Festival History
The Friends of the Gainsborough Riverside Festival
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The festival has been running for Seven years in Gainsborough — an event that
was born from the Riverside redevelopments and which is now seen as the
highlight of the year within the local community. From year two until 2006 and Neil's
untimely death, the Festival was run by the popular Arts Officer for West Lindsey
District Council – Neil Rogers, with support from his wife, Julie Willoughby.
Attendance grows each year, highlighting the fact that a great proportion of the local
residents choose to attend, often inviting relatives who live further a field to join with
them. It is also attracting growing numbers of visitors from surrounding
catchments areas along with tourists to the Town.
2007 was the first year that the Festival was held over two days, with a focus on the
heritage aspect of the years Seaside theme on the Sunday, with the lead partner
being Gainsborough Old Hall, along with considerable participation from
Gainsborough Town Council and the Town Councillors. Activities took place in
and around the Old Hall, Gainsborough House and on Parish Church grounds.
The Saturday Festival has historically had a strong art content, this was maintained
in 2007 with 11 free workshops held during the half term week open to anyone, of
any age, these covered costume making; flags; banners and structures, a music
workshop and a windmill workshop with Children's Links to compliment the giant
sandcastle play area held over the two days. Richmond Park hosted workshops
throughout the week, St John's church hall was a new site and workshops were
held in Gainsborough Old Hall. GAPA also offered workshops for those
representing GAPA in the parade. At some of the workshops sections of a giant
windbreak were created, which was continued on the day with festivalgoers invited
to join in with their own creativity. Street theatre is also a key part of the festival
provided by professional companies, or local theatre groups.
The performance stage always has a full programme of dance/keep fit
display/music/theatre from local groups and organisations, starting from the
opening of the festival at the new time of 12.00 noon until approximately 10.00 p.m.,
the Saturday is then rounded off with a highly professional firework display
delivered with a music score to reflect the theme.
was born from the Riverside redevelopments and which is now seen as the
highlight of the year within the local community. From year two until 2006 and Neil's
untimely death, the Festival was run by the popular Arts Officer for West Lindsey
District Council – Neil Rogers, with support from his wife, Julie Willoughby.
Attendance grows each year, highlighting the fact that a great proportion of the local
residents choose to attend, often inviting relatives who live further a field to join with
them. It is also attracting growing numbers of visitors from surrounding
catchments areas along with tourists to the Town.
2007 was the first year that the Festival was held over two days, with a focus on the
heritage aspect of the years Seaside theme on the Sunday, with the lead partner
being Gainsborough Old Hall, along with considerable participation from
Gainsborough Town Council and the Town Councillors. Activities took place in
and around the Old Hall, Gainsborough House and on Parish Church grounds.
The Saturday Festival has historically had a strong art content, this was maintained
in 2007 with 11 free workshops held during the half term week open to anyone, of
any age, these covered costume making; flags; banners and structures, a music
workshop and a windmill workshop with Children's Links to compliment the giant
sandcastle play area held over the two days. Richmond Park hosted workshops
throughout the week, St John's church hall was a new site and workshops were
held in Gainsborough Old Hall. GAPA also offered workshops for those
representing GAPA in the parade. At some of the workshops sections of a giant
windbreak were created, which was continued on the day with festivalgoers invited
to join in with their own creativity. Street theatre is also a key part of the festival
provided by professional companies, or local theatre groups.
The performance stage always has a full programme of dance/keep fit
display/music/theatre from local groups and organisations, starting from the
opening of the festival at the new time of 12.00 noon until approximately 10.00 p.m.,
the Saturday is then rounded off with a highly professional firework display
delivered with a music score to reflect the theme.