Holly Phillips

Grimsby is advertising three temporary roles—a creative lead, community facilitator and young people’s facilitator—to help develop its application for the first UK Town of Culture competition. The positions will engage local creatives, residents and young people in shaping a programme that reflects the town’s identity and future. Their combined £32,000 cost will use more than half of the £60,000 development funding awarded to Grimsby. The full bid is due by 30 November, with the winner to be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive £3m for cultural events; two runners-up will receive £250,000 each.

Grimsby is recruiting a creative lead, a community facilitator and a young people’s facilitator to help develop its application for the first UK Town of Culture competition. The roles will gather local ideas and shape an events programme reflecting the town’s identity, heritage and future, with applications closing on 1 September and the bid due by 30 November. The three positions will cost £32,000 from the £60,000 development funding awarded to Grimsby. The winning town will receive £3m for cultural events in 2028, while two runners-up will receive £250,000 each.

Hundreds of motorcyclists and visitors attended Hornsea’s free annual bike show at Hall Garth Park, which featured motorcycles and trikes, live music, stalls and fairground rides. Organised by Hornsea Events volunteers, the event has grown since launching in 2015, with organisers hoping to increase attendance from last year’s 1,500 bikes to 2,000. Visitors came from across the region and praised the range of vehicles, friendly atmosphere and opportunity to celebrate motorcycle culture. Judges selected 14 winners across categories including vintage, classic and three-wheel bikes.

A partial solar eclipse, with up to 95% of the Sun obscured, drew large crowds to Brough Observatory in East Yorkshire. Kian Large cycled for three and a half hours to attend the event and obtain specialist eclipse glasses, describing the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Organizers were surprised by the turnout, while ophthalmologists warned viewers not to look directly at the eclipse without certified protection. The eclipse coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, although astronomers said the shower would be difficult to see from the town without a dark location.

Rhys Lynn, 32, from Lincoln, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to 13 child sexual offences committed over a nine-year period. The offences included making and possessing illegal child sexual images, causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity, breaching a sexual harm protection order, and threatening to share intimate images. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life. Lincolnshire Police said the outcome should reassure victims that their allegations would be heard and taken seriously.

Kesteven Rideability, a Lincolnshire riding charity for children and adults with disabilities, has received about £15,000 in public donations after equipment worth £15,000–£20,000 was stolen in May. The funds enabled it to replace most of the equipment and improve security, allowing sessions to resume 10 days after the theft. South Kesteven District Council chairman Ian Selby also donated £5,022 to fund a five-day trip to a specialist riding centre near Wrexham for young disabled riders.

Amy Cooper's family is urging motorists to drive more carefully after the 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed near Holbeach in November 2022. Cooper was hit head-on when disqualified driver Shane Kelk crossed onto the wrong side of the B1168 while overtaking, then fled the scene. She died the following day, and Kelk was jailed for eight years and three months in February 2023 after admitting multiple motoring offences. Her mother Amanda Cooper and sister Sam Pointon are now supporting a Lincolnshire Police campaign, warning that one careless decision can permanently change lives.

Zack Mitchell, a 42-year-old father of four, died at the scene of a collision on the A15 at Silk Willoughby near Sleaford on 15 July. His family paid tribute to him as an extraordinary, devoted and resilient man who was deeply involved in his children's lives and enjoyed fishing, cycling, paddleboarding and watching Leeds United. Born partially deaf, he learned to lip-read as a child and did not allow his disability to limit his ambitions.

Hull will host a free maritime-themed summer festival from 25 July to 30 August 2026, featuring street performances, puppets, workshops, murals, interactive activities and themed characters. Hull Maritime Museum is scheduled to reopen on 8 August after a five-year, £20m refurbishment, with exhibitions including whaling-ship artefacts and whalebone art. Hull City Council says the programme aims to engage residents and visitors with the city’s maritime heritage.

A new banking hub will open at Stamford Arts Centre in Lincolnshire for one year while a permanent site is found, following the closure of the town’s last remaining bank branch. Set up by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office, the weekday facility will provide cash access and face-to-face banking from early September. South Kesteven District Council said security measures, including CCTV, would be installed at the arts centre.

The 150th Driffield Show drew thousands to the Driffield Showground for livestock competitions, entertainment and fairground attractions, featuring a big wheel, trade stalls and showjumping. Farmer Stuart Wood highlighted the quality of his prize cow, while chairman Richard Dee praised the show’s strong turnout, noting attendance had rebounded since the pandemic. Exhibitors travelled from across the UK, and organisers expected around 25,000 visitors as the event aligned with school holidays.

Security at Crown House in Grimsby has been increased following repeated vandalism and antisocial behaviour, including smashed windows. The FDA union reports ongoing safety concerns among Department for Work and Pensions staff, particularly women. Local MP Melanie Onn raised the issue with minister Andrew Western, who confirmed additional security measures and agreed to visit the site. Humberside Police is investigating recent criminal damage, while the union argues that deeper problems remain unresolved despite the new precautions.

A senior US military officer formally thanked the Flamborough RNLI crew for rescuing a US sailor and his wife who became stranded while paddleboarding near Flamborough Head. Col John Sullivan praised the crew’s rapid response and bravery, highlighting close US‑UK cooperation. The RNLI described challenging sea conditions during the rescue, and the acknowledgement was welcomed as a meaningful gesture of appreciation.

Two Lincolnshire towns, Sleaford and Boston, will host pop‑up beaches during the summer holidays, offering free family activities such as rides, treasure hunts and live performances. Sleaford-on-Sea will run from late July to late August, with additional events including a family fun day and community stalls. Boston's beach will operate from mid-July to early September, featuring weekly themed events. Local council leaders describe the attractions as opportunities to boost community engagement and support local businesses.

Goole has started its 200th anniversary celebrations with a weekend of events including exhibitions, walking tours, a flotilla, and a Dakota flypast. Community leaders highlighted the town’s heritage as a major coal port and recent investment projects under the Goole Town Deal. Festivities continue through the weekend, culminating in a 10k race and memorial service, with further cultural installations planned for later in the year.

Residents in Barton-upon-Humber criticise Anglian Water for imposing a hosepipe ban while multiple local water leaks remain unrepaired. Locals argue that significant water loss and unchanged billing make the restrictions unreasonable. Anglian Water attributes the leaks to ground movement caused by high temperatures and says teams are prioritising repairs while the ban remains temporary and limited to hosepipe use.

A Hull man, Thomas Crombie, was jailed for two years and three months after admitting possession of heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, along with possessing criminal cash. Accomplice Marley Hadfield received a two‑year suspended sentence and 200 hours of unpaid work. Police found drugs valued at about £10,000 and an equal amount in cash during a search, and Crombie was ordered to forfeit £5,000 to charity.

An inspection found Lincolnshire Police inadequate in investigating child abuse, neglect and exploitation and lacking sufficient trained officers for effective child protection. Missed investigative opportunities and weak leadership of safeguarding arrangements were highlighted, though frontline staff were noted as committed. The force accepted the findings and said it has begun a significant improvement programme, including hiring additional officers and staff for its Protecting Vulnerable Persons team.

Heatwaves and prolonged dry spells ruined about half of the pumpkin crop at Sandy Bottom Farm in Hedon, where farmer Chris Sadler says poor rainfall made this his worst season. Despite losses, the farm expects enough pumpkins for Halloween due to overplanting and continues to explore irrigation to protect future yields. At Tattershall Farm Park, Marie Morrell credits her irrigation system with keeping crops alive but describes the season as demanding. Both farmers highlight increasing challenges posed by extreme weather while remaining cautiously hopeful about the upcoming Halloween season.

Heatwaves and prolonged dry spells have ruined about half of the Halloween pumpkin crop at Sandy Bottom Farm in Hedon, where farmer Chris Sadler says this has been his worst year due to a lack of rain. The farm relies heavily on pick‑your‑own events and has been considering irrigation to secure future yields. At Tattershall Farm Park, co-owner Marie Morrell credits irrigation with preserving her crop, though maintaining it requires extensive work. Both farmers remain hopeful about providing sufficient pumpkins despite the difficult season.

Two young children from Kirton were taken to hospital for treatment following welfare concerns, leading to the arrest and bail of a 23‑year‑old woman and a 25‑year‑old man on suspicion of neglect. Lincolnshire Police are conducting a complex investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation, stressing the need to protect the children’s anonymity and ensure the integrity of the inquiry.

A teenage boy was taken to hospital after getting into difficulty in Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln, prompting a multi‑agency emergency response. The incident follows the drowning of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer in the same area in May, which led to calls for increased park safety measures. The City of Lincoln Council is considering new patrol schemes, while authorities continue urging the public to avoid swimming in open water due to unpredictable and dangerous conditions.

Two articulated trailers filled with waste were abandoned on Ramsden Road in Scunthorpe, prompting an investigation by North Lincolnshire Council. The road will close in late July so specialist contractors can remove the waste safely, with the closure extended if hazardous materials are found. The trailers are damaged, making inspection difficult, and appear to contain insulation boards and tyres, with one reportedly a former Parcelforce vehicle. Council leader Rob Waltham condemned the dumping as serious environmental crime and urged witnesses to provide information through the council’s reporting portal.

Police raids in Boston, Lincoln and Spalding uncovered one of the UK’s largest illicit tobacco hauls, seizing 348,500 cigarettes, more than 280kg of hand‑rolling tobacco and several thousand pounds in cash. Ten arrests were made under Operation Lockstream, an effort targeting organised immigration crime. Officers also discovered counterfeit goods and evidence of tax evasion, while council officials emphasised the public safety benefits of removing illegal products from circulation.

A prolonged heatwave has forced the Baytree Owl and Raptor Centre in Lincolnshire to cancel flying displays, experience days and school visits as temperatures in its outdoor arena exceeded 35C. Centre manager Mark Birdsall said the heat has reduced visitor numbers by 20% and created welfare challenges for birds, especially species from cooler climates. Staff have implemented cooling measures and are seeking funding to adapt facilities for increasingly frequent high temperatures linked to climate change.

Soaring temperatures during a UK heatwave forced the Baytree Owl and Raptor Centre in Lincolnshire to cancel flying displays, experience days and school visits, as its outdoor arena reached unsafe levels for both visitors and birds. Manager Mark Birdsall reported a decline in visitor numbers and outlined the steps taken to protect the birds, including providing shade, ice blocks and relocating species sensitive to heat. He said the centre is seeking funding to adapt its facilities and expects to face similar challenges as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme temperatures.

North Lincolnshire Council will begin issuing fines to parents and carers who park illegally on double yellow lines outside schools to improve safety and reduce congestion during peak times. Officials cite ongoing concerns about hazardous parking that forces children into the road and restricts visibility. Council leader Rob Waltham and councillor John Davison emphasise that most parents comply with rules but repeat offenders continue to create risks, prompting strict enforcement alongside ongoing efforts to promote safer parking practices.

A new Lincolnshire bus route, the B617, has launched to honour the county’s aviation heritage and the Dambusters squadron. The service connects several RAF‑linked villages and towns, aims to improve rural transport and reduce parking pressures, and will run for six months while passenger numbers are monitored. Operated by Brylaine and funded through the Department for Transport’s improvement plan, the route highlights key World War Two sites including RAF Woodhall Spa and RAF Coningsby.

New legal requirements known as Benedict’s Law will mandate UK schools to store life‑saving allergy pens, maintain whole‑school allergy policies, train all staff, and prepare individual healthcare plans. Inspired by the death of five‑year‑old Benedict Blythe after an anaphylactic reaction in 2021, the measures will become statutory from 2027 and apply across all school types. Research from the Benedict Blythe Foundation shows widespread gaps in current school allergy safeguards. Benedict’s parents and government officials describe the changes as essential protections that will improve safety for thousands of children.

New legislation known as Benedict's Law will require all UK schools to store life‑saving allergy pens, train all staff in allergy management and maintain individual healthcare plans. The measures follow the death of five‑year‑old Benedict Blythe, whose mother campaigned for improved protections after procedures at his school were not followed. Research from the Benedict Blythe Foundation shows widespread gaps in current school preparedness. Statutory guidance begins in September, with full legal duties applying from 2027 to all state and independent schools. Government officials credit the Blythe family’s efforts for driving the reforms aimed at improving child safety.

A Hull nurse diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis is undertaking a CrossFit-based 123 fitness challenge to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease and reduce stigma around hidden illnesses. Highlighting her previous struggle to seek medical help due to embarrassment, she now aims to encourage open discussion of gut-related conditions. The event supports Crohn's and Colitis UK and invites participants to join individually or in teams from any location.

The 2026 Tour of Britain men’s race will run from 2 to 6 September across Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Scotland, covering 565 miles. Five stages begin in Lincoln, Boston, Hull, Helmsley and Earlston, featuring notable climbs such as Michaelgate, Kidstones and Grinton Moor. British Cycling Ventures emphasises the route’s challenging ascents and scenic backdrops, with the women’s race route to be announced soon.

Heavy congestion on Trent Bridge in Gainsborough is causing long delays for commuters, prompting calls for improvements to a vital route between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Local residents report frequent gridlock made worse by accidents, roadworks and seasonal travel surges. Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Andrea Jenkyns has commissioned a feasibility study to explore options such as widening the bridge or constructing a new one, with discussions under way among regional authorities and the STEP fusion project about potential joint funding. The ageing bridge’s role in supporting future employment at the West Burton site has strengthened the push for upgraded transport links.

A former senior youth worker from Hull, Jacob Agnew, was convicted of multiple child sexual offences involving seven girls aged 14 to 17, following a 13‑day trial at Hull Crown Court. The offences occurred over a decade while he was employed as a youth worker. Agnew had previously admitted additional charges including fraud and sexual activity with a child. He was released on bail and is scheduled for sentencing on 24 July.

A section of Normanby Road in Scunthorpe was closed again shortly after reopening when drivers reported wet tar and vehicle damage following resurfacing work by contractor Kiely Bros. North Lincolnshire Council attributed the issue to a heavy downpour followed by high temperatures and shut the road for cleanup. The authority is providing the contractor’s insurance details to affected motorists and expects the road to reopen after sweeping is completed.

Hull authorities are running more than 40 events during Not Where I Live Week to encourage residents to report anti‑social behaviour, aiming to address issues early before they escalate. Councillor Ted Dolman urged increased reporting, noting many people mistakenly believe incidents must be emergencies. The programme involves the city council, police and fire service carrying out community visits and offering reporting resources online.