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This month’s bumper issue celebrates the best of the festive season with fabulous food, gorgeous gift ideas and plenty of feel-good features to enjoy.

The countdown to Christmas is traditionally also awards season and our own sell-out Taste of Excellence Awards evening, now in its 28th year, once again proved a night to remember.
Hosted by compère Joseph Begley, weekday breakfast host on Hits Radio Lincolnshire, nominees and their guests came together at The Drill in Lincoln to pay tribute to our readers’ favourite eateries, hostelries, venues and businesses – enjoying a superb James Bond themed night of food, fun and celebrations. Catch up on all the action on page 51.

Staying with the festive theme, I caught up with former Olympic multi-medal winning gymnast Louis Smith MBE, ahead of his return to Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal for this year’s pantomime Snow White (p.32).

Louis says he’s delighted to return to the folds of the NTR family: “I think to myself ‘wow, I’m on stage performing, providing so much fun, entertainment and joy during the festive season. To be able to say that is your job for a period of time, it’s an incredible experience.”

Staying with entertainment, Kate Chapman met up with the Empire Elite Allstars, a local team of young cheerleaders from Spalding, who have been invited to compete in the USA following their success this year (p.112)

Ahead of their overseas trip, each family is having to fund its own travel while the team is also fundraising to cover additional costs. In order to meet their initial target of £7,500 the group is offering sponsorship opportunities to businesses. If you’re in a position to help, please support this talented young team.

This issue is also a celebration of favourite festive foods, with delicious traditional turkey recipes from Rachel Green (p.78), as well as a yummy light and fluffy Pine Forest Chocolate Bundt Cake from Dominic Franks, ideal for a family dessert (p.81).

However you’re planning to enjoy your festive break, here’s wishing you a very happy Christmas from all of us at Lincolnshire Life!