The Events and Promotions Manager of Lincoln BID attended a presentation about Sheffield’s Children’s Festival at a conference, which was the inspiration for a Children’s Festival in Lincoln. He engaged with local head-teachers who supported the concept and the Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG) part funded the project. The Business Improvement Group has adopted a five year strategic plan with a provision for arts & culture - primarily budgeted for events.

The BIG support the arts in order to bring more people into the city centre, increasing footfall and spending. They felt that working with children would also draw in family and friends thus reaching a wider number of people.

The Children’s Festival involved 50 local schools, engaging with over 2000 children in a week long celebration of their creativity. The children worked with various artists on artforms including; dance, drama, music and visual arts, in school and the result of their work was shown during events in the city centre. The project was such a success that an even bigger, second Festival has been planned for 2006.

BIG felt that the Festival was successful on all levels. They have received direct, positive, written feedback from all the schools involved. Footfall in the city centre during the Festival increased with good feedback from retailers and the project received positive media coverage. The BID manager is interested in linking up with the local Book Festival and getting more involved with arts projects run by City and County Councils in future. Future projects will be important as the BIG found that people want continuity and development, not just one-off events.