Family-friendly entertainment at summer arts events in Spilsby and Horncastle

The programme is being delivered by Sessions Arts, which covers the whole of the East Lindsey district but is based at Spilsby Sessions House on Church Street.

The aim is to bring live performances, street theatre and vibrant creative experiences to towns throughout the district.

Supported by Arts Council England, the East Lindsey Investment Fund and the town councils of Spilsby and Horncastle, the programme will celebrate local culture while creating new opportunities for communities, artists and visitors alike.

A spokesperson said: “The initiative aims to strengthen community pride and social connection by making high-quality cultural experiences more accessible across the region.

"Through bold and engaging programming, Sessions Arts will animate town centres and public spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

"Alongside its cultural impact, the programme will provide meaningful employment, collaboration and professional development opportunities for artists, performers and creatives working across Lincolnshire and beyond, supporting the continued growth of the region’s creative economy.

"There will also be investment in new event equipment, development of new creative commissions for festive celebrations and a major launch event for Spilsby Sessions House in 2027.”

Highlights of this summer’s programme will include the ‘Thngmabob’ show with Matt Pang and a community scarecrow project with artist Rose Croft at the Buttercross car park in Spilsby town centre on Saturday, July 4 (10 am to 3 pm).

On Saturday, August 1 (10 am to 3 pm), Spilsby will also host a performance of ‘Madame Zucchini’, complete with vegetable craft workshops, a horse decor drop-in workshop with Lumo and walkabout appearances from the Rhubarb Theatre.

And then a variety of family-friendly arts activities, music, performances, trails and a procession will take place at the annual Horncastle Horse Fair, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 8 in the town centre, at the community centre and within the grounds of Banovallum House.

Later in the year, on Saturday, September 5 (10 am to 3 pm), Mr Holly's Newton-o-Matic and Victorian-themed walkabout performances from Earthbound Misfits will grace Spilsby.

And on Saturday, October 3 (10 am to 3 pm, Spilsby will welcome walkabout performances from the Lincolnshire-based company Feasible Ferret.

Bruce Knight, director of Sessions Arts, said: "We are delighted to have received funding from Arts Council England and the East Lindsey Investment Fund. We would like to say a huge thankyou to both of them for believing in what we are trying to achieve.

"Our continued work, also supported by the SO Festival and the town councils of Horncastle and Spilsby, aims to encourage more residents and visitors to experience outdoor arts in our region and, at the same time, it strengthens the local creative community.

"We hope people will get involved and come and enjoy our events. For full details, go to the Sessions Arts Facebook page.”