Lincoln celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters 617 Squadron with a spectacular flypast and a series of events around the Cathedral on Friday, May 17.

The event remembered the great efforts the local squadron, led by Wing Commander guy Gibson and formed at Scampton in secrecy during World War II. The squadron conducted one of the most memorable operations of the War, using the famous bouncing bomb to attack the industrial heart of Germany. 133 men took part in the raid, but 53 lost their lives.

The events started with a private ceremony at RAF Scampton on May 16, with a broadcasted live public memorial service was held at Lincoln Cathedral on May 17 from 2.30pm. The memorial sold out, but entertainment and aviation stalls lined Castle Square to set the mood. Officials and VIPs from Canada, New Zealand, USA, Australia and the Netherlands attended, and their flags lined the streets. The culmination of the event was the special RAF flyover by a Lancaster from RAF Scampton at 4.15pm.

The first Lincolnshire Charity Expo helped third-sector organisations to learn more about marketing their services and objectives, as well as how to sustain their services through fundraising.

The event held at The Showroom in Lincoln on May 17 included speakers Mike Stokes from The Business Club, Ben Braber from BBMC, Jez Ashberry from Shooting Star PR, Shaun Cole from Ideafuel, plus representatives from Admar and NB Marketing.

To celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who, a group of Lincoln residents are putting on a festival to celebrate the science fiction show.

The festival, which will be held on August 31 at The Ritz Cinema, will celebrate the anniversary of the popular show that follows the adventures of an alien time lord and iconic blue police box.

Co-organiser Steve Healey said: “We have a few guests coming, like Colin Baker and head writer of the show, Phil Ford. Were going to show a few episodes on the big screen.”

For children, people will dress up as classic Doctor Who monsters, and create a horror fun house in the upper areas of the Ritz.

“We’re going to use the upper rooms to get people to dress up as monsters and scare people,” added Healey “So far we have a couple of Daleks, Davros (the leader of the Daleks), a Cyberman and many more.”

Lincoln has a few small connections with the show, ranging from the well-known Dalek in Waterstones bookshops and a house near the Arboretum, to actually featuring in a few old episodes.

Healey has previously been involved in producing a special feature about Doctor Who.

“We’re doing a five-minute film about a little girl whose wishes always come true. Bits of it will be filmed with the a Lincoln resident’s Tardis shed.

“It’s going to be set around the current Doctor Who series, but his mind has been transferred to another body.”

Find out more about the event in our Events Section

Instead of planes gracing RAF Waddington’s tarmac, over 180 motorbikes took part in circuit racing over the weekend.

The 2503 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron hosted their third annual bike circuit day on May 11, headed by the Squadron Adjutant Flight LieutenantJim Coupland. The bikes soared around 4.3 miles of the airfield’s taxiways, and the event allowed bike enthusiasts of all levels to test out the base’s circuit and learn to ride bikes better in a safe place.

The day also raised money for charity, including local causes like the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance. Corporal Tony Cook was a marshal on his Yamaha Super 10 bike: “I’ve been biking for 26 years and this event is a way of giving back to the local community by raising money for charity. It was a long day, we started setting up on Friday afternoon, setting out the track cones and we’re here until 9 clearing everything up so that the airfield can be used by aircraft again.”

The Lincoln Film Society will mark its 60th anniversary with a month-long film festival throughout several venues in the city.

Events between May 31 to June 30 include 15 film screenings at Bishop Grosseteste University, four film lectures at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) and a special outdoor film screening in the city centre,

The festival was officially announced at Lincoln Drill Hall on Monday, where Hollywood actor and Lincoln celebrity Colin McFarlane joined the festival organisers and sponsors.

Colin McFarlane is known for playing Commissioner Loeb in the Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Hollywood hits. He is also the voice of ITV’s The Cube.

Lincoln-born actor Jim Broadbent will also revisit the city he grew up to in June for the Lincoln Film Festival 2013.

The Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning actor will host an exclusive “Evening with Jim Broadbent” at Bishop Grosseteste’s The Venue on June 1.

Lincoln Film Society Chairman Richard Hall said: “As 2013 is Lincoln Film Society’s 60th anniversary year, we wanted to bring together as many people as possible to celebrate.

“A film festival seems the perfect idea, and we are delighted that Jim Broadbent is joining us to launch our programme of events.”

Bev Bamber, Head of Conferencing and Events at BGU, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to help Lincoln Film Society to celebrate its 60th birthday.

“The society has screened films on our campus since 1987 and last year we invested more than £75,000 to turn The Venue into a state-of-the-art digital cinema.”

The festival is supported by the Lincolnshire Co-operative, Bishop Grosseteste University, the University of Lincoln, Lincoln Drill Hall, Blueprint Film, Lincoln College and Lincoln BIG.

For information on the Lincoln Film Festival, visit the Lincoln Film Society website.

People ran for their lives in the second Lincoln Zombie Run held at the Oakhill Leisure in Swinderby on Saturday, May 11. Runners had to navigate through 12 obstacles and dozens of bloodthirsty zombies in the 5k fun run.

Olympic gold medalist Peter Kennaugh won the 58th University of Lincoln Grand Prix on Sunday, May 12, after a gruelling 13 laps around the city totalling 102 miles.

Peter was cycling for Team Sky professional, riding in the colours of Team Isle of Man. He also took the ‘King of the Hill’ crown for the most points won in the Michaelgate climb.

University of Lincoln Grand Prix 2013 results:

1. Peter Kennaugh (Team Isle of Man) 3:51:14
2. Marcin Bialoblocki (Team UK Youth)
3. Lachlan Norris (Team Raleigh)
4. Richard Lang (Team Raleigh)
5. Tobyn Horton (Team UK Youth)
6. Liam Holohan (Madison Genesis)
7. Eric Berthou (Team Raleigh)
8. Yanto Barker (Team UK Youth)
9. Richard Handley (Rapha Condor JLT)
10. Peter Hawkins (IG-Sigma Sport)

Read the race report from British Cycling

A new Italian market is coming to Lincoln at the St Mark’s Shopping Centre from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.

Lincoln BIG and Market Place Europe are staging the Little Italy Market Place with a range of products from all over Italy.

The market will have around a dozen stalls with foodstuffs and souvenirs, silk ties and scarfs, and other gifts and crafts.

Allan Hartwell from Market Place Europe said: “People will be able to purchase 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Salami and Parma Ham from Reggio Emilia, Gorgonzlla picante, creamy Taleggio from Milano, olive oils from Sicily and much more.”

There will also be a couple of Italian motor cars, which are being supplied by Stoneacre Lincoln on Dixon Street.

Lincoln BIG Events & Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong said: “Authenticity is the real key to this exciting Festival and Italian traders will be manning the stalls. We’re sure it’s going to be a big draw.”

St Mark’s Shopping Centre Manager Cormac Hamilton said: “There will be a great atmosphere and we hope shoppers enjoy the wide range of stalls, food and activities over the weekend.”

An event dedicated to the art of stonemasonry across Europe will visit Lincoln in June, the first of its kind in the UK for a decade.

Over 100 stonemasons from Europe will gather around Lincoln Cathedral to take part in the European Stone Festival on June 21 to 23.

This is the second time the UK has hosted the annual event, with the first being around a decade ago.

Visitors will be able to watch masons on the Cathedral’s East Green from the continent and further afield, such as the US and India.

This year’s main theme for carving competition is food and farming, to match the county’s heritage.

They will have all weekend to complete their designs, putting tools down at 2.15pm on the Sunday to be judged. Prizes will be awarded for the best in each category.

After the judging, the pieces will be auctioned off to residents and businesses, with proceeds going to the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund.

Cathedral works manager Carol Heidschuster said: “It’s a real privilege for the city to be hosting such an event.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to see the incredible skills of masons close up and get an understanding of the work that was involved in building our city’s incredible cathedral.

“This traditional craft has changed little since the days the cathedral was built so to watch the masons in the shadow of the cathedral should be quite something.”

The festival takes place at the same time as Lincoln Castle’s 1000 Years of Traditional Crafts, and the Select Lincolnshire food fair on Castle Hill joining the two events together.

The Lincoln Beer Festival will return to Lincoln Drill hall this May, with plenty of new beers to sample.

Organised and staffed by local members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA Lincoln), the festival attracts visitors from across the country.

In addition to over 100 draft ales, there is a choice of traditional, farm-produced cider and perry, and bottled beers from around the world to enjoy.

All the ales are sourced from across the UK, and are all on offer in the main hall of Lincoln Drill hall.

Live music will also be on hand in the Cafe Bar to listen to while visitors sup their beer.

Lincoln CAMRA and Beer Festival Organiser Steve Renshaw said: “There are no major changes for this year’s beer festival – why change a winning formula?

“We are having a number of beers linked to the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid. These include Thwaites Lancaster Bomber and Tom Wood’s Bomber County, plus ales brewed specially for the occasion by Lincolnshire microbreweries.

“The festival is so popular because you get all the features of a great pub, but on a grand scale.

“There’s a huge range of real ales, all in tip-top condition, interesting ciders and perries, and unusual bottled beers from around the world.

“The Drill Hall provides a magnificent setting, and we get a great mix of customers. There’s something for everyone, whether you want a quiet lunchtime session or a party night with great live music.

“From my point of view, it’s really rewarding to see people trying different drinks and discussing them with mates – it’s all about savouring the drinks, not drinking for effect. It makes all the hard work by our volunteers worthwhile.”

The event runs from May 23 to 25, with varying opening times and prices depending on time of day.

Lincoln Castle grounds hosted a special insight into the lives of Victorians in Lincoln over the bank Holiday weekend.

Set at the end of Victoria’s Reign, the theme was based around the third Regiment returning from service in India and a detachment has arrived at Lincoln Castle.

There was a static military camp for soldiers and their wives, plus a special appearance from Queen Victoria on Monday.

Events throughout the weekend included regiment parades, Suffragettes meetings and protest, cookery displays, a lecture regarding the Boer War, and finally a late afternoon parade and inspection by Queen Victoria.

A Lincoln dragon boat race will no longer be held on May 18 on Brayford Pool due to health and safety reasons.

The Lincoln Dragon Boat Festival will instead take place at Activities Away in South Hykeham, off the A46.

It will no longer be held in May, instead being moved to July 27.

The event is a collaboration between Bishop Grosseteste University and Gable Events, and celebrates the ancient Chinese race. Teams of 11 to 15 race against each other across a 200m course.

Paul Stephenson, Fundraising and Campaigns Manager for BGU, commented: “It’s unfortunate that, because of healthy and safety issues, we had to find a new venue for the event.

“However we’re looking forward to launching our dragon boats in South Hykeham and we’re sure that the festival will be even bigger and better as a result of the change.”

The event will also host a barbecue, family entertainment and children’s activities, live music and a pamper tent.

Money raised will go to the Bishop Grosseteste’s Sowing Seeds Growing Minds Programme, which helps educate children in England and the developing world about healthy diets and nutrition.

The winning team will get a trophy, but there are also awards for the top crew, the best placed mixed gender crew and the best dressed crew.

To enter a team, contact Bishop Grosseteste University on 01522 583760, or visit the website.

A Lincoln school will host a world record attempt next month, based around a parade of three-wheeled cars.

On May 24, Lincoln Castle Academy grounds will help create the world’s longest three-wheeled car parade, coinciding with its Summer Gala.

The aim is to have at least 100 three-wheelers at the event, concluding with a parade of the vehicles leaving the ground through the car park.

During the event, owners can display the cars for visitors attending the gala, who will the vote for the “Best in Show”.

Business Studies teacher and motoring writer Keith Jones said: “Three-wheelers have tended to have a maligned reputation over the years, so we created this event to celebrate the diversity of tri-cars and their passionate owners.

“Morgan’s re-launch of its own three-wheeler (pictured) confirms these cars’ appeal is growing not declining.

“Our annual Summer Gala is the perfect opportunity for Lincoln Castle Academy to show off its ‘can do’ enterprising attitude by making a bold attempt to set a world record.”

Anyone wanting to take part in the World record attempt with their car should contact Keith Jones by email, or phone Lincoln Castle Academy on 01522 529203.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will visit this year’s Lincolnshire Show on Thursday, June 20.

The annual Lincolnshire Show, now in its 129th year, will run from June 19 through to June 20.

The Countess of Wessex Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, has a keen interest in agriculture.

She is Vice Patron of the Royal Bath and West Show, and is also Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO).

Jayne Southall, Director of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will be attending the Lincolnshire Show as our guest of honour.

“Her presence will be a great privilege for the show and the county of Lincolnshire.”

Ticket for the Lincolnshire Show are available to buy now, starting from £6 for a child and £20 for an adult. Visit the Lincolnshire Show website for more information.

Dozens of runners donned bright yellow outfits for the Lincoln Spring Chicken Run around the High Street and Brayford to raise money for charity on Sunday, April 28.

The Chicken Run follows a 2.5k course around the High Street and Brayford for the Fun Run, and twice round for the 5k event. Organised by the Bailgate Rotary Club, the event raised money to complete fitting the St John Ambulance major event vehicle and also provide useful funds for the Nomad Trust, Strut and the Boultham Park facility for the rehabilitation of the disabled.

Loved and restored classic cars were on display on the Brayford Waterfront for the Lincoln Classic Car Rally on Sunday, April 28.

Visitors could admire classic cars, trucks and bikes of all ages from members of the Lincolnshire Louth Motor Club.

Around 200 old and new, cool and quirky Mini cars lined the Brayford on Sunday for the Lincoln BIG Mini Day.

Members from the Trent Valley Mini Owners Club were joined by Nottingham owners and some from as far afield as Yeovil and Wales.

Cars on show included versions such as the Mini Cooper S, Cooper, Clubman, Clubman 1275GT and other highly-modified and individually-tuned examples, as well as the recent BMW models.

The annual Sevens to the Sea vintage car rally set off from Lincoln on Sunday morning on a 114 miles journey to Cleethorpes.

More than 60 Pre-War Austin Seven Club cars ranging in age from 1927 to 1937 departed from Hartsholme Country Park, flagged off by Deputy Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Patrick Vaughan.

On their journey to Cleethorpes, the cars are stopping off at a few locations along the way.

They are set to line up on the Cleethorpes promenade upon arrival, where former North East Lincolnshire Mayor Margaret Solomon will be handing out certificates to all the drivers.

An upcoming Lincoln art festival will focus on the history and mysteries of the Brayford Pool island and surrounding area.

Lincoln Art Programme will host a number of artist commissions, river bank talks, film screenings and events focused on the small island and its willow tree on Brayford Pool.

There are plenty of rumours regarding the island and what’s underneath it – from buried treasures to large boats.

All the activities, taking place between May 25 – 27, are free. Artwork will decorate the area, all dedicated to the pool, while talks around the bank come from artists, historians and geographers.

As well as historic talks and art, residents are invited to take part in the community activities, including canoe taster sessions, a best dressed boat competition, and film screenings in nearby buildings.

If you have an idea focused on the Brayford theme that would be good for the festival, Lincoln Art Programme is hosting an event at Lincoln Drill Hall on April 11, 6-8pm, to discuss the project and how to get involved.

Lincoln will get to view a spectacular charity racing event in the city centre next month, featuring dragon boats.

Bishop Grosseteste University and Gable Events will hold a festival around Brayford Pool celebrating the ancient Chinese race, with teams of 11 to 15 racing against each other across a 200m course.

As well as the races, there will also be other family events, such as children’s activities, live music and a pampering tent.

Business across the county, such as Lincolnshire Co-op, have signed up to the event or registered interest in competing.

Money raised at the event will go to Bishop Grosseteste’s Sowing Seeds Growing Minds Programme, which helps educate children in England and in the developing world about nutrition and healthy diets.

Crews are also invited to raise money for other local causes and initiatives too. The team which raises the most money for BG will receive a trophy and a meal.

Trophies will also be awarded to the top crew, the best placed mixed gender crew and the best dressed crew.

Paul Stephenson, Fundraising and Campaigns Manager for BGU, said: “It’s something that can engage our young student population, as well as having a wider appeal to businesses with its aspects of competition and team building.

“It’s fantastic that we can bring this all together to create an exciting charity event.”

There are two prices to enter a team: standard at £550, and gold and £1,000. Both include equipment and instruction, plus advertising incentives. For more information, visit the Bishop Grosseteste website.