Gainsborough town centre was buzzing on Saturday, 13 September, as WordFest 2025 delivered on all its promises — and more.
Now in its third year, this free one-day literary festival united the community in celebration of stories, creativity, and fun.
Throughout the day, over 20 magical events filled Gainsborough. Families, writers, children, teens, and book lovers of all stripes found something to delight them. Highlights included:
- Literature Village in the Market Place — author stalls, creative conversations, the chance to try your hand at writing, poetry on a roll and brass letter-rubbing.
- Children’s Fun zones — “Blast Off to Planet Fun” at the library, Dungeons & Dragons, Erin on the Doodleboard, Wizardly Wizzzine with Ally Pally Arts, cartoons, and more. Young imaginations were in fine fettle.
- Cultural & historical threads — tower tours at All Saints Church (complete with pealing bells), a walk and talk exploring the “Tale of Two Thomases,” exhibitions at United Reformed Church and the Library, and the Young Writers Showcase at Gainsborough Old Hall.
- Theatre and real storytelling — A crime author’s talk, the Old Nick Theatre’s evening performance (“Four-Told”), and powerful readings from local young writers.
One of the standout features of WordFest 2025 was how inclusive it felt. Every event was free or drop-in (aside from the usual charge for Gainsborough Old Hall entry where applicable). This opened the door for people of all ages to enjoy literature, performance, history, and arts without worrying about cost.
Numerous local volunteers, writers, performers, and organisers poured energy into the festival, giving it a warm, personal vibe.The heritage sites, the stalls, the theatre, the street theatre — they all came together to make the town feel like a creative playground.
Social media lit up as attendees shared photos of the Literature Village, young writers reading, and crowds enjoying outdoor performances. The “Our Old Town Trail” walk led by Helen Hagon drew praise for bringing local history alive and connecting people with town heritage. Families posted about the child-friendly activities: D&D workshops, cartoons, “Blast Off to Planet Fun,” and seeing their kids’ faces light up with storytelling magic.
Verdict: A Big Win
If you were there, you left uplifted. WordFest 2025 proved that stories can bring people together — and Gainsborough now has another landmark event to crown its calendar.
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To see other upcoming events in Gainsborough, click here