The event, staged at Jubilee Park, comprised a weekend of culture, literary magic, creative workshops, imagination and wonder that inspired people of all ages.
Annette Sharp, fundraising and events lead at the park, beamed: “It was magical and really enjoyable. We are now committed to developing the festival for future years.”
The festival kicked off with an appearance last Friday by performance-poet, actor, musician and entrepreneur Sonny Green, who was a finalist in this year’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ TV show.
Supported by Lincoln-based musician Charlie Allibone, Sonny performed his unique blend of spoken-word and songs in the beautiful setting of the park gardens during the evening.
And this followed a daytime session when he wowed local schoolchildren, encouraging them to develop their love of English and creativity. Annette says he inspired one girl, a young budding writer, so much that she described it as “the best day of my life”.
The festival got into full swing on Saturday and Sunday with a host of free events, featuring authors, poets and performers, as part of a programme carefully crafted to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
Highlights included a charming performance by the Stardust theatre group, of Lincoln, for young adults with complex additional needs. Annette described this as “beautiful and joyful”.
The jewel in the crown on Sunday was the showing, on a rolling loop, of ‘The Flight Of Millicent Stanley’, a delightful, immersive animation inside the park’s new white dome. A total of 220 people marvelled at that during the day.
As well as the dome, events were staged at the pub in the park/bandstand, the woodland garden, the sensory garden and the Straw Bale Theatre area within the new park. The local community singing group, The Singing Lounge, proved a big hit, while open mic sessions on Saturday evening unveiled an array of unsung talent.
Outdoor theatre included ‘Life At The Lido’, which was appropriate considering the park’s heated lido, while The Book Fayre, Woodhall Spa’s specialist book shop, also played a leading role at the festival.
Check out our photos from the festival below.
1. Laughs with Linduur Lashes
Author and poet Linduur Lashes, who is from Wragby, graced the festival with her wit and unique style. Photo: Iconic Media
2. Star of 'Britain's Got Talent'
Sonny Green, a finalist in this year's 'Britain's Got Talent' TV show, was the star attraction at the festival. He inspired local schoolchildren and then performed a show of his own. Photo: Submitted
3. Electric animation
Neil Baker, director of the Lincoln-based Electric Egg organisation, was the creator of 'The Flight Of Millicent Stanley', an immersive animation that as shown in Jubilee Park's new white dome.. Photo: Iconic Media
4. Fun with a 'statue'
Seven-year-old Isaac Bouic, of Horsington, has a bit of fun with a 'living statue' performer at the Woodhall Spa festival. Photo: Iconic Media