Lincoln Festival of History

The Lincoln Festival of History event will be returning for a second year between 3 and 5 May. This event has something for people of all ages including fun have-a-go activities, exciting living-history reenactment, and educational lectures and tours. The event will run from 11am to 5pm each day.

The City of Lincon Council Events in Lincoln team are going to deliver activity in four main areas:

The Roman Market in Castle Square –A re-enactment of a Roman Market made up of 8 different displays including a Blacksmith, baker, carpenter, tile maker, painter, potter and basket weaver. You will also be able to have a go at some authentic traditional Roman games!

The Viking Arena in Cornhill Square – The Viking Mint will include a variety of Viking themed living history displays such as armoury, jewellery and net making. You will also be able to mint your very own Viking coin for free! Throughout the day the Vikings will perform battles and other exciting displays such as a Viking fashion show.

St George’s Knight School in St Paul in the Bail – St Geroge the knight will run hourly sessions for children to have a go at being a knight. They will be able to wear costumes and use prop swords. Alongside this there will be a display of replica medieval armour and weaponry, and the Knights will run hourly sessions on the evolution of the objects. This display is for all ages.

Vintage Vehicles in City Square – In City Square the Lincolnshire Louth Motor Club will be bringing a display of vintage vehicles.

Craft Activities with the International Bomber Command Centre in City Square – Hands-on craft activities for children delivered by the International Bomber Command Centre.

All of these areas are free to visit and take part in.

We will also be opening the doors to the historic Lincoln Guildhall for tours including the Roman Postern Gate.

In addition to all of our content, partners, heritage sites, venues and businesses across the whole city are joining in and delivering their own offer:

• The Maker’s and Antique’s Market will be in Castle Hill car park.
• Lincoln Castle will be delivering large-scale Victorian themed re-enactment and living history within the castle grounds. There will be admission charges to enter the castle.
• The Museum of Lincolnshire Life are also running Victorian living history and reenactment activities on Saturday 3rd May. There will be a cost to enter the museum.
• The Lincoln: Then and Now exhibition will be running from Monday 28th April to Sunday 31st August in the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. This will include old and new photos of Lincoln, objects from the museum and archive collections and a short film produced by the Lincolnshire Film Archive. Admission fees to the museum will apply.
• On Monday 5th May there will be Victorian craft activities for children at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Admission fees will apply.
• Halls Farm will be bringing some Lincoln Long Wool Sheep to the Parvis at Lincoln Cathedral. These sheep are a Roman breed of sheep inherent to Lincoln.
• Lincoln Cathedral are running two VE Day dances/dinners on Monday 5th at 13:30 and 19:30. These events will be ticketed and there will be a cost to book.
• Lincoln Cathedral will be running their usual roof, floor and tower tours.
• Lincoln Cathedral will also run Tudor themed family crafts on Saturday.
• The Travelling Historical Market will be in St Mary le Wigford Church for all 3 days of the event.
• Lincoln University are organising lectures to take place during the event. Locations and dates are yet to be confirmed.
• Lincoln County Council are doing a display showcasing some of the finds and latest research on the archaeological excavations that happened as part of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass project.
• Lincoln County Council are also doing a display of objects from the Portable Antiquities Scheme in the Usher Gallery.
• Lincoln BIG are reducing the cost for the Lincoln BIG bus tours by 50% for each day of the event.