The Lincoln Festival of History returns for 2025!

Taking place over the first May Bank Holiday weekend, 3 to 5 May 2025, this unmissable citywide multi-period living history event will run daily from 11am to 5pm.

Organised by City of Lincoln’s Events in Lincoln team, it promises a journey through time with an array of activities, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

Since the festival falls on a bank holiday weekend, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore the historic city of Lincoln and discover all it has to offer.

Whether you're local and looking for an exciting reason to explore the city, or a visitor from afar, this three-day event offers the perfect opportunity to experience Lincoln through its many eras. Visitors travelling to Lincoln may want to book accommodation nearby to immerse themselves fully in the weekend festivities.

During the festival, Lincoln will come alive as a living time capsule, with captivating historical reenactments and themed events spread across the city centre. Imagine travelling through time with experiences that bring Lincoln’s history to life.

In Cornhill Square, visitors can marvel at thrilling Viking performances and battle sequences as well as the living history of Viking encampments and displays.

City Square will present the opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the spirit of the 1940s with authentic and vintage displays.

At St Paul in the Bail, visitors can enjoy the all-new Knight School, a hands-on, interactive feature debuting in 2025. Children can dress in costume, purchase their own knightly weapons, and learn the skills to become the perfect knight.

Visitors can step back in time to explore a traditional Roman market in Castle Square with stalls including a bakery, a blacksmith, and a tile-maker.

Across the weekend, there will also be the chance to explore the vibrant maker’s market and antiques fair, where there will be opportunities to witness firsthand demonstrations of pottery making, for example.

The Lincoln Visitor Information Centre on Castle Hill will be open throughout the three-day event, stocking a range of Lincolnshire gifts. Friendly staff will also be available to assist with any queries.

Additional Experiences

• Lincoln Castle: Witness thrilling historical reenactments in this iconic venue.

• Lincoln Cathedral: Discover a fascinating breed of sheep native to Lincoln and learn about their historical significance to the region.

• Museum of Lincolnshire Life: Engage with living history and captivating tales, comparing the past to the present.

• Greyfriars: Get an exclusive sneak preview into the ongoing renovation of the oldest surviving friary building in England.

The Lincoln Tour Bus will ensure convenient connectivity between festival zones, starting from Lincoln Cathedral and following its registered route to Westgate, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Holiday Inn, St Mary’s Street, International Bomber Command and St Swithin’s. Key stops for accessing Cornhill Square and City Square include St Mary’s Street and St Swithin’s.

A special festival fare will be available, offering a 50% discount on the hop-on, hop-off daily ticket:

• Adults: £7.50

• Concessions (with valid card): £5.00

• Young People (16-19): Free

• Children (0-16, accompanied by an adult): Free

Tickets can be purchased from the driver or via the Stagecoach app. The bus will run on a 90-minute loop, with departures from Lincoln Cathedral at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, and 14:30, ensuring seamless transport throughout the festival.

Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:

“Following last year’s Lincoln Festival of History event and its nomination for the Tourism and Excellence Awards 2024, we’re excited to build on its success to make this year’s event even more memorable.

“To make this happen, we’ll be working with partners across the city, including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln BIG, University of Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral, University of Lincoln, Waterside Shopping Centre and Lincolnshire Co-op to create an events programme that supports our local businesses and caters for all ages and families.

“Regardless of whether you love history, want the thrill of stepping back in time or are simply looking for a fun day out, Lincoln’s quaint and cobbled streets will bring the city’s rich history to life.”