The RiverLight Festival brings the town together to celebrate the beautiful River Slea, an important part of the history and cultural identity of Sleaford.
Last weekend saw a whole host of festival fringe activities and entertainment get underway, with storytelling and crafts at Sleaford Library, ‘bootstick’ making with the Band From County Hell and blacksmithing demonstrations at The Hub, families and young people having fun on the water in a have-a-go kayak session with Slea Paddlers and fantastic circus acrobatics and dance by Rojo Telon on Eastgate Green.
Exhibitions and activities continue throughout the week leading up to the festival finale around the town on Saturday with fun, dance, music and theatre, culminating with a street parade from Boston Road Recreation Ground at 3pm to The Hub for finale acts.
Following this year’s festivities, the River Slea Clean-Up Group and Plastic Free Sleaford are coming together for a litter pick to prevent rubbish entering the river and to clean up existing litter hot spots, as 80 per cent of the litter in the sea starts out on land, blown into rivers and waterways.
The River Slea Clean-Up Group is one of almost 50 such groups that are part of the RiverCare and BeachCare programme, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, and funded by Anglian Water. The programme supports local groups to tackle litter, carry out wildlife surveys and habitat improvements to make a real difference to their local environment.
Although enjoyed by residents, the Slea is an important habitat for a great number of species including kingfisher, water vole and otters.You are invited to join in this family friendly litter pick on Sunday, meeting at Eastgate Green, in front of The Hub, at 10am for equipment and instructions.
You are advised to dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. If you have a pair of gardening gloves, bring them along.
If you are interested in joining this event let Sally Bird know by emailing – [email protected] - or simply turn up on the day!
1. Bootstick making workshop with Band From County Hell. L-R Amber James 8 and Grace James 6 of Sleaford with their bootsticks
Bootstick making workshop with Band From County Hell. L-R Amber James 8 and Grace James 6 of Sleaford with their bootsticksPhoto: David Dawson
2. Rojo Telon Spanish aerial dance circus show
Rojo Telon Spanish aerial dance circus show.Photo: David Dawson
3. UGC-Image-284800
River Slea Clean Up Group on Eastgate GreenPhoto: Submitted
4. Henry Whitelaw 15 of Wilsford with blacksmith, Ryan Atkin
Henry Whitelaw 15 of Wilsford with blacksmith, Ryan AtkinPhoto: David Dawson