Council festival showcases international, national and local performers.

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Three blue hippos dancing in front of children

A fantastic line up of entertainment came to West Lindsey District Council’s GO Festival at the weekend.

On Saturday 15 June, crowds flocked together despite the weather showing their support for loved ones, national and international performers by singing, dancing and laughing. 

For a second year running, the event was in collaboration with SO Festival in Skegness and Mablethorpe.

Chairman of the Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney said: 

“It was good to see the Market Place full of residents enjoying the entertainment of local schools, dance groups and international performers. We thank all those who have given up their time putting on the event and look forward to many more similar occasions.”

There was also a community stage which showcased some of the best local talent from West Lindsey which featured G-Town Dance Crew, Rhythm in Movement, and many more.

Helen Henderson from G-Town Dance Crew expressed how pleased she was with their show. She said: 

“The performance was amazing, and the audience participation was the best part. Our aim is to just have fun and we proved that.”

As previously reported, GO Festival saw five major acts from around the globe. Thingamabob by Matt Pang; Collection Day by Rhubarb Theatre; Get Lost by Joe Garbett Dance; Midsummer Carnival by Zodiac All Stars dance troupe; and a crowd favourite, Hippos by Zum Zum Teatre.

Sarah and Darcy enjoyed seeing the whole community come together. They said: 

“The rain didn’t stop us from dancing. I loved the diverse number of acts; it’s been fun and culturally rich. I love that we have brought in performers from the whole country to Gainsborough. The food and the free face painter were great and the parents will have appreciated that. There has been such a strong sense of community and it’s been a lovely day.”

The Hippos from Zum Zum Teatre said: 

“It’s special for us to perform here in the UK as it is a different audience. We are from Kefalonia (Greece) and the energy here is great. It started as a rainy day and finished on a shiny day. We have been so lucky and it’s been a lovely festival.”

Local resident Neil has attended the festival two years in a row. He said: 

“The hippos were good fun. We came last year and we came again because it’s nice to have things that bring the community together like Gainsborough.”

Local singer Emily Toward performed on the day and gave us renditions of songs from popular musicians including songs from the late Amy Winehouse She said: 

“It was such good fun performing and seeing so many different things here that’s entertaining and from all over Europe.”

Local resident Adam said: 

“The entertainment was great and because there is a different variety of performers, there is something everyone.”

Travelling all the way from Newcastle, Gemma was impressed by the line-up of acts. She said: 

“It’s been so nice to see local art. We’re not from around here and it’s different. I’m from Newcastle and we are staying in Lincoln for a couple of days and thought we would come along after hearing about it. Thingamabob was really funny.” 

Charlotte and Grace enjoyed the community aspect of the day. They said: 

“We enjoyed the carnival, seeing the schools get involved and the hippos! It’s so nice to see everyone come together as a community. It’s important we have more free events like this.”

Zodiac All Stars led the Midsummer Carnival and was thrilled to perform, even in the rain. They said: 

“The event was really fun and it was a shame about the weather, but with or without rain, we always deliver. It was exciting to come to Gainsborough and most of all bring our carnival here as they are so important to the community. We would like to thank you for the invite and hopefully be here next year with new costumes.”

This event will be made possible by funding from West Lindsey District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, and Gainsborough Town Council.

To be able to put on more events like this, it is important we get your feedback which will help us apply for funding in the future. 

If you attended on Saturday, please take a few minutes to complete an online survey. At the end you can also be added in to a FREE PRIZE DRAW with a chance to win £100 worth of High Street vouchers or a family ticket to Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough's pantomime - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

To complete the survey click, Go Festival Public Survey.

Don’t forget to sign up to our Events Newsletter so you don’t miss out on the exciting events taking place in West Lindsey.

For the latest news on West Lindsey District Council visit our council news pages

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