Crowds of people lined the streets of Barton on Wednesday for the niche celebration The iconic Barton Bike Night returned this week and attracted thousands to the North Lincolnshire market town. On Wednesday evening from 4pm to 10pm, bikers from across the country met to celebrate the 27th year of the niche celebration, along with their motorcycle of choice. Modes of transport at the event included customised choppers, stylish sportbikes and vintage scooters and sidecars, to name just a few. Crowds of people could be seen lining the streets of Barton at the special event. Take a look at our photo gallery below – can you spot anyone you know?

Of course it would be easy to slip into those cliches about this being a Heavenly musical or full of good habits etc but in truth, and they are all correct, this comedy musical was far more than that! There is little wonder why this travelling spectacular has been such a great hit. For those that recall the movie version with Whoopie Goldberg it needs to be said that this show goes above, and that’s not a cliché, and beyond! This was a review I was really looking forward to with great expectations and it didn’t fail to deliver! And so, on with the show …. I have had the privilege of reviewing a number of musicals at the Grimsby Auditorium over the years but this one had that special something that is hard to explain. However, I can but try! A big surprise to me was “Steady Eddie” played by Alfie Parker. Here was the Police Chief, secretly in love with Deloris from their school days, looking a forlorn and depressive figure until BANG! He snapped into life with a song about his aspirations of a future relationship with Deloris called “I Could Be That Guy”. His voice was amazing – going from soft to powerhouse rock! And then – and I have never seen this before – he completes not one but three costume changes within the song! Fully deserving his ovation at the end of the show! Another incredible transformation came in the shape of Sister Mary Robert played by Eloise Runnette (every Sister was a Mary!) She started as the shy retiring novice with a quiet voice. However, Once Deloris – I’ll come to her later – tutored the choir without a voice, both Sister Mary Robert and the rest of the Sisters came alive singing in a powerful harmony that had the Auditorium rocking! Eloise, it must be said, hit the high note of the evening, in her song “The Life I Never Led”, that totally changed her character. Without doubt a real talent! Of course Sister Act is a musical Comedy. Therefore the collective roles of the Sisters and the Gangsters really kept the audience entertained. Those gangsters, while trying to look evil, carried so many funny lines like “I’ll disembowel that girl” mixed with perfect timing and choreography! But then there were those Sisters! They certainly carried the show to the highest level.! What great performers and dare I mention the wonderful choreography yet again! Their dance routines had everyone tapping their feet but the comedic timing was perfection! Each Nun carried an individual personality of their own from one with the croaky voice to the overexcited one supressed in their convent no more after the arrival of Deloris! Then there are the big stars of the show. Firstly there is Landi Oshinowo in the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier. She was simply meant for this part! He voice is amazing and her performance was, and once again I can mention this as with the whole cast, perfect comedy timing within great songs, such as “Sister Act” and “Take me to Heaven”. She even had the Monsignor, played by Phillip Arran, dancing away to the beat! Oshinowo has a long list of theatrical credits to her name with leading roles in Matilda, The Color Purple and numerous other productions. She certainly smashed her role as Deloris and if they ever take this to a film version she would surely take the lead! And then that brings me to the well known Wendi Peters in the role of Mother Superior. Her TV Credits include of course playing Cilla Battersby for four years in Coronation Street and Nicky Connelly in Doctors and film credits that included “In Love and War” and “Out of Africa”. Peters also ran a one-woman show – Let Me Sing and I’m Happy – in London. So that should have informed me of of the wonderful performer and singer that she certainly is. “Here Within These Walls” was a song informing the non-Catholic showgirl Deloris what was expected of her in her life within the Convent walls and “I Haven’t Got aA Prayer” that highlighted her frustration at coping with the presence of Deloris on the other Sisters. A truly memorable performance. Then, on a stage designed to replicate a Convent but with majestic lighting, there was that unbelievable finale! After two hours of wearing those black habits the Nuns and entire cast re-emerge in glitzy costumes that dazzled the audience that were now on their feet clapping and dancing! This was an awesome end to the show and the ovation was well-deserved! This show of course is touring the country but is at the Grimsby Auditorium until Saturday. So if you want a show that is full of laughter, song, romance and drama (at times) then this is one not to be missed! I wouldn’t mind going again… would that be Sister Act 2?

A fun-filled and inclusive event to celebrate Pride is coming to Freeman Street Market next weekend. From 11am to 5pm on Saturday, July 13, the Grimsby market will host a special Pride event featuring an array of live performances and activities for all the family to enjoy. Performances will be by a line-up of tribute acts, including Shania Twain at 2pm, Ariana Grande at 3pm and Taylor Swift at 4pm. Throughout the day, Mothership DJ will also be performing live music. READ MORE: Activities are set to include face painting, hair glitter, glitter tattoos, stilt walkers and Pride-themed craft stalls. Visitors will also have the chance to contribute to a large art installation with the theme of Community Pride, by STEMpunx Lincs CIC. Alana Jackson, Office Manager at Freeman Street Market, told Grimsby Live: “The idea for this event was first brought to us by Unity Community, a supportive, creative community group for all ages in Lincolnshire, who hosted the LGBTQ+, Friends and Allies’ Group last year. “It was a huge success in bringing people together, offering support and advice, and creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Unity Community was enthusiastic about returning this year, and their passion and commitment are at the heart of this event. “Our Pride event aims to spread positivity and highlight the diversity within our community, emphasising how Freeman Street Market is a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”

Popular high street brand, Clarks, has confirmed its return to Freshney Place this year. The store will be situated on Friargate, close to Segal’s Jewellers, and will offer a wide range of shoe trends and styles for children, women, and men. Back in October 2023, Clarks closed its doors, leaving the nearest shops located in Louth, Scunthorpe and Hull. The company did not give a reason for its decision to close. Read more: Amanda Austin, the centre director at Freshney Place, expressed her delight at Clarks reopening its doors at the shopping centre. She said: “We’re delighted to see Clarks opening its doors once again at Freshney Place. We have always maintained a close relationship with this retailer; and we’ve worked hard to find a location in Freshney Place to meet their ongoing requirements.” She added: “We know this news will be very welcome for the local community. Clarks is a much-loved brand and a bastion of the high street. And, it’s fitting that they should be reopening at this time, as Freshney Place embarks on its redevelopment, transforming into a vibrant and contemporary retail and leisure destination for the future.” In addition, the creation of a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) within the centre is due to open in the autumn – is set to bring thousands more people into the town centre every year. Freshney Place, the largest undercover shopping centre in Lincolnshire, has been under the ownership of North East Lincolnshire Council since August 2022. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

There’s nothing better than getting out into the great outdoors with your nearest and dearest when it’s a scorcher outside – which is why I feel so lucky to have Cleethorpes right on my doorstep. With its sprawling beach, scenic walks and of course, the many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, we thought we’d drive down to good old Meggies to spend a couple of hours there last weekend. As to be expected, it was pretty busy – albeit it was nothing like the heaving crowds Armed Forces Weekend brings to the resort each year. After some sea glass and shell hunting and a kick-about on the beach (well, I watched), my family-of-three took a walk back to the Boating Lake to have a bite to eat at Cleethorpes TapHouse & Kitchen. READ MORE: We’ve been here a few times on weekends and usually it’s absolutely packed, but we must’ve picked a time where things were quietening down a little. There were plenty of tables available outside, so we sat down on one at the back, near the sandpit. Browsing the menu, we instantly fancied the Prawn Sharer special option, but was told this had sold out when we went to order. Instead, I went for the Seafood Basket, which is described on the menu as battered calamari, king prawns, cod and squid, served with chippy chips, tartar sauce and mushy peas (£14). Because I don’t do very well with carbs, I swapped the chips and mushy peas for a side salad, which the woman behind the till was happy to accommodate. My partner went for the Halloumi Gyros, which is described on the menu as authentic Greek Gyros, Tzatziki, tomatoes, red onion and oregano, served in a sourdough Greek style wrap, with side portion of Greek inspired fries and garnish. This was priced at £12. Halloumi Gyros with chips and salad (Image: Grimsby Live) My daughter chose a ham pizza from the children’s menu, which came with a juice, and was priced at £6.50. Our food was served within about 15 minutes or so, and the first thing I noticed was how huge my daughter’s pizza was for the price, and considering it was from the children’s menu. With a lot of places, the children’s pizza often just tends to be frozen and stuck in the microwave, but you could tell this one was handmade with fresh ingredients. She thoroughly enjoyed it. The Ham Pizza from the children’s menu (Image: Grimsby Live) I’ve had the Seafood Basket before and really liked it, hence why I ordered it again. The fried seafood was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – a winning combination – and went down an absolute treat. The only thing I will say is that I would’ve liked there to have been a bit more of it! But I’m not sure if that’s just me being greedy (probably). My partner polished off his Halloumi Gyros and absolutely loved it. I did have a bite of it and thought it was delicious – although in general I do find halloumi to be a bit on the rubbery side – so I would’ve ordered the chicken if it was me. Nevertheless, we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals from Cleethorpes TapHouse & Kitchen. I’ve always liked it here since it first opened and have always been happy with the food and drink options. The outside seating area is perfect for enjoying a cold drink on a summers’ day and watching the world go by – and I’m sure we’ll be back for a cider or two at some point while the weather still allows for it!

There has been plenty more for families to see and do on this third day of celebrations People have been wearing patriotic outfits along with their smiles to mark the continuing Armed Forces Weekend celebrations in Cleethorpes. The colours red, white and blue have been seen in abundance, even though the crowds have thinned a little since yesterday’s main Armed Forces Day programme of events. Visitors young and not so young have been out and about enjoying all the activities across the resort’s seafront area. In the blue light village – one of a number of “villages” set up for the occasion – children have been able to get a feel of what it’s like to be a firefighter, by trying some of the uniform for size. Elsewhere, there have been more musical performances from the community stage and a land train, specially decked out for Armed Forces Day, has been giving tired legs and feet a rest. A number of special D-Day re-enactments have been taking place, too, as a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Landings. Grimsby Live photographer Donna Clifford has been capturing more of the Armed Forces Weekend action below. READ MORE: In pictures: Pomp and ceremony as Armed Forces Weekend parade steps out in late June sunshine

Centred around Cleethorpes’ Memorial Gate, a poignant sunset parade and lowering of the Union Flag took place during Saturday evening’s celebration of Armed Forces Day. After all the fun family activities earlier in the day, including thrilling air displays and a bustling military parade, this evening event, involving the Sea Cadet Band, concluded with a quieter time for reflection. There was the lowering of standards, as well as the Union Flag, at the seafront memorial. Crowds of people were still engaged and eager to be part of this moving section of Armed Forces Weekend. But the evening did not end there. READ MORE: Amazing pictures of the Red Arrows captured over Cleethorpes for Armed Forces Weekend 2024 Residents and visitors still packed out the area for musical performances that followed on at the Memorial Gate stage, as the day built towards a fabulous firework finale. Armed Forces Weekend continues today with a number of “villages” – military, blue light, charity and cadet – around the Boating Lake and paddock area, as well as rides, displays and stalls and Second World War D-Day re-enactments into the afternoon. At the Memorial Gate, there will be more music entertainment during the afternoon and more air displays are scheduled around the Central Promenade – culminating in an RAF Typhoon display. See photos of the poignant sunset parade in our gallery below.

A £1.8m Lincolnshire Co-op store has opened its doors in Laceby for the first time, creating 13 new jobs in the area. The convenience store, in Caistor Road, Laceby, offers a range of goods and services, from daily essentials such as freshly-baked bread, chilled meal options, groceries, and fruit and veg, to environmental features such as a soft plastic recycling bin and a water bottle refill station. Local businesses are being supported through the Co-operative’s Love Local range, and items from producers such as Grimsby fish smoker Alfred Enderby can be found in store. READ MORE: Stacie Coutts, food store manager, said: “We’ve been busy so far – lots of customers have popped in to see how the space has been transformed. They’ve been impressed by all of the local produce on offer and have enjoyed learning about the community work that we do. “We have also had children from the local school visit the store. They were able to take a look around and meet Cooper, our bear mascot, which they absolutely loved.” The store marks the start of the society’s ambitious growth plan, which aims to increase the number of Lincolnshire Co-op food stores by approximately a third over the next three years. The development of the site also creates a new business opportunity – an adjacent pub unit has been refurbished and is currently being marketed by PPH Commercial. Lincolnshire Co-op members get access to exclusive offers and events, they can collect dividend across all business areas, and a donation is made to support local groups through the society’s Community Champions scheme when they shop with their dividend card. Local groups are already benefiting from this community scheme. Laceby in Bloom received £612.47 earlier this year, and since March 2024, fundraising has been under way for local breakfast clubs, with the club at Stanford Junior & Infant School set to be one of the beneficiaries. See inside the new store in the picture gallery below.

The aerobatics team of the Royal Air Force put on a stunning display for the crowds of onlookers They never fail to impress and the Red Arrows were up to their amazing airborne tricks, much to the delight of onlookers at Cleethorpes’ Armed Forces Weekend. The “Reds” put on a spectacular display over the sea off the town’s Central Promenade. There were breathtaking formations from nine of the world’s most famous aircraft. Using their signature red, white and blue smoke trails, the Red Arrows swooped down, up and over, leaving loops, knots and plumes in their wake as they made perfect shapes in the air. Awed spectators watched from the promenade, the beach and the pier, hoping to capture the sights for posterity on phones and cameras. With the sun glinting off their canopies and blue skies for a backdrop, the skilled Red Arrows pilots undertook seemingly impossible manoeuvres in nerve-jangling almost wingtip-to-wingtip contact. With necks craned, no one wanted to miss a thing. People burst into spontaneous applause on the sands as the display team performed their routine, including the trademark diamond nine formation, marking the Reds’ milestone 60th display season. Cleethorpes has seen what millions more people will view at air shows and events as the Red Arrows perform their refreshed aerobatic routine, packed with big new shapes, dynamic manoeuvres not performed for more than a decade and some special additions to mark this diamond anniversary year. The distinctive BAE Systems Hawk T1 fast-jets are also carrying 60th diamond season artwork and logos on the aircraft fuselage and tailfins during 2024. READ MORE: In pictures: Pomp and ceremony as Armed Forces Weekend parade steps out in late June sunshine

The proud parade that stepped off in Cleethorpes today (Saturday, June 29) saw fine representation across the military, as Armed Forces Day was acknowledged in the resort and in other communities all over the country. Serving personnel, veterans and cadets all entered into the spirit of the occasion, while spectators thronged to witness the uplifting procession. Marching soldiers and military bands, pipers and military vehicles, all helped to make up the parade, which stepped out from Grant Street earlier this afternoon. People were pavement deep behind the barriers, eager to embrace the pageantry unfolding in the welcome but thankfully not-too-hot sunshine. Later this evening, a special ceremony will also be held with the Sea Cadet Band and others taking part in the sunset parade and ceremony with the Union Flag lowering, at the Remembrance Gate. A fireworks display will provide a sparkling finale to today’s events. Tomorrow, Armed Forces Weekend will include lots more for visitors and residents to enjoy, including military and blue light villages, a charity village, with displays and associations, and a cadet village. There will be rides, stands and stalls to browse, and Second World War D-Day re-enactment displays, marking the 80th anniversary, at two-hourly intervals from 11.30am. More aircraft displays are scheduled, subject to change, including another RAF Typhoon performance. READ MORE: Dozens of photos from the carnival parade to kick off Armed Forces weekend 2024 in Cleethorpes