AN ABUNDANCE OF CRAFT

Lincolnshire's Poacher Country is abundant with craftsmen and women, many of whom can be seen at craft centres, fayres and festivals around the district.

As you travel around the area, make a point of stopping and admiring some of the many village and town signs that have been created by local craftsmen. There are many fine examples sculptured from wood, cast iron and wrought iron.

ALFORD, CENTRE FOR CRAFTS

Alford has gained an excellent reputation as a craft centre over the past 30 years since the introduction of the Whit Bank Holiday Craft Market and the August Bank Holiday Festival. A national mix of craftsmen meets alongside visitors who are in the town to enjoy, and take part in, the crafts of yesteryear. Morris men from all around the country demonstrate their dances at Alford to the enjoyment and amusement of those looking on. Visitors will also enjoy the weekly craft markets, held every Tuesday and Friday in the main summer season, and the special Yuletide Christmas Market.

ART ON THE MAP

Each year the county celebrates its rich source of craftsmen with Open Days in their studios. During the year private studios open their doors so that the general public can enjoy seeing first-hand painting, sculpture and ceramics to name but a few of the mediums used.

THEATRE AND DANCE

Poacher Country is primarily a rural area, but we are very fortunate to enjoy some fine examples of the arts. Louth has its very own new theatre, the Riverside, and there is also an established rural touring scheme seeing artists, actors and musicians travelling around bringing their productions to village halls.

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

Visitors who enjoy antiques will relish meandering around the market towns of Louth and Horncastle.

Horncastle has a renowned reputation for antiques and here there are more than 20 different shops dealing in antiques and collectables and they are full of some of the most fantastic and unusual items. In Louth you can spend endless hours in the Old Maltings Antique Centre, a haven for antiques and collectables.