June 2, 2011 9.44 am This story is over 153 months old

Top 10 Lincoln events this summer

Summer fun: There’s plenty to do with or without the kids in Lincoln this summer and we have 10 suggestions.

Lincoln received a drenching over the past week, but we have it on good authority that summer is well on the way. Take a sneak peek at The Lincolnite’s list of the city’s finest seasonal delights and start scheduling your summer shenanigans.

The Lincolnshire Show (June 22-23)

This traditional county show is a massive event on Lincoln’s calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year. Watch a round of show jumping, visit the petting zoo and inspect some agricultural machinery, before heading to the food court to gorge yourself on local delicacies. This year dogs are welcome too, so there’s no need to leave the pooch at home.

— Price: £18 Adult, £5.50 Child

Armed Forces Day (June 23)

The High Street will be hosting an honourable medal ceremony, where the public can meet members of the military and watch displays from a local RAF base.

— Price: Free

The Waddington Air Show (July 2-3)

Prepare for some serious neck ache as the Red Arrows and other impressive planes streak across the sky and show off their incredible skills. Airborne antics at its best. Find out more here.

— Price: Adult £20, Child £10

Race for Life (July 9)

Whether you’re running, jogging or sitting on the sidelines cheering like a lunatic, Race for Life promotes a mighty cause and makes for a cracking day out. Those with an aversion to the colour pink, however, may wish to stay at home. Those running can find some fun (and pink!) outfits in Peacocks on the High Street.

Regional Food Fair (monthly)

If free-range pork and organic vegetables invade your dreams at night, we recommend stocking up on some delectable nibbles from across the region at the food fairs taking place in St Mark’s shopping centre on the first Saturday of every month. Fill your boots!

— Price: Free

Artists Market (throughout summer)

Satisfy your appetite for art with a mooch about St Mark’s Square, where local artists will be showcasing their work at monthly markets throughout summer. A crew of buskers has also been assembled to make this a feast for the eyes and the ears.

— Price: Free to attend, stalls from £20

Bangers and Mash Ball (August 28)

If you fancy something fancy, why not head to the Drill Hall’s annual Bangers and Mash Ball where you’ll be treated to a winning combination of fantastic food, live music and dancing? This year the theme is 1920s so throw on your posh frocks and snazzy suits and get into character.

— Price: £48

(E-mail [email protected] for more information)

Beam! Festival (July 2-9)

Lincoln’s Children and Young People’s festival returns to the High Street this summer, bringing with it an array of live music, drama and dance activities for youngsters to take part in. Organised by Lincoln BIG, this event promises to be exactly that.

— Price: Free

Drill Hall Sleepover (July 30-31)

Tonight The Drill Hall laughs in the face of all that is sensible and asks (bravely) ‘how many is too many’, by opening its doors for an action-packed all-night slumber party. Drama, dance and art activities, as well as a late night film await kids over 8 and their grown up chaperones. Don’t forget to pack sleeping bags and pillows. Warning: sleep not necessarily included.

— Price: £25 (£18 for accompanying adults)

Community Picnic (Every second Sunday until September)

Dust off the blanket, grab yourselves a hamper of scotch eggs and cocktail sausages and head to the West Common for a good old fashioned family picnic. Who doesn’t love alfresco dining on a sunny day?

— Price: Free

We couldn’t let you go cold turkey! To prevent end-of-summer-sadness setting in we’ve included a couple of events taking place in early autumn:

Digital Arts Festival (begins September)

As summer draws to a close, Lincoln plans to host its very own celebration of all things digital. This unusual festival, entitled ‘Unlocking the City’, kicks off its three month stint in September and will transform a host of the city’s best venues, including the Usher Gallery, the Drill Hall and the Cathedral, into a stage for the digital arts.

The Co-op’s 150th Big Birthday Bash (September 3)

The Lincolnshire food store shows no signs of slowing down as it races towards the ripe old age of 150. Instead it plans to celebrate in style; with fairground rides, fireworks and live music from Lulu and Scouting For Girls, this promises to be one heck of a shindig.

— Price: From £33.50