Thousands of us in Nottinghamshire love a good day out in Skegness across the border in neighbouring Lincolnshire - and now it appears so do the BBC. The seaside resort had a starring role on BBC Breakfast this morning (June 17) as the town was put under the spotlight.
A special report from Skeggy highlighted the town's tourism and its recent addition of the Skeg Vegas sign. Designed to look like the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign in the USA, the sign was erected last month at Skegness Raceway and has already seen people stopping by to take selfies next to it.
During the segment on the popular BBC morning news programme, it was explained that the sign could become the most "instagrammable" spot in the town. It already has some famous fans with Gogglebox star Izzi Warner recently visiting the town, taking time to pose next to the sign - which states that Skegness is "not in Nevada" - and sharing it on Instagram.
Read more: Barclays, Santander and other banks confirm when mortgage interest rates will go up
It is reported that the sign cost £36,000 to make, but was an investment to help the raceway after recent Covid-affected years. Paul Brown from the raceway said: "We've had a tough couple of years with Covid so we just thought we'll do this.
"Skegness Raceway is one of the - well it is the - first tourist attraction on the road into Skegness so it's the first thing they see. So, if we can put a smile of peoples faces before they hit the town, we're all happy."
Along with looking at the Skeg Vegas sign, reporter Jayne McCubbin also popped along to the town's pleasure pier. While on there, she shared a hug with the Jolly Fisherman mascot live on air.
Following its appearance on BBC Breakfast, "where is Skegness" started trending. It also sparked a debate on social media about how the town looks and what is being done to entice more tourists.
J. Paul Murdock tweeted: "My mother came from just up the coast. What Skegness needs is the infrastructure to be able to cross Lincolnshire in less than a hour. I'm only bothered with wending my way through Grantham, Sleaford, Tattershall, et al for old times' sake and to visit family."
Meanwhile, a Twitter user called Paul said sarcastically: "How can we bring more people in, improve the image, make the place appear less tacky? A big Skeg Vegas sign? Genius."
Others enjoyed seeing the town on TV. Julie Sadler tweeted: "Wonderful! Thank you!"
Stuart, another Twitter used, wrote: "Not been Skeggy for years. A go to place for those of us growing up in Leicester."
Along with these, one person McCubbin in a tweet, saying: "OMG what a heart-warming and bonkers piece you did on Skegness this morning. You are brilliant (even though your hair was blowing all over the place….)."
