The idea was presented to the group at the event and was agreed on as an action for the community to take forward, as a way of encouraging local people to get together and improve the local area.
A group of dedicated residents then ran with the idea and applied for funding to the Sincil Bank Community Chest for support with the event, securing over £1000. Two leaders who were involved throughout the process were Barbara and Anne, who, with the support of their community organiser Alice, oversaw the planning of the event and led on the day. Residents also took part in a clean-up day before the event, with local people volunteering their time to weed, sweep, and litter pick the site ready for the event the following day.
The event attracted around 200 local people and brought together the work of a number of community groups including Sincil Bank Maze Community Group, Bridge Church, Lincoln City Foundation, City of Lincoln Council, entertainers, stall holders, and volunteers.
Attendees of the event enjoyed sandpits with buckets, spades, and beach games freely available to pick up and play, face painting, and messy play, circus skills and a seaside themed performance from Rhubarb Theatre Company. The audience relaxed and watched the show on striped deckchairs, enjoying each other’s company and the transformed community space.
Alice described how, since the event, perceptions of the area have begun to shift: “People are beginning to recognise the space where the event was held as a place where things can happen, whereas previously it was seen as an area where people would drink late at night, where people don’t really like to walk through. Hopefully, these continued things happening are beginning to change people’s perceptions. From chatting to people, you get the feeling that’s starting to happen.”
