A free summer festival filled with music, film, heritage and family fun
On Saturday 20 June, we’re bringing the community together for ‘Sleaford Midsummer Sleaford’ with four vibrant zones, live experiences and something for all ages to enjoy. Running from 12pm-6pm, the event will transform the town centre into a place to relax and explore.
The event is proudly organised by North Kesteven District Council and supported in sponsorship by Pilgrim’s Europe.
See what’s on below!
Free outdoor cinema at Eastgate Green
The films have been chosen via a poll on Facebook, where people could select their favourite among three categories. The chosen films are as follows:
- 12pm: Lion King
- 2.30pm: The Greatest Showman
- 5pm: Night at the Museum
Live music at Market Place
Enjoy an afternoon of live performances curated by Shug Studios, with music for all tastes in the heart of the town.
Programme highlights
- Student Takeover – 12pm
- Gowdie – 3.30pm
- DNA – 4.20pm
- Idle Hive – 5.10pm
A chill‑out zone with seating, shade and cover will be available throughout the afternoon.
Please note that the Sleaford Concert Band will no longer be performing rehearsals at Market Place from 9am-12pm.
Riverside Centre Activity Zone
Get active and creative at the Riverside Activity Zone, with free activities for young people and families.
Activities include
- Free bungee trampolines and rock climbing
- Pop‑up tennis net with Sleaford Tennis Club
- Bug hotel activity with NKDC’s Changing Climate Team, exploring biodiversity and nature
- Sustainability activities and advice from Sleaford CAN
- Dance workshops – the Hub Dance Team
- Contemporary dance – 2.30pm
- Musical theatre dance – 3pm
- Street dance – 3.30pm
- Mosaic Youth Club will be open for a free afternoon of activities for all ages, including:
- Giant football darts
- Family‑friendly axe throwing challenge (outdoors)
- Creative spaces, games consoles, pool and VR
- Chill‑out areas, competitions and prize challenges
History and heritage at Navigation Yard
Step back in time and explore Sleaford’s heritage with stalls, demonstrations and performances.
Featuring:
- Stall holders including Cogglesford Watermill, Navigation House, Sleaford Museum and Sleaford Playhouse Theatre
- Medieval cook and barber surgeon by Forgotten Fare
- Folk singing
- Lincolnshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
- Kesteven Morris Dancers – two 30‑minute performances
- Free craft sessions with Ruth Burrows and an Arts Market showcasing local creativity, 10am-4pm
Supporting young entrepreneurs
A NK Young Traders Market will run alongside the festival, held at Sleaford Indoor Market, showcasing businesses run by young people aged 11–21.
- Young traders can apply via the Council’s website at https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/YoungTraders
Town centre business trail
- Pick up a trail sheet on the day
- Visit 8 participating town‑centre businesses
- Collect lettered stamps and unscramble the mystery word
- Return completed sheets to Navigation House to enter the prize draw
Accessibility and getting around
- The festival takes place across flat, central locations
- Seating and shaded areas are provided where possible and can be found at Market Place and inside the Hub dance studio. Accessible benches are available at Market Place
- Accessible portable toilets will be available at Eastgate Green
- All outdoor cinema films will include subtitles
- A sensory bus can be found on Eastgate Green, a calm and welcoming space designed to support a range of sensory needs
- Drinking water is available at the Bristol Water Fountain on Market Place
- Events are spread throughout the day to allow flexible visits
Event stewards and volunteers will be on hand all day if you need help.
If you have specific access requirements, please contact the Council in advance.
Sleaford Midsummer Festival is organised by North Kesteven District Council, with thanks to the event sponsor Pilgrim’s Europe.
