Gainsborough's WordFest celebrated creativity, stories and community

The popular annual festival featured authors, performers, poets, artists and community groups, with storytelling, theatre, books, workshops, heritage tours, live performances and creative activities taking place across Gainsborough.

Events took place on Saturday, September 12, at venues across the town, including Gainsborough Market Place, Gainsborough Library, Trinity Arts Centre, United Reformed Church, All Saints’ Parish Church, The Old Nick Theatre, Café Walton, Gainsborough Old Hall and Trading Cards Gainsborough.

Visitors enjoyed a varied programme of author talks, storytelling, performances, workshops, heritage activities, exhibitions and family-friendly events. They were also able to take part in a special crime scene geocache adventure around the town, courtesy of Dany Green of Sherlock Bone.

The festival offered activities for all ages, from creative workshops and live performances to sessions celebrating books, poetry, local history and imagination.

Young people, local groups, artists and writers helped bring the programme to life throughout the day at community, cultural and heritage venues across Gainsborough.

Hollie, aged 10, who attended WordFest, said: "I really enjoyed WordFest because there were lots of fun things to do. It was exciting to see so much happening around Gainsborough."

Coun Owen Bierley, chairman of the Thriving Council Committee at West Lindsey District Council, said: "Gainsborough WordFest was a wonderful celebration of creativity, storytelling and community.

"It was fantastic to see such a varied programme take place across the town, encouraging people of all ages to get involved, try something new and enjoy everything Gainsborough has to offer.

"Events like WordFest show the important role culture plays in bringing people together, supporting our town centres and celebrating the creativity that thrives across West Lindsey."

Kate Giffen, Cultural Development manager at West Lindsey District Council, said: "We were delighted to welcome residents and visitors to Gainsborough for a day full of stories, performances and shared experiences. WordFest continues to grow as a celebration of reading, writing and creativity, and this year’s programme offered something for all ages and interests.

"Thank you to all the venues, artists, authors, performers, traders, partners and visitors who helped make the event such a success."