City’s history will come to life

The second Lincoln Festival of History, May 3-5, will see Lincoln’s rich past come to life with exciting re-enactments, hands-on activities, and informative 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!

Among the events at castle are shows by Ben Atkinson and his team of beautiful and highly skilled Atkinson Action Horses (pictured) and encounter a colourful cast of characters, including Quack Doctor, Professor Perry and his Pills and Potions of Perfection.

Join Captain Absalom Staffage, showman extraordinaire, with the wonders of a Victorian travelling show with fire juggling, fire-eating, flying knives, and even a bed of nails performance.

Also open over the early May bank holiday are The Usher Gallery and Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The first of two special displays at The Usher travels back 1,700 years with the mystery of a curious Roman object. Is metal detectorist Simon Grant’s incredible find (pictured below) a vehicle fitting, or a candle holder? Does it depict the Roman God, Mars, or a servant? Visitors can decide by popping their ideas in a suggestion box. The object will be on display from April 28 to May 11. 

Discover the latest news from the 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 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. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday event at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life cost £3 for adults, £1.50 per child, and £2 for concessions, family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £6. Entry to The Usher Gallery is free. 

www.visitlincoln.com/lincoln-festival-of-history