Introduction:

RiverLight is a celebration of Sleaford – its history, stories and unique spaces, with the river at its heart. The festival launched in March 2022 as part of post-pandemic celebrations, and continued with great success in October 2023. The third RiverLight event is scheduled for June 2024 coinciding with the summer solstice.

RiverLight Festival Fringe: 15 – 21 June 2024

RiverLight Festival Finale: Sat 22 June 2024 (10am – 5pm)

Location: Sleaford town centre. This year we are programming activities across Sleaford at Eastgate Green, Riverside Centre and Southgate, Bristol Arcade and Eastbanks near Sleaford Leisure Centre. There will be open days and exhibitions at Coggesford Mill, Carre Gallery, Sleaford Islamic Centre and Interflora House.

North Kesteven Walking Festival also takes place from June 15-30, so look out for some wonderful walking opportunities too. Visit www.hillholtwood.co.uk for more information.

Take Part in the Community Parade:

New for this year will be a colourful community parade through town on Saturday 22 June, involving a rolling road closure, with invited local schools and groups taking part in costume-making and dance workshops for the parade. Starting at Boston Road Recreation Ground the parade will head up Southgate, turning through the Market Place, into Carre Street and into Navigation Yard, finishing on Eastgate Green with some dance performances and other surprises.

This is expected to start at 3pm taking 30-40 mins to reach Eastgate Green.

Riverlight ethos:

RiverLight will showcase the best of Sleaford, and shine a light on all the creativity that flourishes here. We want an exciting and uplifting event programme that celebrates this area and brings our communities together. Our co-produced festival programme, artworks, commissions and installations will:

• Be inspiring and joyful
• Be sustainable and ethical
• Be inclusive and accessible
• Connect people together
• Develop local pride of place
• Celebrate the culture and heritage of Sleaford and the River Slea.

RiverLight is supported by North Kesteven District Council and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). It has been funded under the Communities & Place investment priority, specifically to strengthen social fabric and foster a sense of local pride and belonging, enhance physical, cultural and social ties and increase access to amenities such as community infrastructure, local green spaces and community-led projects.