By Amelia Cosgrove
This summer, people are craving experiences over endless consumption.
After years shaped by screens, algorithms, and passive entertainment, there’s a growing shift towards real-life connection, creativity, intellectual exchange, and discovering more tangible ways to spend our time.
Whether it’s a ‘do it for the plot mindset’ (which is another way of saying making your life more interesting), learning a new skill, meeting new people, or simply being more present – summer in our city is offering fabulous experiences with music and food at the heart of many.
So, here are some of my top picks for Lincoln in June - in full bloom.
Day to Night Boogie
The TK Maxx Live at Lincoln Castle is kicking off the summer season with some old school classics.
June is bringing OMD (11), Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics (12), Paul Weller (13), McFly (14), Madness (19), Billy Ocean with Marti Pellow (20), Tom Grennan (21), Rick Astley (25), and David Gray (28) – all under open skies in one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the country – plus, not everyone gets to say they’ve seen Pete Tong turn Lincoln Castle into Ibiza for the night.
And the boogie doesn’t stop at the Castle Gates.
Make your way to South of the Tracks Festival (June 6) for a full day of live music, featuring 16 bands and artists, celebrating the regions independent music scene.
For the Foodies and Families
Feed Your Face-tival this weekend (June 6-7) launches its brand-new event at the Lincolnshire Showground - two days of local artisan food producers, street food traders serving dishes inspired by flavours from around the world, eating challenges, creative food related workshops, live music, and specialist bars – designed for everyone from serious foodies to families. More info available on this website.
The 141st Lincolnshire Show (June 17-18) takes over the same showground with its much-loved mix of agriculture; farming heritage, livestock, plenty of food, and family attractions – a classic annual county show.
Two celebrity guests and keen supporters of rural causes will be appearing at this year’s Lincolnshire Show - JLS singer and farmer, JB Gill, and actor and TV personality, Kelvin Fletcher, will visit on June 17 and 18 respectively.
JB Gill, best known for his singing, acting and presenting, also has his own farm in North Kent, where he has been selling produce for 10 years.
Celebrated actor, TV personality and Strictly Champion, Kelvin Fletcher, is now best known for his hit family farming show on ITV, Fletcher’s Family Farm.
This year’s Lincolnshire Show will also see a Guinness World Record attempt in the White Hart Hotel Main Ring on both days of the Show. The challenge will see competitors race against the clock to assemble and engage a combine harvester header in record time, in a bid to set a brand-new record.
Touching Grass
For a slower-paced summer afternoon, Picnic and Petals on June 6, at The Lawn, Lincoln, is offering a charity fundraising event centred around bouquet swaps, workshops, guest speakers, music, and a specially curated Stokes menu – though, if a homemade picnic basket is more your style, you’re encouraged to bring your own, plus a blanket.
Come with friends or solo to make new connections for the summer - with green space for children to play, and access to the hidden garden for a wander and a ponder, designed to feel both social and serene.
Lincoln After Dark
Between rising prices, £14 cocktails followed by hangovers that seem to age with you, people are becoming more strategic about where their time and money goes.
That doesn’t mean we’ve lost the desire to dance, meet new people or stay out late – it just looks a little different now.
The new nightlife, for a vast majority, is experience led - and honestly, Lincoln is listening.
So, if you’re past the sticky dancefloor era, but still want to boogie, these are the events for you:
The return of the Naughty Night Market at Southside is running on June 7, 6-9pm with 35+ stalls, bars, street food vendors, and vinyl DJs.
Vida Loco at Vida del Padel (June 5) promises an 18+ evening of dancing, unlimited drinks and DJ Jano with special guests. Described by organisers as their ‘wildest night yet’ – take it as a promise or a warning.
The above is just a taster of what’s happening in June for more download the WOW Lincoln app from Google Play or Apple App store or by visiting www.whatsonlincoln.com