A Shared Story: Bad Gandersheim and Skegness
Bad Gandersheim and Skegness have shared a close and meaningful relationship since 1979, when the two towns were officially twinned. The partnership was founded on friendship, cultural exchange, and a commitment to strengthening understanding between our communities.
For more than a decade, Skegness artist John Byford has played an important role in nurturing this connection through the arts. His creative initiatives have brought people together and helped deepen the cultural ties between the two towns. Among these projects is the much-loved Two Voices, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025 and has become a valued part of the cultural life of Bad Gandersheim.
At a time when international friendship and cultural cooperation are more important than ever, these projects demonstrate the enduring role of the arts in bringing communities together.
Celebrating 2026
In 2026, Bad Gandersheim will host celebrations honouring Hrosvitha of Gandersheim (Roswitha), Germany’s pioneering tenth-century female poet whose work broke boundaries and inspired generations.
Reflecting her legacy, a new exhibition will highlight the voices and experiences of women from Skegness, celebrating their stories and the role they continue to play in shaping culture and community today.
Two Artists, many voices!
As part of the 2026 celebrations, the Two Voices project takes a new direction: two artists connecting two towns through different creative forms.
Byford will present a photographic project 'To be Seen, To be Heard' in Bad Gandersheim, giving women from Skegness a platform to share their stories and voices.
Alongside this, fellow Skegness creative Steve Gould will connect the towns through literature with his “Tail of Two Towns” project. Now in its second year, it continues with a new publication, The Princess and the Paws.
Together, these projects celebrate the enduring friendship between Bad Gandersheim and Skegness, showing how art, stories and shared creativity (along with a love of cats!) can bring communities closer, even across borders.
