Lincoln is mixing it up this August - one weekend we’ll singing along to ABBA in the ruins of our medieval castle, while the over bank holiday we’ll see it welcome several thousand people in brass goggles and top hats.
In between the city centre will fill with rainbow flags while a stately home hosts Shakespeare's most jealous general…Amelia Cosgrove finds out more.
Adventure Cinema at Lincoln Castle
Adventure Cinema visits some of the most picturesque locations across the UK and Lincoln Castle is one of them. Enjoy a blockbuster classic or a singalong musical at sunset with the castle as the backdrop to some our favourite classics.
Dirty Dancing – Thursday, August 6 - because does anyone really need an excuse to watch Patrick Swayze lift Jennifer Grey into the air? Bring a hot date and recreate the iconic lift on the way home.
Rocky Horror Picture Show – Friday, August 7 - wear your fishnets and leave your innocence at the door.
Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza – Saturday, August - complete with a pre-film ABBA disco, because one hour of ABBA is never enough.
Andrea Bocelli 30th Anniversary Celebration – Sunday 9th August - said to be filmed at the iconic Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence) in Lajatico, Italy, this unforgettable concert features his greatest hits and special guest performances from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Brian May, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and many more.
Logistics: Head in via East Gate on Castle Hill - it's well signposted but note there's no dedicated event car park. Gates open a couple of hours before curtain-up, which is exactly as long as you'll need to stake your claim on the best patch of grass.
What to expect: Pack a proper picnic or treat yourself to the drink and food stalls on site - bring your own chair or blanket. For Rocky Horror and Mamma Mia be aware that the crowd has taken ‘fancy dress encouraged’ as a personal challenge.
Lincoln Pride
Saturday, August 15, Orchard Street, Lincoln (LN1 1DD)
Logistics: Gates open at midday before the main stage properly kicks off at 1pm, running through to 7pm. It's free to attend - no ticket required to walk in - though VIP, Rainbow Circle and Fast Track upgrades are available if you fancy paying for the fast lane.
VIP typically bundles in a welcome drink, a photobooth, prime stage views, a private bar, and priority entry to the official afterparty. The site is fully accessible, with toilets and pay-and-display parking close by - as with any big city-centre event, expect some road adjustments around Orchard Street on the day, so allow extra time if you're driving in.
What to expect: A main stage packed with live music and drag performances, a licensed bar working overtime, street food stalls, and a genuinely well-thought-out family zone with crafts and games for younger visitors. Expect Orchard Street to be at its loudest, proudest and most colourful all year. Bring cash or a card for the charity bucket collections – every donation helps keep Lincoln Pride free and supports future events.
Weekend at the Asylum: The Asylum Steampunk Festival
Thursday– Monday, August 37 – 31, Uphill Lincoln and the Cathedral Quarter
For four days over the August Bank Holiday, Lincoln enters a fever dream featuring airships, robots, corsets and an improbable number of top hats. This is the 16th outing for what's billed as the world's largest Steampunk gathering, and it shows no sign of running out of steam (sorry).
Logistics: The street festival itself is entirely free to wander - stalls, parades, general people-watching of the highest order. If you want in on the convention proper (talks, workshops, exhibitor halls at the County Assembly Rooms, Westgate School and the Castle's Steampunk Zone), you'll need a wristband, and the more popular ticketed events do sell out, so don't leave it to the last minute if there's something specific on your list.
What to expect: Tens of thousands of people who have taken "Victorian science fiction" and run with it at full sprint. You don't need a costume to enjoy it - but you'll wish you'd made the effort once you're stood next to someone in a full brass exoskeleton. Evening events spill out into venues like the Engine Shed and the Drill as well as the uphill pubs, so the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down.
Shakespeare on the Lawn: Othello
Doddington Hall, August 5-6
Forget the RSC - the Lord Chamberlain's Men do Shakespeare the way Shakespeare himself would have seen it: outdoors, all-male cast, and performed on Doddington Hall's Croquet Lawn. This year's offering is Othello, which is to say bring tissues, not just a blanket.
Logistics: Gates opening at 6pm and the show beginning at 7pm. Tickets are £20 for adults and £14 for under 16s. Bring your own chair and a picnic to enjoy on the Croquet Lawn. Maybe make a night of it by staying at Doddington Hall’s on-site accommodation, with Bed & Breakfast packages available exclusively for theatre guests. Or arrive early for a drink at the Grain Store before the performance, then enjoy a short stroll back to your room afterwards. The following morning, treat yourself to breakfast at either the Farm Shop or Grain Store Café before heading home.
What to expect: Elizabethan costume, live music, and one of Shakespeare's most devastating tragedies performed a few metres from where you're sitting. It's a gorgeous setting for a distinctly un-gorgeous story of jealousy and ruin - brilliant for a date night or a grown-up evening out, less so for the kids.
Pinocchio by Illyria
Saturday, August 22, Lincolnshire Showground
The palate-cleanser after Othello: no tragic Venetian generals here, just a wooden puppet learning some hard truths about lying to your dad.
Logistics: Show starts at 6pm with the same open-air rules apply - picnic, blanket or chairs and settle in for an evening of theatre under the summer sky.
What to expect: Perfect for families, this is a summer evening of storytelling, music and imagination as Illyria brings the magic of a childhood classic to life. Expect friendship, adventure and the bittersweet moments of growing up.
For more August events for all ages download the WOW Lincoln App at www.whatsonlincoln.com
