In 1998 we started planning for the Millennium and decided to create a play which would involve as many people and community groups as possible. We asked our local author, Margaret Dickinson, to write it for us and gave support and feedback throughout.

We then employed the services of Act Theatre Company to direct the play. Formed in 1990, Act Theatre Company centres its work in the heart of the community and creates artistic programmes relevant to their particular needs, experiences and aspirations. In 1995 the company came to Spalding having secured the South Holland Youth Community Arts Development Contract.

Act is led by Creswell, who has more than 30 years experience of working in the theatre in the UK, the Caribbean and America. He is currently the Artistic Director and is responsible for creating and managing the company. Mark Elliott is Act's outreach and Training Co-ordinator. Mark is a costume and set designer and is one of the country's most experienced and talented carnival artists.

The community play project involved workshops in acting, design and technical aspects which were linked to the performance. It was eventually named Embracing Tides which summed up its themes.

It was written to have a large cast with many named parts and many non-speaking opportunities. It recounted the story of Skegness over the past hundred years and included slides, music and videos.

After a great deal of hard work by everyone it went ahead and achieved its primary aim of mass involvement witha huge cast plus local dance schools, youth groups and the Skegness Silver Band; about 80 people in all.