Sessions Arts is set to deliver an exciting new arts programme across East Lindsey in 2026-27, bringing live performance, street theatre, and vibrant creative experiences to market towns throughout the district.
Funding and Partners
Supported by Arts Council England, the East Lindsey Investment Fund, SO Festival, Vital and Viable East Lindsey, and the Town Councils of Spilsby and Horncastle, the programme will celebrate local culture while creating new opportunities for communities, artists, and visitors alike.
Programme Highlights
Highlights of the programme include dynamic performances and family-friendly entertainment for events such as Spilsby's 'Super Saturdays' and Horncastle Horse Fair. There will also be investment in new event equipment, development of new creative commissions for festive celebrations, and a major launch event for Spilsby Sessions House in 2027.
Community and Economic Impact
The initiative aims to strengthen community pride and social connection by making high-quality cultural experiences more accessible across the region. Through bold and engaging programming, Sessions Arts will animate town centres and public spaces in East Lindsey Market Towns for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
Alongside its cultural impact, the programme will also provide meaningful employment, collaboration, and professional development opportunities for artists, performers, and creatives working across Lincolnshire and beyond, supporting the continued growth of the region's creative economy.
Summer 2025 Programme
The summer programme includes:
- Saturday, July 4, 10am-3pm, Spilsby: 'Thngmabob' show with Matt Pang and a community scarecrow project with artist Rose Croft. Plus a VR experience from MBD.
- Saturday, August 1, 10am-3pm, Spilsby: 'Madame Zucchini' performance with vegetable craft workshops, horse decor drop-in workshop with Lumo workshop, walkabout appearances from the Rhubarb Theatre, and a VR experience from MBD.
- Saturday, August 8, Horncastle Horse Fair: Horncastle Town Centre, Community Centre, and grounds of Banovallum House. This community and heritage festival, inspired by an 800-year-old historic charter, features a variety of family-friendly arts activities, music, performances, trails, a procession, and real horses.
- Saturday, September 5, 10am-3pm, Spilsby: Mr Holly's Newton-o-Matic and Victorian-themed walkabout performances from Earthbound Misfits.
- Saturday, October 3, 10am-3pm, Spilsby: Walkabout performances from Lincolnshire company Feasible Ferret, and more to be announced.
Director's Statement
Bruce Knight, Director of Sessions Arts, said: "Sessions Arts is absolutely delighted to have received funding from Arts Council England and the East Lindsey Investment Fund. We would like to say a huge thank you to both of them for believing in what we are trying to achieve."
"Our continued work, also supported by the SO Festival, Story Tellers, and the Town Councils of Horncastle and Spilsby, aims to encourage more residents and visitors to experience outdoor arts in our region, and at the same time strengthens the local creative community. We really hope people will get involved and come and enjoy our events!"
To find out more, visit Sessions Arts social pages: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552467846176
