and 14-17 April (12pm-3.30pm), join Easter-themed Craft Workshops, where you’ll be guided step by step in crafting your own Easter creation.
Beastly Boring Tours
On 7-10, 12, and 14-17 April (9.30am-10.30am), enjoy history with a twist. These engaging, costume-guided tours bring Burghley’s stories to life for younger visitors. Discover quirky, curious and surprising tales from the past 500 years.
Family Friendly Food
Whether you’re after a quick bite or a relaxed lunch, there’s something for everyone. The Muddy Mole, at the heart of Adventure Play, serves takeaway lunch boxes and drinks ideal for families on the go. For something more leisurely, the Garden Cafe offers light lunches and snacks, while the Orangery Restaurant features a seasonal menu with plenty of tasty options for children.
And Amo La Pizza is back for Easter, from 5-18 April (11am-4pm, 2pm on Fridays), serving at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play. Renowned for their artisan wood-fired pizzas, Amo La Pizza are a Burghley favourite, back serving from their converted horsebox.
Botanic Tapestry: ‘An Artistic Bridge to Nature’
A vibrant display of botanical flags, inspired by Burghley’s historic collections and flourishing gardens, is at South Gardens until 21 April (closed on 11 April) and at the Sculpture Garden from 26 April, exploring the connection between art, nature, and history. Designed to uplift and inspire, it’s a celebration of creativity and wellbeing in a beautiful setting.
South Gardens Spring Opening
Open daily until 21 April (closed on 11 April), from 10am-5pm, the seasonal displays in the South Gardens never fail to disappoint. Stroll through sweeping displays of spring bulbs and vibrant colour, all framed by views across the Parkland, Lake and beyond.
Visit Burghley House
Open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm (closed on Fridays), step inside one of the grandest houses in England; a magical home of magnificent State Rooms, awe-inspiring artworks, priceless treasures and centuries of stories.
Treasury Exhibition: ‘Flowers in Art’
Open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm (closed on Fridays), Flowers in Art invites you to explore a beautiful collection of books, woodwork, porcelain, and ceramics, all featuring intricate floral details through marquetry, inlay, and weaving.
Churches Festival set to welcome visitors in West Lindsey
West Lindsey’s 2025 Churches Festival will celebrate the rich architecture and heritage, tranquillity and spirituality, of the area’s churches.
Paul Howitt-Cowan, one of the organisers of the festival, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to our beautiful county. One hundred churches will be opening their doors to visitors during two weekends in May and we are even including a few neighbouring churches across the border in North Lincolnshire as well!”
On 10th & 11th May churches will fling open their doors in the west of West Lindsey. Tower tours at St Andrew’s, Kirton in Lindsey, a family friendly ‘mouse hunt’ at St Genewys, Scotton, and Viking Graffiti at the cruciform Anglo-Saxon Minster church of St Mary at Stow, are amongst the activities on offer.
Travel across the Lincolnshire border to Epworth, birthplace of Methodism, to visit the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, built as a lasting memorial to John Wesley, considered the father of Methodism and his brother Charles, composer of over 6,500 hymns.
Highlights during week two, on 17th & 18th May, in the east of West Lindsey, include ‘Value it, Flog it’ at St Edmund’s, Riby, where you can receive expert advice on your treasured items. St Peter and St Paul, Middle Rasen enjoy ‘Holiday Memories’, Holy Rood, Market Rasen celebrate ‘angels’ and St John the Baptist, Nettleton depict the ‘Colours of The Rainbow’ through vibrant floral decorations.
West Lindsey churches also showcase their communities’ histories through the ages. As well as delightful 14th-15th century pew ends, Ulceby St Nicholas has a rood screen linked to nearby Thornton Abbey. Hainton, St Mary’s, remembers the Heneage Family through its collection of nationally important monuments, spanning five centuries from brass memorials of 1435 to modern day memorials of 1954. 11th century Glentworth, St Michael shares its links to the Mayflower Pilgrims that sailed to American from Boston.
All Saints, Tealby displays information of the village links with Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. And Scampton, St John the Baptist proudly recognises its close association with the RAF, with windows dedicated to personnel from RAF Scampton and 617 Squadron and interactive screens exploring the lives of people buried in the miliary and war graves in the churchyard.
Some churches open for you to take time out from the busy pace of life. The small wooden St John the Divine, Southrey invites just that, whilst also serving strawberries and cream. And there are plenty of other churches offering tempting cakes and refreshments.
Paul summed up what the festival means to the communities in West Lindsey and said: “We know many people visit year after year and for that we thank you for your support in making this one of the biggest and best Churches Festivals in Europe. Not only are you supporting our church heritage, you are also supporting many of our small villages.”
Image: St Michael’s Church in Buslingthorpe (Push Creativity)
900 years of the Boston May Fair celebrated
The May Fair 900 Exhibition has opened at Boston Guildhall, inviting visitors to explore the 900-year history of one of England’s oldest and most cherished fairs.
This unique exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the centuries, uncovering how the Boston May Fair has evolved from its medieval roots to the vibrant event it is today. The exhibition will feature local historian Neil Watson’s photographs and artefacts, some dating back to the 1850s. Neil will also be giving a talk at the Guildhall on Saturday 26 April (1.30pm to 3pm) covering the Fair 1850-1920.
On Saturday 10 May the exhibition will close with the Boston Model Fairground Show and live entertainment in Beadsman’s Lane alongside the museum.
David Worthington, museum, events and venue officer at Boston Guildhall, said: “The May Fair has been a part of Boston’s story for centuries, and this exhibition is a fantastic way to help celebrate its incredible history. We’re delighted to invite people of all ages to step back in time and discover how this beloved fair has grown and changed over the last 900 years.”
Landmark Grimsby site snapped up
Hull-based commercial developer Wykeland Group has acquired a landmark site in Grimsby and announced new investment is on its way.
Wykeland has purchased the former Ramsdens Superstore site from the Grimsby-based retail and cash and carry business Ramsden Group and, as the new owner, will take the lead in rejuvenating it.
That has already begun with Wykeland announcing that, in a linked transaction, a deal has been agreed to sell part of the site to family-owned retailer Farmfoods, for the development of a new 15,000 sq ft store with car parking.
The sale of just over an acre of land to Farmfoods is subject to full planning permission for the new frozen food and groceries store. A planning application has been submitted and, if approved, the store is expected to create up to 15-20 new jobs.
Wykeland will retain the remaining 1.8 acres and explore opportunities to attract further investment and regeneration, while investing around £100,000 to improve the site, including structural repairs to a property fronting Cleethorpe Road.
Wykeland has also renamed the development as Ramsden Park, in tribute to the site’s history as the place where the Ramsden Group business was founded, with the opening of the Ramsdens store in 1946.
Ramsden Group and Wykeland have previously secured investment by coffee house chain Starbucks in a drive-thru and eat-in café on the corner of the site facing Cleethorpe Road and Park Street. The Starbucks facility has traded successfully for more than three years.
Now, with Farmfoods also coming on board, Wykeland is exploring further opportunities to revitalise the site.
Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re pleased to announce we have acquired the site from Ramsden Group and have also concluded a deal, subject to planning consent, to bring in new investment from one of the UK’s most popular food retailers.
“As well as supporting Farmfoods through the planning process, we’ll be investing in improvements on site and exploring further development opportunities.
“We’re committed to the regeneration of this important location on the main route between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and keen to hear from investors who would like to work with us to realise its potential.”
The site has existing planning approval for 65,000 sq ft of retail development, with units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. Wykeland will also consider other viable options for development.
Image: An aerial view of the former Ramsdens Superstore site in Grimsby. Wykeland Group has acquired the site and will now take the lead in rejuvenating it. Picture credit: Chris Frear
