Your guide to RAF centenary celebrations in Lincoln

With the Royal Air Force’s 100th birthday looming on April 1, a number of events have been planned in the city to mark the centenary celebrations.

Special events, activities and other initiatives at local, regional and national levels will take place from April to the end of November 2018.

Here’s a selection of the events going on in Lincoln, with others still to be confirmed:

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Lincolnshire: Bastion in the Air, 1915-18

Static Lincoln exhibitions: RAF Scampton + The Collection Museum 

There will be a series of touring First World War and aviation history exhibitions as part of the Lincolnshire Bastion of the Air project, as well as a static exhibition at RAF Scampton and The Collection Museum

• At RAF Scampton there will be a Dambusters hanger, featuring a recreation of a RFC airfield and replica aircraft. Visitors will need to book in advance here – Runs from April 6 to August 24
• Worldwide artefacts from the exhibition will be displayed at The Collection from Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, September 9, telling the story of Lincoln’s part in WWI including the largest model Zeppelin. Entrance fees apply. More info here. 

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Official opening of the International Bomber Command Centre

When: Thursday, April 12

Where: International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Hill.

• The official opening of the centre, commemorating all of those who were involved with or affected by the bombing campaigns of the Second Word War.
• The daytime ceremony is strictly invitation only, but the evening concert is open to all.
• The evening outdoor concert at the centre features a wide range of music and drama between 7pm and 9.30pm. 
• Tickets are £7 for children, £14 fo adults and £12 for disabled and concessions
• Click or tap here for more information. 

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RAF Freedom Parade

When: Friday, April 20

Where: Lincoln City Centre

• 69 personnel from RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton will form in St Martin’s Square at around 11am
• The march will go off down the High Street and halt at the War Memorial before continuing off Waterside South

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Kings in the Sky – 100 Years of Military Flying

When: Saturday, May 5 to Monday, May 7 Where: Lincoln Castle

• Includes a performance from singer Heather Marie
• Between 9am and 5pm

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RAF Centenary Concert

When: Thursday, May 24

Where: Lincoln Cathedral

• With the Band of the Royal Air Force College compered by Carol Vorderman MBE RAFVR(T)
• There are limited tickets available with adults tickets costing between £15 and £20. Click or tap here to find out more details and to book tickets.

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Armed Forces Day

When: Saturday, June 30 from 10am-4pm

Where: Cornhill/Lincoln City Centre

• Day will start with opening ceremony where a VIP and local dignitaries will inspect the Standards supporting by the Fire & Rescue Band
• Entertainment on a stage will be situated adjacent to the High Street War Memorial including musical entertainment, Irish dancers and more
• Local Army Reserve & RAF Reserve Regt’s will be present and some military vehicles will be on display
• Veterans & Associations Groups will have stands in the High Street

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RAF100 Dinner

When: Friday, August 10 Where: Lincoln Cathedral

• A formal dinner held in the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral to commemorate and pay tribute to personnel who have previously served with the RAF, and who lost their lives in battle, as well as celebrating Lincolnshire’s RAF community.
• Tickets go on sale on March 26 and are priced at £100, of which 5% will be a charitable donation towards supporting the International Bomber Command Centre.
• Keep an eye on the Cathedral’s website for more details

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Lincoln 1940s Weekend

When: Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12 Where: Citywide

• This event incorporates the annual 1940s weekend, static displays, ‘Brew for the Few’ and lots more.
• Two days of period and vintage activities and displays including this year’s key focus of the RAF’s 100th anniversary
• There will be plenty of sights in the Cathedral Quarter including displays, live entertainment, markets and activities for all the family.
• Find out more about the full lineup for the weekend on the event Facebook page here. 

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Outdoor Cinema showing The Dam Busters

When: Sunday, September 30 Where: Lincoln Castle

More details to be confirmed.

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Commemoration of Lincoln Engineering in the Great War

When: Thursday, October 18 Where: Lincoln Drill Hall

• Including an introduction on the overall picture of the supply of munitions and aircraft manufacture
• Keep an eye on Lincoln Drill Hall’s website for more details

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100th Anniversary of Armistice at War Memorial

When: Saturday, November 10 Where: Lincoln City Centre

• March of all services and the salute taken by the Lord Mayor of Lincoln
• Further details to be confirmed.

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Remembrance Service

When: Sunday, November 11 Where: Lincoln Cathedral

List of other events scheduled for Lincoln:

Premiere of The Dambusters at the International Bomber Command Centre
Saturday, April 14
The Dam Busters: A brand new restoration will premiere as one of the official opening events for the command centre.

Click here for more information and tickets

Heroes of the Airfields Exhibition at St Marks Shopping Centre
Saturday, June 30 to Friday, July 13
Click here for more information

Heroines of the Home Front at St Marks Shopping Centre
July 13 to August 12
Click here for more information

Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival at Lincoln Drill and other venues
July 25 to 29
With music from the First and Second World War
Click here for more information

1940s Themed Dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton
Saturday, August 11
Click here for more information

Proms Concert at Lincoln Castle
Saturday, August 11
Keep an eye out for further details appearing here

Benjamin Britten: War Requiem at Lincoln Cathedral
Saturday, November 3
Led by the Lincoln Choral Society with the Lincoln Cathedral Choristers
For more information click here

Beacon Lighting at Lincoln Castle
Sunday, November 11
Keep an eye out for further details appearing here

Lincoln Mystery Plays presents The Eleventh Hour at the Drill Hall
Sunday, November 11 to Saturday, November 17
Keep an eye out for further details appearing here