Sleaford Town Council is working in a new partnership with local defibrillator charity SHOCK Sleaford to deliver this year's Sleaford Festival (formerly Sleaford Oktoberfest).

The annual event is back and the volunteer-run charity, who purchase, install, and maintain vital life-saving defibrillators throughout the NG34 postcode area, has teamed up with Sleaford Town Council to make it a bigger affair.

For the first time it will be free entry and a larger funfair with catering will fill the front field and will open from 5pm on Thursday and Friday September 17 and 18. On Saturday September 19, the rear field will host live music, entertainment, a licensed bar, hot and cold food, stalls and more.

Throughout the day there will be performances on stage from local choirs, dance and gymnastics groups, and bands including local favourite Charlie Russell.

Some of last year's SHOCK Sleaford volunteers a the festival. L-R Jasmin Slingsby, Michaela Stanford, Lisa Kyme and Sue Ogden.

placeholder image — Some of last year's SHOCK Sleaford volunteers a the festival. L-R Jasmin Slingsby, Michaela Stanford, Lisa Kyme and Sue Ogden.

There will also be circus workshops, face painters, stilt walkers and balloon making.

All money raised from the event goes back into the community, funding the installation and upkeep of the automated public access defibrillators in the town and surrounding area, as well as replacing children’s play equipment around the town.

A spokesperson for SHOCK Sleaford said: “Our aim is to give Sleaford and the surrounding villages as near to complete defibrillator coverage as possible. This is defined as all populated areas (both residential and business) being within 350 metres of a unit.”

The programme of music and entertainment on Saturday September 19 will start at 10am with circus entertainers, balloon modelling, character walks and face throughout the day.

Rock Choir performing at last year's Sleaford Festival.

Mayor of Sleaford Coun Dave Darmon and Town Crier John Griffiths will make a proclamation at 11am and then:

11.30am - Hands In Harmony – Inclusive British Sign Language choir made up of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing members.

12pm - Angels Dance Squad – Dance troupe specialising in baton twirling, pom, military freestyle and combination.

1pm - Take Note Choir – Local community choir, formed in 2018 to help support mental health.

2pm - Sleaford Gymnastics Club – Gymnastic displays in the arena.

3pm - Rock Choir – Bringing people together with music.

4pm - The Pilgrims Steel Band – Lincolnshire's newest, and only steel band.

5pm - The Coffee Club – Performing original material

6pm - Lenton-Tymens – Two of Lincolnshire’s award-winning solo singer song-writers unite to perform a mixture of each others songs and the odd cover.

7pm - Roll With The Punches – Talented young band, formed in October 2024.

8pm - Lord Fayrebank – Lincolnshire based duo.

9pm - Charlie Russell – Local artist Charlie Russell plays a mixture of upbeat covers and originals, with plenty to sing along and dance to. He has recently released a brand new album, The Breaking Down Hotel.