There’s not long to wait until the return of the hotly anticipated Festival of History, taking place from 3 to 5 May 2025.
The festival sees Lincoln’s rich past come to life with exciting re-enactments, hands-on activities, and captivating displays.
Step inside Lincoln’s Castle of Curiosities and experience the grandeur of the ‘Victorian Extravaganza’, an immersive experience that will transport you back to the 19th century - a time of innovation, entertainment and eccentricities!
Over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, head to the iconic Castle and witness the breathtaking show by Ben Atkinson and his team of beautiful and highly skilled Atkinson Action Horses. Prepare to be excited and captivated by their dynamic performance!
Encounter a colourful cast of characters, including Quack Doctor, Professor Perry and his Pills and Potions of Perfection, and be amazed with some close-up magic.
Join Captain Absalom Staffage, showman extraordinaire, as he delights you with the wonders of a Victorian travelling show.
Be thrilled by displays of fire juggling, fire-eating, flying knives, and even a bed of nails performance, if you dare!
A curious Roman object comes to The Usher
After you’ve taken in the sights and sounds of the Castle, continue the festivities by taking the short walk to The Usher Gallery and Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
In the first of two special displays at The Usher, journey back 1,700 years and unravel the mystery of a curious Roman object. Is metal detectorist Simon Grant’s incredible find a vehicle fitting, or a candle holder? Does it depict the Roman God, Mars, or a servant? You decide – pop your suggestions in the box! The object will be on display from 28 April to 11 May.
A curious Roman object is to go on display at The Usher as part of the Festival of History
Don’t miss your chance to discover the latest news from the monumental excavations undertaken during the construction of Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Across the festival weekend experts will be on hand to share fascinating insights on some of the 260,000 items collected, and the tantalising glimpses they provide on 400,000 years of Lincolnshire life from the Palaeolithic Age right through to the 19th century.
Continue your travel through time at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life, where Victorian history unfolds through interactive exhibits and living history displays.
Step into a Victorian schoolroom, kitchen, and living quarters, and marvel at antique items including a printing press and a Robey winding engine. Keep an eye out for intriguing historical figures including Mystic Maxine, the psychic, Mrs Cheshire, the Victorian pharmacist, and many more, and enjoy live music from a traditional Victorian harmonium musician.
Entry to Lincoln Castle for the Festival of History weekend is with a castle day ticket and includes entry to the Victorian Prison, Medieval Wall Walk and Magna Carta.
For those with an appetite for even more history: annual pass holders enjoy free entry to this event, plus many more throughout the year, and can come back and enjoy all that Lincoln Castle has to offer, time and time again
Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday event at The Musuem of Lincolnshire Life cost just £3 for adults, £1.50 per child, and £2 for concessions. Or buy a family ticket for two adults and up to three children for £6. Simply pay on the door on the day.
Entry to The Usher Gallery is free.
To find out more about all the exciting events taking place during the Festival of History head to the Visit Lincoln website