If the weather continues, we’re in for a sizzling summer and we’re not just talking about the temperatures as July gets the holiday season off to a celebratory start in Lincoln.
Amelia Cosgrove runs through some of her top picks.
The Lincoln Jazz Festival, July 10 until July 12
The fifth Lincoln Jazz Festival returns to Lincoln Cathedral bringing together more than 70 musicians for a weekend packed with everything from big band and soul to swing and contemporary jazz. Alongside headline performances, expect free family events and rising young talent.
Opening the festival on Friday is acclaimed vocalist Clare Teal (top left) returning by popular demand to celebrate 25 years of touring. Backed by her four-piece band, she'll blend swing, jazz standards and original music with the warm storytelling that's made her one of the UK's best-loved jazz performers. For more information visit HERE.
Lincoln 1940s Weekend, July 18 and 19, 10am to 5pm
For two days, the city's historic Cathedral Quarter transforms into a snapshot of wartime Britain. Completely free to attend and open to everyone, expect live music, dancing, craft markets, classic vehicles, street theatre, and a vintage fairground complete with carousel and children's swing boats.
Local businesses get in on the spirit too, with food and drink offerings to match the era. Keep your eyes on the sky for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flypast, weather permitting, and period dress is very much encouraged, with prizes up for grabs for the best dressed visitor and best dressed business. For more information visit HERE.
Opera on the Lawn, July 31, 6pm to 8.30pm
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and settle in for an evening of open-air opera as The Marriage of Figaro arrives on Doddington Hall's Croquet Lawn.
Performed by Wild Arts, Mozart's much-loved comedy is packed with mistaken identities, chaotic love triangles, clever servants and unforgettable music. Funny, fast-paced and surprisingly accessible, it's the perfect excuse to spend a summer evening under the stars. Visit HERE.
Lincoln Dragon Boat Race Festival, Saturday July 12, starts 11am
The Brayford Waterfront comes alive with colourful crews, pounding drums and plenty of friendly rivalry as teams battle it out on the water - all while raising money for local charities.
With family-friendly entertainment, food, live atmosphere and more than 1,000 spectators expected, it's one of the city's most energetic summer events – a splash of chaos, with a lot of community spirit. For more information visit
Sculpture and Doddington, Saturday, July 25 until Sunday, September 6
The stunning walled gardens and romantic wild garden provide the perfect setting for hundreds of works of art made by talented sculptors from across the UK and beyond.
Curators David Waghorne and Kate McGovern have carefully selected national and international sculptors to complement each area of the garden and to provide an eclectic exhibition to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. A large indoor gallery located in the Stable Yard will exhibit a variety of smaller-scale pieces. Visit: Sculpture - Doddington Hall
Anti Gravity Box, The Lawn, starts Friday, July 17, 12pm to 4pm
Over four long weekends this summer, the Lawn in Lincoln will be hosting the Anti Gravity Box (below) – a fun and simple family-friendly installation that lets you get creative and capture hilarious photos of your family and friends where you appear to be defying gravity and hanging from the ceiling.
The Box will be positioned near Stokes’ Café in between the main building and the Charlotte House Hotel and no booking is required, you just turn up and get involved.
Cost is £2 per person or £6 per family. Facebook: Anti-Gravity Box Instagram: AntiGravityBox
The Zone and Zone Go, starts Wednesday July 22, 11am to 5pm
AN award-winning creativity scheme for young people will return to Lincoln this summer.
The Zone and a new mobile amenity Zone Go will bring free activities in safe spaces across the city provided by Zest theatre company in partnership with City of Lincoln Council.
The Zone pop-up youth space returns to City Square from Wednesday July 22 to Saturday, August 15 offering 11–18 year-olds a packed programme of free creative workshops, games, performances, activities and relaxed hangout spaces throughout the summer holidays.
This year also marks the launch of Zone Go–a new mobile version of The Zone designed to bring creativity, games, music, art and hangout spaces directly into neighbourhoods across Lincoln. Under 18s must register HERE.
