Out and about in the Gainsborough area

Gainsborough is situated on the east bank of the River Trent and is nestled by rural villages and hamlets. The name Gainsborough derives from the Mercian Tribe ‘The Gainis’ who was thought to have occupied this area around 520 BC. The name translates as ‘stronghold of the Gainis’.

The town certainly derives from a historic past, and its most famous landmark, Gainsborough Old Hall, is one of the most revered medieval manor houses not only in the area, but the country. The river Trent also played an important part in the town’s history, enabling trade to thrive up and down the north. Even now agriculture still remains the town’s no 1 industry, with food production being at the forefront.

Gainsborough is also a thriving market town with many town centre businesses having been established for generations. Many of the buildings within the town centre are historic and have a tale to tell, particularly if you are on one of Gainsborough’s infamous Ghost Trails. Annually, Gainsborough now hosts two festivals; The Riverside Festival the first weekend in June, and Octoberfest. The later is a month long series of events including; dance, theatre, comedy, craft fairs, music and the Gainsborough Beer and Folk Festivals.

With the transformation of the old Marshall’s Britannia Iron Works in to a modern and vibrant retail shopping experience, Gainsborough now offers culture and retail therapy for all. The residents of Gainsborough are proud of their town and all its community activities. Because of this, it has many local clubs, charities and societies and you will find many of these below.

If you wish to have your community group or organisation listed on our website, please email community@gainsboroughlife.com.

Little Black Book - Local clubs, groups and societies