July 12, 2015 5.34 pm This story is over 110 months old

Hundreds shoot down first Lincoln flume, with a second on the cards

Splashing success: The Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia’s first Lincoln Flume was a huge success with lucky ticket winners, and the event is hoped to be back again soon.

Flaxengate in Lincoln took on the role of a giant waterslide on July 12, with hundreds of lucky ticket winners zooming down the slope past cheering spectators.

The flume, which was just over 100 metres long, was inspired by a project by artist Luke Jerram called Urban Slide, and was made possible by the hard work of many local volunteers.

The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia, and saw over 2,000 people bid for one of 425 winning lottery tickets at £3.

Some 14 local businesses that signed up for corporate packages also gained group spots on the slide – bringing the total taking part to around 500.

Duncan Gerrard, organiser from the rotary club said that the demand for the flume topped anything that they had first anticipated and “there are a few dates on the table” for a potential second slide for the city.

“Today has been absolutely fantastic, we’ve had people come dressed for the occasion, donating on the day and having a lot of fun.

“Of course we organise lots of major events for the city including the Lincoln Santa Fun Run and the annual Sausage Festival, and we are looking to bring bigger and better events to the city to raise more money for local charities.”

Altogether, about £6,000 has been generated by the flume, with funds going towards local charities including chosen charity partner Linkage Community Trust.

Their segment of the money raised will go towards the charity’s £250,000 Boultham Park Appeal.

Money was being donated throughout the day too, through collection pots and ice cream sales.

Those lucky enough to grab a winning ticket and a slot on the slide were sent down the sloe on a lilo, while a team of volunteers kept the water and bubbles flowing.

Some even donned their best fancy dress costumes for the occasion, and A Lincolnshire Police man and ‘The Stig’ even took part.

The event was supported by a number of local businesses. Among them was Connie Doull Photography, who took photographs of each person that took part.

Money made from the images will go towards the final fundraising total. They can be found over the next coming days at www.conniedoullphotography.co.uk.

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