Hunchback of Notre Dame cast looking for bride and groom winners of ‘ugly gargoyle face’ photo contest
Perhaps the most bizarre story of the year…
This bride and groom were on their way to get married, but stopped to pose in an 'ugliest gargoyle face' competition, which they won, but did not leave their details. | Photo: University of Lincoln
The cast of upcoming Lincoln Cathedral production The Hunchback of Notre Dame have issued a public appeal to help find a couple who won a ‘pull your ugliest gargoyle face’ competition – stopping to strike a pose on their way to get married!
On Saturday, April 30, in anticipation for the production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, cast members sang from Lincoln Cathedral’s rooftops and promoted the show, as well as hosting a quirky competition for the public.
Passers-by were invited to pose in a portrait and pull their ugliest gargoyle face, with the winners being given two free tickets to the show’s opening night on May 23.
More than 40 photos were taken, including this one. | Photo: University of Lincoln
More than 40 pictures were taken and the winners were, remarkably, a couple dressed in wedding attire, who had stopped off to pose for the photo ON THEIR WAY to the church to get married.
However, they did not leave their names and details before departing, and now the hunt is on to try to locate them and give the couple their well-earned prizes.
Another photo that missed out on victory. | Photo: University of Lincoln
An appeal has been made to the people of Lincoln to help the cast and crew track down this happy couple. If you know who they are, or even are the bride and groom in question, contact [email protected] to claim your tickets.
Members of the public were getting involved in the competition. | Photo: University of Lincoln
Richard Askam, cast member said: “It was a brilliant morning, Quasimodo and Esmerelda sang to the whole of Lincoln from on high the West Front of the Cathedral, and passers by really got into the spirit of ‘The Feast of Fools’, many of whom pulled some truly hideous faces.
“The lucky couple we spoke to said they loved musicals, and what better wedding gift for them than two free tickets to the opening night of the production. So please, if anyone knows who they are, tell us, so we can make an already spectacular night extra special for them.”
Playing Quasimodo is second year University of Lincoln student Andre Buhagiar | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is running for 12 nights at Lincoln Cathedral from May 23 to June 4. Though some nights are already sold out, tickets remain available from the Box Office at the cathedral’s website, or by calling 01522 561644.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”