Heart of Lincs Newsletter - September 2023

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Heritage Open Days: Creativity Unleashed, 8th-17th September

Heritage Open Days 2023 in Lincolnshire, themed ‘Creativity Unwrapped’, promises an exciting journey into the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days 2023

From September 8th to 17th, this annual event invites visitors to explore the hidden gems and historical treasures that define Lincolnshire's heritage, all while celebrating the creative forces that have shaped the county.

This year's event is a vibrant fusion of history, arts, and culture, encompassing literature, art, music and drama. A diverse range of heritage sites will open their doors to the public, offering guided tours and immersive experiences. Local artists, musicians, and performers will breathe life into these historic settings through exhibitions, live performances, and interactive workshops.

‘Creativity Unwrapped’ promises an unforgettable ten days celebrating the enduring influence of creativity on the county's past, present, and future, inviting all to discover and be inspired by Lincolnshire's captivating heritage.

You can collect a Heritage Open Days brochure from any of the NKDC visitor venues - Mrs Smith's Cottage, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Navigation House, Cogglesford Watermill and more.

For a digital copy of the brochure or to search for events near you, visit the Heritage Open Days website.


Threekingham Viking Festival

Viking Festival

Threekingham Viking Festival

The Threekingham Viking Festival is set to be a thrilling and culturally enriching event that brings the spirit of the Viking age to life, as part of Heritage Open Days 2023.

Bring the family and spend a weekend invading Threekingham with the Great Heathen Army of 300+ Vikings, to experience the origins of our Danelaw heritage.

The Vikings will recreate the Battle of Stow from 870 AD, where they fought with Anglo Saxon defenders – after defeat on the first day, the invaders returned for a rematch and left in triumph!

Funded through North Kesteven District Council and the UKSPF Shared Prosperity Fund, this festival offers visitors a captivating journey into the past. From September 15th to 17th, the village transforms into a Viking settlement, complete with historical reenactments, encampments, and immersive experiences.

The festival serves not only as an entertaining spectacle but also as an educational opportunity; in the Church there will be a programme of free lectures sponsored by the Viking Society for Northern Research, as well as an archaeological dig for visitors to experience the thrill of discovering and identifying artefacts.

See you there!


A Weekend of Classic Cars, Bikes, Planes and Canal Art!

wings and wheels

IBCC Wings and Wheels

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of entertainment in Lincolnshire that promises something for everyone! On Saturday 2nd, immerse yourself in the world of art and culture at Navigation House with their Canal Art Workshop. Enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship displayed along the historic waterways, bringing the canal's history to life.

Just a stone's throw away, the Sleaford Classic Car and Motorcycle Show will rev into action. Admire a dazzling array of classic cars and motorcycles and indulge in a nostalgic journey through automotive history.

And the weekend continues to rev up on Sunday 3rd with the International Bomber Command Centre's ‘Wings and Wheels’ event. Witness vintage aircraft soaring through the skies while classic cars gleam on the ground. With thrilling displays and activities for all ages, this is an event that aviation and automobile enthusiasts won't want to miss.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with art, history and horsepower, right here in the Heart of Lincs!


Feature in our newsletter header

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Have you taken a beautiful photo of the district that you'd like to share?

Email heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk with your favourite photo and you could feature in our next newsletter.

Thanks to Cogglesford Watermill for their image of visitors enjoying cake at their August Bake Off event!



September Events and Activities

cogglesford framed with trees

Throughout September

Exhibitions, Workshops, Clubs and Dance Programme: Hub-Sleaford

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

A Tale of Two Apprentices Exhibition: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Fri-Mon, 10am-2:30pm

Museum of Memory Exhibition: Mrs Smith's Cottage, Fri-Mon, 12pm-4pm

Summer of Imagination: Doddington Hall, Daily, 10am-4pm

Whisby on the Wing: Summer Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 9am-6pm (ends 4th Sept)

Heritage Open Days 2023: Friday 8 - Sunday 17 September


Saturday 2 September

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Market Place, 9am-2pm

Canal Art Workshop: Navigation House, 10am-2pm

Junior Wardens: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-12:30pm

Sleaford Classic Car & Bike Show: Lafford Terrace, 10:30-4pm

Steaming & Milling Day: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm


Sunday 3 September

Ruskington Farmer & Craft Market: Village Hall, 10am-2pm

Wings and Wheels: IBCC, 10am-4pm


Monday 4 September

Make-It Mondays: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, 10am-2pm


Friday 8 September

Little Bumbles Forest School: Sleaford/Ruskington Woodland, 10am-12pm


Saturday 9 September

Wildlife Watch: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-11:30am

Brick Lincs: Lincoln Christ Hospital School, 10am-5pm

Nature Tots: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-11:30am


Sunday 10 September

Brick Lincs: Lincoln Christ Hospital School, 10am-5pm

Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-3:30pm


Friday 15 September

Little Bumbles Forest School: Sleaford/Ruskington Woodland, 10am-12pm

NavenBEEs Toddler Club: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 11am-12pm


Saturday 16 September

Threekingham Viking Festival

Pop-Up Activity: Animals of Bomber Command: IBCC, 11am-3pm

Apple Day: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 1pm-3pm


Sunday 17 September

Threekingham Viking Festival


Friday 22 September

Little Bumbles Forest School: Sleaford/Ruskington Woodland, 10am-12pm


Saturday 23 September

Sleaford Repair Cafe: Riverside Church, 12:30-3pm


Sunday 24 September

Harvest Family Fun Day: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm

South Wales Male Voice Choir: IBCC, 2pm


Friday 29 September

Little Bumbles Forest School: Sleaford/Ruskington Woodland, 10am-12pm


Saturday 30 September

History Tours at Cogglesford Watermill: 12pm-3pm


Have an event for our 'What's On' calendar?

Send us an email: heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk