Lincoln Festival of History

The Knight Academy

An opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval history. Visit the Knight Academy at St Paul in the Bail and you will have the chance to try your hand at armoury drills and weaponry activities.

Throughout the day, there will be a whole host of hands-on activities to try, including grain grinding, purse making and candle rolling.

You will have the chance to explore a display of replica medieval weapons and armour, learn more about the evolution of the equipment - and even handle it yourself.

St Paul in the Bail will be transformed into a medieval battle ground, as two rival knights go head-to-head in thrilling combat displays.

📍  St Paul in the Bail, 11.00am - 5.00pm
 

The Viking Arena

The Vikings arrived in Lincoln in 865, and the city became one of their chief strongholds. At the Festival of History, you will have the chance to embody the spirit of a Viking and immerse yourself in the Nordic way of life.

Based in City Square, The Viking Mint will be lined with tents exhibiting wares and weaponry. Fierce Vikings will patrol this zone, but don't be afraid to ask them questions! With hands-on activities like coin minting and calligraphy, you will have the chance to experience what life as a Scandinavian seafarer was really like.

Be sure to don your horned helmet and shield as there will be a series of thrilling combat displays taking place throughout the weekend, with opposing warriors taking to the arena for a thrilling battle.

📍  City Square, 11.00am - 5.00pm

Norman Camp

When the Normans swept into Lincoln after 1066, they left their mark for centuries, building the mighty Lincoln Castle and turning the city into one of their most important power bases. At the Festival of History, you can step straight into this Norman world and discover what life was like under these ambitious conquerors.

New for 2026, experience how the Normans cooked, fought and survived at the Norman Camp. Taste food from a Norman kitchen, see armour and weapons up close and bring a new era to life at the Lincoln Festival of History. 

📍  Cornhill Square, 11.00am - 5.00pm

Roman Market

Lincoln was conquered by the Romans in around AD50. Known as Lindum Colonia, the city was home to a huge population of retired soldiers.

Castle Square would've sat at the very heart of the Roman community. This bustling area would have been full of shops and houses, and on the site of Lincoln Castle, stood their legionary fortress.

During the Festival of History, you will have the chance to walk in the footsteps of Romans and experience a taste of Lindum Colonia. Throughout the weekend, there will be live demonstrations of ancient crafts including baking, carpentry, tile making, blacksmithing and weaving.

📍  Castle Square, 11.00am - 5.00pm