Council celebrates shortlist for three Destination Lincolnshire Awards

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Circus skills demonstrated at Go Festival

West Lindsey District Council is thrilled it has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards in the regional Destination Lincolnshire Awards. 

These nominations shine a spotlight on the district’s commitment to showcasing its rich heritage, vibrant cultural offerings, and innovative regeneration projects.

The three shortlisted awards are for the following 

  • Pride in Place Award – Gainsborough Arts, Heritage
  • Culture Award – Trinity Arts Centre
  • Event/Festival of the Year Award – GO Festival

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young said: 

“We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for these awards, which recognise the hard work and passion of our teams and partners in celebrating West Lindsey’s unique heritage and vibrant cultural life.

“Our projects, from the regeneration of Gainsborough to the exceptional programming at Trinity Arts Centre and the GO Festival, demonstrate our commitment to creating thriving, engaging spaces for residents and visitors alike. This also follows on from a number of West Lindsey Businesses in the district who have also been shortlisted which is fantastic to see.”

Pride in Place Award – Gainsborough

Gainsborough, one of England’s oldest inland ports, has been recognised in the Pride in Place category. Steeped in history dating back to the Viking era, the town is undergoing a transformative regeneration to attract new visitors and celebrate its remarkable heritage.

Highlights of Gainsborough’s evolution include

Gainsborough Old Hall, a meticulously preserved medieval manor house, remains a centrepiece of the town’s visitor experience. History enthusiasts can also explore the Gainsborough Heritage Centre, Old Nick Police Museum, and the Gainsborough Model Railway.

The Thriving Gainsborough 24 Programme represents a groundbreaking effort to revitalise the town, supported by £18 million in funding from the Levelling Up Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council, and private sector partners. This ambitious programme includes:

  • A new four-screen cinema-led leisure offering, opening June 25, set to become a key draw for the town centre
  • A reimagined Market Place and refurbished heritage buildings to create vibrant, active spaces
  • Enhanced riverside green spaces, including a new ‘Pocket Park’
  • Contemporary wayfinding signage and refreshed visitor infrastructure

Gainsborough’s connection to the Mayflower story is symbolised by the riverside Pilgrim Woman statue, an enduring attraction for visitors.

Arts, Heritage, and Culture Award – Trinity Arts Centre

The iconic Trinity Arts Centre, a cultural cornerstone in West Lindsey, has been nominated in the Arts, Heritage, and Culture category. Known for its exceptional programming and commitment to engaging diverse audiences, the centre continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence in the region and has witnessed a number of sell out performances and incredible performers.

Event/Festival of the Year Award – GO Festival

The Council’s GO Festival is a standout summer celebration, which has been nominated for Event/Festival of the Year. The festival brings together communities to enjoy a vibrant mix of music, arts, and family activities, further solidifying the district’s reputation as a hub of cultural vitality. Working in collaboration with the SO Festival in Skegness, the event also delivers a programme of international artists that showcase amazing theatre, dance and arts. It secured a grant from the by Arts Council England of £30,000 from National Lottery Project Grants. 

Further judging is due to take place after Christmas, the council is excited to share its achievements with the wider region. These nominations highlight the district’s dedication to preserving its history, fostering creativity, and ensuring a bright future for our communities.

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 28 February 2025 at the Lincolnshire Showground where winners in each category will be announced.

For more information about the Destination Lincolnshire Awards, visit: Destination Lincolnshire Awards

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

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