October 1, 2014 11.44 am This story is over 126 months old

Lincoln Carholme Gala and West Fest mark WWI centenary

Community event: Lincoln school children, musicians and historic speakers will help to make the fifth annual Carholme Gala and first West Fest a fitting First World War tribute this weekend.
There's lot on for all the family at the Carholme Gala and West Fest. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln school children, musicians and historic speakers will help to make the fifth annual Carholme Gala and first West Fest a fitting First World War tribute this weekend.

In order to mark the centenary year of the outbreak of WWI, celebrations on October 5 will begin with an exhibition in the meeting room of the Lincoln Grandstand, which was the officers’ mess of the Royal Flying Corps during the war.

To follow, Dr Andrew Walker, formerly of the University of Lincoln, will give a talk on Lincoln and the war at 11.15am.

The gala and West Fest will begin at the Grandstand and West Common at 12 noon and will feature performances from schools St Faith’s Infant School and St Faith’s and St Martin’s, as well as a funk and souls show by Paul Richard Odysseus Bell.

Bishop Grosseteste Students Union Samba band and the Lincoln Ukulele Band are also performing. Music will be performed until 4pm.

Lincoln’s Viking history will be recreated and other attractions on the day include story telling, football and rounders, a Bouncy castle, barbecue and stalls.

Councillor Neil Murray is a member of the Gala organising group. He said: “The Gala is a popular event in the West End and an event that has something for everyone.

“The Gala is different this year. To mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War we will be having an exhibition in the historic former Royal Flying Corps officers’ mess room at the Grandstand.

“After the reflective historic part of the day, people will enjoy live musical performances. We are calling this West Fest and hope to build this part of the Gala over the next few years. Weather permitting there will be lots for kids to do around the Grandstand building.”