An exciting events diary is taking shape in South Kesteven, with a full programme planned across the district offering something for all ages and interests.
South Kesteven District Council has agreed funding to support the programme, which begins with a Walking Festival in April.
Already this year, Skate Skillz workshops have taken place across the district, alongside a Wassail Lantern Workshop in January and a series of wishing trees installed to mark Covid remembrance.
Highlights for the year ahead include a free Stamford-based Folk Dance Festival, a brand-new Grantham Car Show with connected events across towns and villages, pop-up and outdoor cinema screenings, Village Art Club workshops, and the return of the ever-popular Grantham Bike Night.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, said:
“The new diary fulfils our desire to increase access to cultural activity across the district, particularly in areas we have not been able to get to before or where residents can’t travel.
Activities are designed to be affordable and accessible, with more events away from traditional arts venues. They are visible, free to attend and rooted in local communities — creating opportunities for people to come together through shared experiences and memory-making.”
2026 SKDC Events Calendar*
April
• Walking Festival
May
• Grantham Car Show, with an interactive family show touring five additional locations
Throughout the year
• Pop-Up Cinema at six venues across the district
• Village Art Club workshops at five South Kesteven locations
June/July
• Silent Summer Disco – Bourne/Deepings
July or August
• Grantham Bike Night, featuring music, sideshows, food and drink
August
• Bourne Outdoor Cinema (two events)
• Stamford Folk Dance Festival
September
• Newton Chess Tournament (district-wide)
• Have a Go Skills Weekend – share your skills across the district
October
• Lincolnshire Day community celebrations
• Spooks and Ghost Trails across the district
November/December
• Silent Winter Disco – Bourne/Deepings
The programme follows consultation with residents and arts practitioners to better understand participation levels, barriers to engagement and aspirations for future cultural provision.
Findings highlighted strong demand for more locally delivered activities, with distance, travel costs and lack of awareness identified as key barriers. Residents expressed interest in a wide range of events, including live theatre, cinema, creative workshops and family-focused activities.
Last year, SKDC trialled events in Grantham Market Place, funded by the Future High Street Fund, generating valuable feedback on the appetite for more outdoor and community-based events.
The Grantham Car Show will be delivered in collaboration with Grantham Car Club, with additional family entertainment including the RIDE Dance Show from Zoielogic Dance. Rhubarb Theatre Company will also deliver an interactive experience where youngsters can dress in 1930s vintage car costumes and take part in a themed ‘driving test’, which is expected to tour further car shows across the district.
Pop-Up and Outdoor Cinema events will be hosted in community venues including churches, heritage sites and libraries. Screenings will include additional themed family activities such as workshops and craft sessions.
The Village Art Club series will celebrate the last 100 years in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, taking place in Ancaster, the Deepings, Long Bennington, Folkingham and Castle Bytham.
The free Stamford Folk Dance Festival will showcase dance from a diverse mix of cultures over a summer weekend, including ceilidhs and social dancing as part of a wider music and dance celebration across the town.
*Schedule dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather conditions.
