Dale Benton

The new owners of a revamped multi-roomed band rehearsal facility is helping a Lincoln pub host a charity event in aid of Lincoln County Hospital’s Cancer Unit.

Martyn Bewick and Scott Naim recently took over the rehearsal studio Playing Aloud in North Hykeham.

The pair used to practice with their band Phoenician at the studio, before being offered to take it over from the previous owners.

The studio was opened seven years ago, after converting a previously empty warehouse into four sound-proofed rehearsal rooms and a recording studio for bands to practice in.

Martyn Bewick said: “Myself and Scott used to practise down there with our old band, and I used to use the practise rooms to record other bands out of, until one day day Duncan [the previous owner] pulled me aside and quite simply asked if I’d like to take over the place.

“We’re currently in the process of redecorating the place and giving each of the rooms new character. We’ve already gone about seriously upgrading the recording studio and PA hire equipment.”

Playing Aloud will offer bands rehearsal space, a recording studio and PA and equipment hire.

Under the new ownership, it will also offer musical tuition in guitar, band, drums, piano as well as learning the ropes of music technology and recording skills.

Martyn and Scott regularly rent PA equipment to High Street pub The Anchor, who hold an Introducing Wednesdays night for Lincoln’s musical talent, including bands who use the Playing Aloud studios.

The pub will run the charity gig with the equipment loaned — an all-day event consisting of live music, a barbecue and fun, family friendly activities throughout the day.

Martyn added: “All the proceeds will go towards the Lincoln Hospital Cancer Unit, who the landlord and ourselves all have a lot to thank for.”

The charity event will take place on August 25. To find out more about Playing Aloud and the services they provide, visit their website.

Lincoln will hold host to a celebration of dance this summer, as dance enthusiasts are invited to discuss and show what dance really means to them.

Lincoln Dances, a fun and lighthearted discussion, is a project that invites residents to join in a conversation on the street, through social media, text messaging and wearing a themed t-shirt.

The event coincides with the city’s Lincoln Dances Festival on High Street on July 20.

Dance So You Think You Can will be hosted by Dance4, a leading organisation promoting dance and performance and is free for everyone wishing to enter.

Stuart Allen, producer at Dance4m said: “This is an unusual, fun and interactive event coming to Lincoln.

“We will be asking what you really think about dance, what does it mean? We’ll be looking at the part dance plays in our lives and how we can embrace it.

“Television shows like Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance are extremely popular, and have helped encourage more people to get involved in dance.

“The Dance So You Think You Can event will give people chance to discuss their experience of dance and what it means to them.”

The free event will take place on July 20, 10am-4pm, with people encouraged to grab a t-shirt and get involved.

Another free event hosted by Dance4 is the Step by Step:small sequences for the city.

Dance artists Neill Callaghan and Simone Kenyon will be leading dance performances at the Lincoln Drill hall on July 20 and August 3.

The Step by Step guides invite you to explore dance as you go about your daily life and take a different look at the world as you walk.

Performances take place at 12pm, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm.

For more information on both of the events, visit the Lincoln Drill Hall website.