Council to host free folk festival in Grantham

A fantastic line-up of folk music is set to banish the Coronavirus blues at a one-off festival special, organised by South Kesteven District Council, thanks to funding secured from the Government's Welcome Back Fund.

National and local acts will play throughout the day, at venues across Grantham.

The Welcome Back Folk Festival will take place on Saturday 19 March with the opening act, Malt Whiskers, taking to the stage in Grantham Market Place at 11am.

Music in the Market Place will close with a set by Scottish singer-songwriter Sandy McLelland, at 7pm. Folk duo Pennyless

Other attractions include food, drink, market stalls, the talented caricaturist John Elson, circus entertainment from Pendragon Circus, and performances around the town by the Bourne Borderers mixed border morris dance team.

The entertainment will continue into the evening, with several pubs hosting live music.

The council's Tourism and Visitor Economy Officer, Jade Hope, said: "We have a full day of - music lined up from a variety of local and national acts to ensure there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"The funding secured through the Welcome Back Fund allows us to put on this one-off event. The pandemic hit our high streets and hospitality businesses extremely hard, so it is essential we not only spread the work that our town centres are back and open for businesses, that we support them in every way we can."

Folk festival poster"The festival is not only for fans of folk music, it is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy live performances, while supporting the town centre and - hospitality sector.

"Grantham will be vibrant with locals and visitors from further afield. It will be fantastic for them to see Grantham in all its glory."

The Welcome Back Fund has provided councils across England with a share of £56m from the European Regional Development Fund to support the safe return to high streets and help them bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.