New festoon and feature lighting installed in time for Gainsborough's Illuminate festival

The new lighting scheme includes decorative festoon lights across the Market Place and Silver Street, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors and traders.

The evening heart projection highlights the regeneration that has taken place in the town centre, as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Following consultation, local people described the Market Place as the heart of the town, which led to the inspiration behind the installation at the entrance to Marshalls Walk. It connects the Market Place to the cinema and Marshall’s Yard.

In addition, a new illuminated Market Place sign draws attention and welcomes visitors to the Market Place.

Alongside CCTV coverage, the new scheme creates a brighter and more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and local businesses

Coun Jeannette McGhee, a ward member for Gainsborough welcomed the new features.

She said: “These new lights are a fantastic addition to the Market Place and really emphasise its importance as the heart of our town.

“Installing them in time for Illuminate is a wonderful way to showcase the improvements and encourage people to come together, support local businesses, and enjoy the town centre in a fresh new way.

“The enhanced lighting make the town centre look fantastic and we hope the improved atmosphere inspires even more people to rediscover the Market Place.”

The lighting improvements which have been funded through the Levelling Up Fund, form part of a wider £18 million programme of investment in Gainsborough’s Market Place.

This work is a continuation of recent improvements, including shopfront enhancements, new cinema and improved green spaces to improve the overall appearance and functionality of the area.

Sally Grindrod-Smith, director for Planning Regeneration and Communities said: “We are delighted to see the new lighting installations complete, marking another significant step in the regeneration of the town centre.

“The new heart projection celebrates the marketplace’s role as the historic heart of our town, and I am pleased it will be enjoyed by so many during our Illuminate festival this month.

“Alongside our existing CCTV coverage, the enhanced lighting helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone using the town centre both during the day and into the evening.”

Claire Hill, economic growth officer at West Lindsey District Council, said: “This investment is an important step in our wider ambition to grow Gainsborough as a destination, somewhere people want to visit, spend time and return to.

“With Illuminate just around the corner, it’s fantastic to showcase these improvements at an event that brings the whole community together.”

Together, these improvements aim to support local businesses, encourage footfall and create a more attractive and flexible space for markets, events and evening activity.

The new lights will be enjoyed during the Illuminate Festival on Saturday, February 21, in the Market Place in Gainsborough. This years’ theme is ‘Through The Window’ and promises a vibrant celebration of light, architecture, and community and everyone is invited.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 6pm to 8pm and will transform Gainsborough Old Hall and All Saints’ Parish Church into a glowing showcase of creativity and heritage. Visitors can expect a magical mix of installations and activities designed to inspire and delight.

The evening begins with the Lantern Parade at 6pm, where you can join local schools, community groups, and families, as they parade handcrafted lanterns through Gainsborough’s historic streets. Bring your own lantern or pick up free lights on the night.

Other highlights include a Fire Garden from 6.30pm to 8pm where you can experience a dramatic display of fire sculptures and performers illuminating the church grounds; Shadow-Puppet Stories and Workshops which will tell enjoy enchanting tales created by local schoolchildren, plus hands-on puppet-making sessions and Animated Projection – ‘There Be Monsters’ where visitors will see Gainsborough Old Hall come alive with a stunning animated visual projection.

There is still time to get involved and create your very own lantern for the Illuminate festival on Thursday, February 19, from 1pm to 3pm, at All Saints’ Parish Church. Come along to create and decorate a milk bottle lantern ready for the parade.

Illuminate 2026 is being delivered in partnership with All Saints' Parish Church and West Lindsey District Council, in collaboration with Lincolnshire County Council.

The project is possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough Town Council.