Heart of Lincs Newsletter - October 2023

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Riverlight 2023 is almost here!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the highly anticipated RiverLight Festival returns from 14th-21st October! After the resounding success of its inaugural event in March 2022, this year promises to be even more spectacular, celebrating Sleaford's rich culture, heritage, and the beating heart of the town, the River Slea.

Riverlight 2023 poster

RiverLight Festival isn't just an event; it's a heartfelt tribute to Sleaford itself. This vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity weaves through the town, inviting you to explore its people, history, stories and unique spaces.

As you embark on a creative journey through town, you'll discover four distinct zones where artists, businesses, schools, and community groups have collaborated to create captivating projects and artworks. Whether you're an active participant or an enchanted observer, the festival invites everyone to be part of this immersive experience.

Join us at RiverLight Festival 2023, where you'll witness Sleaford's vibrant culture come alive through captivating art installations, live performances, and a welcoming community. 

You can download the Riverlight Festival programme here


Lincolnshire Day - Sunday 1st October

Lincolnshire Day bunting

Looking for the perfect way to honour our beautiful county this Lincolnshire Day? Here are some ideas for places to explore for a peek at Lincolnshire past:

🏡 Mrs Smith's Cottage - Step back in time and explore the charming home of a treasured Navenby local.

🚢 Navigation House - Dive into our waterway heritage and learn about the vital role of the Slea Navigation in shaping our district's history.

✈️ Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum - Take flight and celebrate the aviation history that soars through the skies.

🌊 Cogglesford Watermill - Embrace the serenity of a traditional mill on the riverside as they celebrate Autumn with tasters and recipes.

🚂 North Ings Farm Museum & Railway - Join the volunteer team for their last open day of 2023.

You can find more places to visit, walks & trails and places to eat, drink & stay on our website. ❤️ 


Spooky Activities this October

Doddington Pumpkin Patch

This October, get ready for a spine-tingling month of Halloween fun in North Kesteven! From family-friendly activities to eerie adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Doddington Hall: Take your pick of the Doddington Pumpkin Patch this October and enjoy spooky storytelling and pumpkin recipes! Keep your eyes peeled for a golden-bottomed pumpkin...

Widdershins Witch Hunt: Join the Widdershins Witch Hunt for a bewitchingly good time. Follow the trail, solve riddles, and uncover the secret code. A perfect activity for mystery enthusiasts and families!

NavenBEEs Toddler Club: Little ones will have a blast at NavenBEEs Toddler Club. With a Halloween twist, expect spooky crafts, songs and rhymes. It's a safe and fun way to introduce your toddlers to the magic of Halloween.

Duckling Disco Spook-tacular: Don't miss the Duckling Disco Spook-tacular – a dance party like no other! Dress up in your scariest costumes and groove to hauntingly good music. Fun for all ages!

Halloween Weekend at Heckington Windmill: Discover the spooky side of history at Heckington Windmill. Explore the mill, take part in ghostly activities, and learn about Halloween traditions from the past.

North Kesteven is the place to be this October for a hauntingly good time. Don't miss out on these fantastic Halloween activities that promise thrills and chills for all ages!


Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards

Thursday 12th October sees the Award Ceremony for the 2023 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards, of which we're proud sponsors.

Dest Lincoln Tourism Awards

It's great to see some North Kesteven finalists, including The Burrow Escape, Queen's Head Bar & Restaurant, Clarke's Farm, Cogglesford Watermill and Mrs Smith's Cottage.

Very best luck to all of the finalists, and a big thank you to all who make the Heart of Lincs such a wonderful place to visit. You can find the full list of finalists here.


Get Ready for Magic Tenner this October in Sleaford

Magic Tenner

Exciting news for all the savvy shoppers out there! Business NK is bringing you the Magic Tenner event this October 7th-21st, where you can bag incredible bargains that won't break the bank.

Join the Business NK group on Facebook to stay in the loop and discover where to find the best deals in Sleaford. From local boutiques to hidden gems, businesses will be offering fantastic products and services for just a tenner.

Don't miss out on this magical shopping experience; get ready to shop smart, support local businesses, and treat yourself without the financial tricks!


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 Georgia W for this month's photo of the battle reenactment at Septmber's Viking Festival in Threekingham.


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

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


October Events and Activities

cogglesford framed with trees

Throughout October

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

Widdershins Witch Hunt: Sleaford


Sunday 1 October

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

Open Day: North Ings Farm Museum & Railway, 10am-4:30pm

Harvest Festival at the Mill: Cogglesford Watermill, 12-4pm


Tuesday 3 October

Simply Social Coffee Morning: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 10am-12pm


Wednesday 4 October

Art Group: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 9:30am-12pm


Friday 6 October

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

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


Saturday 7 October

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

Lincolnshire Arts & Crafts Exhibition: Whisby Natural World Centre, 9:30am-4:30pm

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

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

Workshop - Harvestmen: Whisby Nature Park, 1-4:30pm


Sunday 8 October

Lincolnshire Arts & Crafts Exhibition: Whisby Natural World Centre, 9:30am-4:30pm

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


Tuesday 10 October

Simply Social Coffee Morning: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 10am-12pm


Wednesday 11 October

Art Group: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 9:30am-12pm


Friday 13 October

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

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


Saturday 14 October

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

1685 Early Music Concert: St Denys Church, Sleaford, 7pm


Tuesday 17 October

Simply Social Coffee Morning: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 10am-12pm


Wednesday 18 October

Art Group: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 9:30am-12pm


Thursday 19 October

Talk - The Witham, Lincolnshire's River: Whisby Education Centre, 7:30-9:30pm


Friday 20 October

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

Make Do & Mend Washday: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 12pm-3:30pm

Oktoberfest: Leadenham Village Hall, 8pm onwards


Saturday 21 October

Riverlight 2023: Sleaford

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

"Dig For Victory!" Family Activity Day: IBCC, 10:30am-3:30pm

Make Do & Mend Washday: Mrs Smith's Cottage,12pm-3:30pm

Sir Frank Whittle Concert Series: Band of the RAF College: St George's Academy, Sleaford, 2pm-5pm


Sunday 22 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Make Do & Mend Washday: Mrs Smith's Cottage,12pm-3:30pm


Monday 23 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Make Do & Mend Washday: Mrs Smith's Cottage,12pm-3:30pm


Tuesday 24 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Simply Social Coffee Morning: Silk Willoughby Village Hall,10am-12pm

Half Term Family Activities: Hub, Sleaford, 10am-2pm


Wednesday 25 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Art Group: Silk Willoughby Village Hall, 9:30am-12pm

Duckling Disco Spook-tacular: Whisby Natural World Centre, 1pm-3pm

Student Whittling & Wellbeing Workshop: Whisby Nature Park, 4:30pm-6pm

Battle of Britain: The Hardest Day: Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, 7pm


Thursday 26 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Pirates and Soldiers of the Caribbean: IBCC Lecture & Supper Series, 6:30-9:30pm


Friday 27 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm


Saturday 28 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Halloween Weekend: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm

History Tours: Cogglesford Watermill, 12-4pm

Mrs Smith's Birthday Tea Party: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 12pm-3:30pm

Workshop: Owl and Other Bird Pellets: Whisby Nature Park, 1pm-4:30pm


Sunday 29 October

Whisby Fungi Spotter Trail: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-6pm

Halloween Weekend: Heckington Windmill, 11am-4pm


Tuesday 31 October

Simply Social Coffee Morning: Silk Willoughby Village Hall,10am-12pm