Jack Spring, a 30-year-old director who was born in London and now lives in Leeds, considers Grimsby his true home. He fondly remembers childhood holidays spent with his grandparents on Clee Road and attending matches at Blundell Park with his father and grandfather. Spring, who returns to Grimsby as often as possible to support his beloved Grimsby Town Football Club, feels a strong sense of belonging. "I always just felt that everyone is a hell of a lot nicer here than they are in London," he stated. He describes the town as having an "identity you can hang your hat on" and feels like he has "a whole family of people here."
Spring's passion for culture is evident in his successful film career. His latest movie, Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, is set to premiere at the Parkway next week, with Spring returning for the screening. His previous film, Three Day Millionaire, was shot in and around Grimsby, and his production All Town Aren’t We documented Grimsby Town's 2021-22 promotion-winning campaign.
He has observed a positive transformation in Grimsby, moving from past challenges to signs of growth. "It feels like a town on the up," Spring commented, adding that being awarded Town of Culture would "only turbo-charge and accelerate that growth." He encourages others to visit, experience the town, and meet its "real" people.
“"It feels like a town on the up and if it were to be awarded Town of Culture then it would only turbo-charge and accelerate that growth. I would say to anyone to come here and see it and feel it and meet the people as they are so real."
