We do of course have our own ‘pride in our place’, working with much affection for the area and its spaces, knowing the potential of these to thrive.
We often work in partnership with local spaces and attractions with our own personal attachments and connections to our ‘favourite places’.
When we welcome guests here, such as touring artists and speakers, we find they’re often “really impressed” with what we have locally – who else gets to have a 7min train ride from town to the beach and we have so many parks and greenery we’re generally spoilt!
We’re are proud of our place – we love showing it off, especially often knowing that pre-conceived ideas, particularly from visitors, are wrong.
This passion for our place was one of the motivators for originally developing and delivering Love Your Town on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council, which really was a pleasure and a celebration of our towns – working with local communities and artists – again looking at the positive and celebrating all we have here in the way we know how.
Here‘s Part 1 of Fifteen of our Favourite Local Places
Grimsby Minster
It goes without saying that Grimsby Minster has been a jewel in The Culture House crown for many years. We’ve hosted multiple activities there, from creative fairs to concerts and from installations to theatre.
We’ve laughed, sung, danced and even joined in with yoga under the ‘Earth’ in the Minster. We’ve been committed to igniting this place of worship as a community venue and have worked in positive partnership, with more to come. We’re set to attract thousands more visitors into this magnificent, 12th century building – an important local history site.
Wellowgate
Our temporary offices (an empty shop) marked a real turning point for us – our very first step towards growth as an organisation. At last, we had our own visible space! Thanks to Charlotte’s parents’ lovingly donated 1970s kitchen table, we even had our own desk (ha ha). But just as we settled in, the whole country went into lockdown and only key workers were allowed out. We did our best to step up as — let’s be honest – culture felt really vital during that time too.
To lift spirits, we commissioned some beautiful artwork for Wellowgate’s windows, with the aim of bringing a little joy to people on their daily walks.
The Duke of York Gardens
A hidden ’haven’ near the town centre, tucked alongside the River Freshney.
Some of our most memorable moments have happened there – like hosting the World Beaters Spark Drummers while lighting up the West Marsh with vibrant light art and music. Kids even turned out in their pyjamas to join in the fun and absolutely loved it. Props to Grimsby in Bloom who are rooted there and do great work for the community every single day of the week and who we look forward to partnering with again soon.
Cleethorpes Beach Huts
We know we’re not alone in our love of beach huts (and we know a couple of people who own one – but haven’t managed to persuade them to donate one to us yet!). During summer, the beach huts provide the perfect escape for reflection, stepping back, and planning. Many a meeting has taken place at the huts – it’s where visions have taken shape, plans have been drawn up and funding applications have been written. What better than being able to look out to sea?
St James’ Square
Even before its cash injection that has seen new public artwork and paving (and most recently The Hive business centre where we’re now based) we’ve hosted an array of brilliant artists, both local and national in St James’ Square.
Edible Grimsby – a fun, food-focused festival – was a hit here in 2024 and we’ve hosted amazing performances from national touring dance companies, all changing the space for a day and bringing colour and vibrancy.
2016 saw our Christmas first lantern parade light up the square – it’s a public space we’ve always been drawn to. With the backdrop of the Minster, we love to bring the square to life and giving people a reason to visit, connect and appreciate the heart of the town.
Shout out here to the lovely staff at St James’ Hotel too! Always so supportive.
The Living Room
Small in size, but with a huge vibe, the Living Room is fast becoming a home for a loyal community of culture lovers. One of the reasons we took it on (it’s next to the antique shop on Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes) was because of its location.
It’s hard not to love it with a view out to sea (estuary!). (Particularly nice at sunset!).
Apart from that, it’s allowed us to deliver a diverse line-up of intimate events, from cabaret to comedy, electronic music to Q&As and to highlight local, regional and national artists, enabling them to feel really ‘heard’. Hosting events there never really feels like work at all, plus there’s been some outstanding performances and really connective moments shared in that space.
Alexandra Dock
Most residents are familiar with the Fishing Heritage Centre, which has recently been joined in the Alexandra Dock area by Projekt Renewable.
The space, obviously by the water, has become a ‘go to’ site for festival programming in recent years, since the redevelopment of the area, including Festival of the Sea and Our Future Starts Here
One of our most memorable moments was overcoming the challenges of installing a 20-foot inflatable whale in (what felt like) gale force winds.
People’s Park
Without a doubt one of the best green spaces in Grimsby!
The council’s grounds team as well as Park Care do a great job of looking after it. Often subject to antisocial behaviour (such as scrambler bikes tearing across the grass), we aim to support People’s Park being used positively by raising money to fill the band-stand with ace music from local and regional artists.
Opened in 1883 and gifted by the then local landowner, Edward Heneage, the park is home to our summer Picnic in the Park programme, which attracts all generations to enjoy the fresh air, wonderful local nature and a range of activities for all the family.
Watch out for Part 2 of our Fifteen Favourite Local Places coming soon.
