What to do in Lincoln for Magna Carta Weekend

In celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, a spectacular programme of events is making this summer in Lincoln one to remember.

With the celebrations coinciding with the top annual events on the Lincoln calendar, such as the Lincolnshire Show and the British Cycling National Road Race Championships, there’s plenty to do for the whole family and lots bringing in a tourism boom.

In anticipation of the city festivities, Virgin Trains East Coast has committed to running extra services between London and Lincoln. Find out more here.

The Magna Carta Weekend runs from Thursday, June 11 until Monday, June 15 – 800 years to the day that King John sealed Magna Carta under the watchful eyes of 25 Barons.

The highlights to look out for include:

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Night of Festivals: Carnival

Where: Lincoln City Centre
When: Saturday, June 13, 11am – 10pm
Cost: Free

Carnival processions with puppets, giant figures and stunning costumes accompanied by live samba music will parade through the streets of Lincoln. There will be a lit performance on Saturday night.

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Barons’ Charter Trail

In the city where one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta can be found, 25 individual and specially designed Baron sculptures are set to blaze a trail through the streetscape between June 13 and September 13.

Follow the trail and put the 25 letters together to make a phrase. The first 5,000 correct entries win a bag of gold chocolate coins.

Find out more on the Lincoln Barons website and take a sneak peek of the barons from the event launch.

Don’t forget to also take part in the trail via social media by taking a selfie with a baron and sharing using #LincolnBarons.

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Freedom Festival

When: Saturday, June 13, 11am until 10.30pm
Where: University of Lincoln
Cost: Free

The Lincoln Freedom Festival features performances by local comedians and live music on the Freedom Stage at the University of Lincoln.

Enjoy family activities, craft stalls, food stands and children’s rides, and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Night of Festivals Carnival procession. The evening finishes with a spectacular firework finale.

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Radiating Signals

When: Saturday, June 13, 11am until 7pm
Where: Lincoln City centre to Lincoln Castle
Cost: Free

A collection of 20 specially designed flags, created from 10 communities from across Lincolnshire, will be paraded through the centre of Lincoln before coming together at Lincoln Castle.

The flags will be flying from the Medieval walls of the Castlein time for the Magna Carta Party at 7pm.

Of course, the Magna Carta copy itself can be discovered in its state-of-the-art vault at Lincoln Castle, recent beneficiary of a £22 million restoration project.

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Magna Carta Party with Diversity

When: Saturday, June 13, 7pm
Where: Lincoln Castle
Cost: £9 – £13

Streetdance troupe Diversity are headlining a special party marking the celebrations, against the backdrop of the Norman castle.

The group will be performing a specially commissioned tribute to freedom in the castle grounds.

Gates will open for the Saturday evening event at 7pm with The Magna Party starting at 8pm, which will showcase local and regional talent, featuring music and dance performances, building up to the finale with Diversity. The event will finish at 10pm.

Tickets, costing £13 per adult, £11 concessions and £9 for children, are available from Lincoln Drill Hall Box Office online and by calling 01522 873 894.

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 Horrible Histories Stage Show

When: Sunday, June 14
Where: Lincoln Castle
Cost: £7.20 – £12 (Family tickets available)

The live all-new Horrible Histories stage show ‘Barmy Britain – Part Two’ includes a specially commissioned Magna Carta sketch.

Performances are at 11.30am & 2.30pm in the ground of the castle (outdoor, each lasting 60 minutes) Castle all-inclusive admission applies and includes performances.

More information and full ticket prices can be found here.

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Official Anniversary

When: Monday, June 15 11am to 12.30pm
Where: High Street to Lincoln Castle
Cost: Free

Monday, June 15 marks 800 years to the day that King John sealed the Magna Carta document. The monarch will be brought back to life as he parades from High Street to deliver the Magna Carta Scroll to Lincoln Castle as part of the Night of Festivals carnival procession.

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See the full Magna Carta Weekend event programme here.

You can also find out more about events this summer in Lincoln by visiting the Visit Lincoln website and by keeping an eye on the events section on The Lincolnite.