March 6, 2014 9.05 am This story is over 120 months old

Lincoln Inspired festival makes a star-studded return

Lincoln Inspired: The festival of literature, performance and art is making a return to the city with special guests voted for by the public.

The Lincoln Inspired festival of literature, performance and art is making a return to the city with special guests voted for by the public.

The festival, which launched officially on March 6, will run from Tuesday, May 6 until Sunday, May 11.

The programme features author events, workshops, family fun, music, theatre and history, and tickets will be available from April 8 on the festival website.

Lincoln Inspired, which is run annually with the support of local organisations and businesses, has launched after a successful fundraising campaign which raised £1,000 via an online crowdfunding platform.

After Lincoln audiences voted for the author they most wanted to see in 2014, best-selling novelist Jasper Fforde came up top. He will be at the Drill Hall on Thursday, May 8.

Among other highlights, people can enjoy a session with the editor of Waitrose Food magazine William Sitwell, military historian and novelist Allan Mallinson and performance poet Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze MBE.

Special guests at this year's festival Jasper Fforde and William Sitwell. Photo: Mari Roberts

Special guests at this year’s festival Jasper Fforde and William Sitwell. Photo: Mari Roberts

There will also be a chance to find out more about the Vikings, a Tweet Up, a production of The Time Machine and plenty of family-friendly events.

Lincoln Inspired creative director Sara Bullimore said: “We’ve taken care to make sure the programme appeals to as many people as possible.

“There are events that tie in with significant national anniversaries, such as the centenary of the First World War, and we have also tried to showcase local talent too.

“We couldn’t go ahead without our partners. Their help comes in different ways. Some give money to help with the costs of staging the events, while others offer venues, time and expertise. Working together in this way to put on inspirational events is a key part of the Inspired ethos.”