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The Sleaford and District Branch of The Royal British Legion invites you to mark VE Day 2025 with a full day of commemorative activities centred around the War Memorial on Sleaford Market Square on Thursday 8th May.
 Photo by John Aran
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9.00am – The day begins with the VE Day Proclamation, read by the Sleaford Town Crier, in unison with Town Criers across the UK. Wreaths will be respectfully laid at the War Memorial to honour those who served.
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6.30pm – The bells of St Denys’ Church will ring out in remembrance, followed by a short service led by Reverend Philip Johnson—a moment for the community to reflect together.
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9.30pm – Join us for Lamps of Peace, a national act of unity. Bring a torch or lamp (no real flames, please) to symbolise your support for peace. While Sleaford has no beacon, we stand alongside communities nationwide as beacons of remembrance light up the evening.
The deadline for making an application for a Veterans Badge to be presented at the Armed Forces Day Veterans Lunch on June 23 is May 16.
Anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces for any length of time, in any period, is eligible. Email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call the Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 to discuss.
Join Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum for an afternoon of music and remembrance as they mark VE Day with a special Tea and Music in the Courtyard event on Saturday 10 May, 12pm–3pm.
Enjoy the stirring sounds of Florentiner Brass as they perform live from midday, while you relax with a cup of tea and a homemade treat. This is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the spring air, honour the past, and experience the charm of this historic museum. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome—bring family, friends, and a sense of celebration.
Celebrate the heritage of milling during National Mills Weekend with a visit to Cogglesford Watermill in Sleaford.
On Saturday 10 May, the mill joins the nationwide Mills on the Air initiative, connecting with amateur radio operators across the country and sharing the story of this historic site. It's a great chance to see how local history is broadcast far and wide!
The highlight comes on Sunday 11 May on their Milling Day, when you can witness the watermill in action, grinding grain as it has for centuries. Adding to the atmosphere, the Clansband drummers will be drumming the mill into action, marching from 11.30am from Navigation House and along the riverside to Cogglesford. Entry is free, and it’s a great outing for families and history lovers alike.
Don't forget to also visit Heckington Windmill on 3–4 May, where the site joins the Sleaford Live Festival with live music, delicious food, and both the historic mill and 8 Sail Brewery open for visitors. It’s the perfect way to start the month and enjoy one of Lincolnshire’s most iconic landmarks.
May is a perfect time to visit Whisby Nature Park, with wildlife in full swing and the lakeside trails bursting with blossom and birdsong. Whether you're after a peaceful walk, wildlife spotting, or a chat over coffee at the visitor centre café, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Regular groups meet at Whisby throughout the month, including:
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Nature Tots – hands-on outdoor sessions for little explorers
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Wildlife Watch – young naturalists (ages 8–14) learn and discover together
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Volunteer Conservation Days – help care for the landscape while meeting like-minded locals
Don’t forget to stop by the Natural World Centre to explore the interactive exhibits, shop for eco-friendly gifts, or relax with lunch overlooking Thorpe Lake. Whether you stay for an hour or a whole afternoon, there’s something for all ages and interests.
This May marks a milestone for Sleaford Playhouse Theatre, as it's been 75 years since the very first play by Sleaford Little Theatre graced the stage. That debut production, Blithe Spirit, opened on 18 May 1950 and ran for three nights—its vintage poster still proudly displayed in the theatre cloakroom.
Fast forward to May 2025, and the spirits are still alive and well as the society presents Sand Castles, a light-hearted comedy full of seaside charm and classic British wit.
Opening night is 18th May - exactly 75 years to the day - and tickets are already on sale via the theatre’s website. Don’t miss this special celebration of community theatre and local talent!
Get ready for a packed June! RiverLight Festival returns to Sleaford from 14–21 June, with creative fringe events all week and a spectacular finale on Saturday 21 June celebrating local talent, art, and the town’s beautiful spaces.
The NK Walking Festival will be running from 14–29 June. Find more information here.
Also coming up: Find The Zone in Sleaford Market Place from 5-8 June, an award-winning youth space for 11–18 year olds, and Volunteers' Week (1–7 June) with chances to celebrate and get involved. Stay tuned for full details in our June newsletter.
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.
May's picture was taken by Visit Lincolnshire - a country view of Navenby.
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