Gingerbread Festival draws crowds at Dysart Park in Grantham with races, treats and family fun

daniel.jaines@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 13:02, 13 May 2025

Families basked in the sunshine on Sunday, as a Gingerbread Festival returned with a lively mix of children’s races, community stalls and a surprise guest.

Organisers feel the festival, held at Dysart Park in Grantham, and run by the Dysart Park Events team, has quickly raised its profile as an event offering an affordable day out for families.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Phoebe Gallaher and Abigail Murphy from the Faith Life Church with the Gingerbread person. Photo: David Lowndes.

This year’s highlight was the arrival of the Gingerbread Man himself, straight from Hawkens Gingerbread House, who proved a hit with children and adults alike.

He’s already set to return for next year’s festival on May 10, 2026.

Lydia Gallaher, chairperson of the Dysart Park Action Group and Events Group, said: “The day was a great success.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Nathalie Payne, Layla Walsh, Luca Payne, Alicia Mockus, Ember Zykova and Sophie Cruickshank making gingerbread people. Photo: David Lowndes.

“We are so grateful to the clubs, vendors and stallholders who supported the day again this year.”

The afternoon kicked off with the bumper parent and toddler race, which drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Every child who took part received a certificate, while winners were awarded medals and generous prizes from Hawkens Gingerbread.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Noah and Layla Burkitt enjoying the stalls

Thanks were given to Inspire+, who helped the festival grow again this year, and Francos Ices, who supported the event by donating medals and supplying food and ice cream, as well as GTS who provided first aid and Faith life Church for their help.

Grantham Town Football Club is among the groups already showing interest in joining next year’s event.

The day also highlighted ways for families to stay active year-round by getting involved with local clubs and organisations.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. First aid trainers Rachel Walker-Goodwin, Sue Goodwin and Steve Walker-Goodwin with their fund-raising toys for sale.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Lee Gallaher and one of the young visitors hooking a duck. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. One of the exercise sessions taking place. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Charnie Desmond and Jane McClelland from the Action Group with their gingerbread biscuits. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Members of Inspire, a sports education charity warming up for the race. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Evie Barwell and Maggie Mawby taking part in tennis sessions. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Mick Loveless with his dogs Poppy and Sky. Photo: David Lowndes.

Gingerbread Festival at Dysart Park, Grantham. Lee Gallaher and John Lowe hooking a duck. Photo: David Lowndes.

The Gingerbread Festival is just one of several events lined up at Dysart Park in the months ahead.

Upcoming dates include the Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 6, open-air theatre by The Pantaloons on Saturday, August 2, the Jazz Festival on Sunday, September 14, and the Christmas Festival on Sunday, December 14.

Charity Grantham Human Interest Daniel Jaines