Make the most of community halls

Village halls across Lincolnshire will open their doors next week as part of a week-long national event to shine a light on the positive impact that community buildings have on people in rural areas. 

Now in its eighth year, Village Halls Week is the flagship campaign of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) the only national charity working for people living and working outside of big urban areas. 

 Running from Monday to Sunday, March 16-22, the 2026 instalment will focus on health and wellbeing and how community buildings help connect people.

Kirk Thomson Village Hall Adviser for Lincolnshire YMCA said: “We are delighted to be celebrating Village Halls Week once again. 

 “This annual fixture, which is looked forward to by so many across our area, has the power and ability to unite and reunite, and we know that when communities are connected, people feel happier, healthier and much more engaged. 

 “While many may view village halls as an unassuming part of the fabric of rural life, we see the buildings as much more than just bricks and mortar, but as true community spaces that support and enrich people at every stage of their lives.” 

All events will align with the five steps to wellbeing – connecting, being active, taking notice, giving and continuing to learn all of which have been recommended and approved by experts within the NHS. 

Activities in the Lincoln area are: 

• Tuesday, March 17, 2pm, South Hykeham Village Hall - Art Class

• Thursday March 19, 11am, Skellingthorpe - Coop Wellbeing Walk

• Saturday March 21, 10am - 1pm, Scopwick Village Hall- Daffodil Walk & Coffee

Deborah Clarke, Rural Evidence and Village Halls Manager at ACRE, said: “Village Halls Week is all about bringing rural communities together, and it’s this sense of connection and togetherness that we aim to celebrate across the seven days, as we know that spending time with others, even just for 10 minutes over a cup of tea, can have significant benefits to a person’s overall physical and mental health.” 

See the WOW Lincoln app or click the What’s On category button above.

Picture shows members of the Zumba Gold class held regularly at South Hykeham Village Hall.