Flypasts, fun and fireworks for Lincoln RAF100 weekend

A weekend-long programme of RAF-themed displays, entertainment, parades and fireworks is planned for this summers RAF100 weekend.

Around 30,000 people are expected to land in Lincoln over August 11 and 12 to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force.

The event incorporates Lincoln BIG’s 1940s weekend, and promises to be bursting with attractions for the whole family – with something happening in 13 different areas of the city plus a flypast by historic aircraft.

Lincoln BIG is still looking to hear from anyone who wants to volunteer by meeting and greeting visitors, signposting them to different activities, stewarding and marshalling event areas.

They should call Jessica Wickham on (01522) 842702.

What’s on

There will be plenty happening between 10am and 5pm each day, in locations including Castle Hill, Bailgate, The Strait, Minster Yard, High Street, Brayford Wharf North, City Square and St Marks Shopping Centre.

1940s Market in the Cathedral Quarter

Photo: Visit Lincoln

Enjoy live music and dancing, visit charity stands, wander around vehicle displays and take plenty of breaks for refreshments.

Vintage Village at The Lawn

The Lawn in Lincoln. Photo: Michael Hill

Here there will be old-fashioned children’s rides, Punch & Judy shows and an opportunity for families to enjoy pottery painting sessions.

Two other great events are also taking place in The Blue Room at The Lawn.

The Blue Room has opened as a community theatre at The Lawn. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There’s a chance to see The Nightwatch – a play set in the 1940s when calm has returned to London. It centres on five people recovering from the chaos of war. Scenes are set in a dating agency, a bombed-out church and a prison cell.

Catch the action on Thursday or Friday (Aug 9 and 10) at 7.30pm, on Saturday (Aug 11) at 2pm or on Sunday (Aug 12) at 4pm.

On Saturday night (Aug 11) Brandyn Shaw & his Radio Rhythm Makers will playing music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s at The Blue Room Ball 2018 and people are bound to want to try out the sprung wooden dance floor!

The Ball is on from 8pm to 11.30pm. Tickets cost £15.

Battle Pipe Procession

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln BIG’s weekend activities continue with a Battle Pipe Procession on Saturday and Sunday. An additional surprise is planned, but is still under wraps. Lincoln Drill Hall is also involved in staging re-enactments, with Rhubarb Theatre.

Street Tea Party

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

On the Sunday, everyone is invited to celebrate a great weekend by joining a Street Tea Party, “Brew for the Few”, and dine with RAF veterans. It is taking place in the St Benedict’s Square area, from 11am to 3pm and is being organised by RAFA and the Healthy High Streets Group. Donations to RAFA are welcomed.

Calling all singers

Singers take note! Lincoln BIG and Lincs FM are setting-up a stage in City Square, where people can enjoy live music between 10am and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

People can enjoy listening to sounds from the 1940s and watching live performers. Anyone who wants to sing on stage should get in touch with Lincs FM’s Tom Adams on 01522 549900.

Life’s a beach

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Children can also dig-in at Lincoln’s BIG fabulous Beach – just at the nearby Cornhill – where they can also enjoy aviation-themed rides.

Heritage

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

And there’s more! In the pedestrianised south High Street, there’s a chance to visit aviation and heritage stands, including those staffed by members of Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, volunteers from Thorpe Camp and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum and staff from InvestSK.

Fly like a hawk

The Red Arrows returning to their RAF Scampton base. Photo: RAF Red Arrows

Families will also be eager to see (and sit in) a full-sized static model of a Red Arrows Hawk Jet at St Mark’s Shopping Centre.

And vintage and modern fire engines and RAF displays will be found on the city’s Brayford Waterfront.

Details of the historic flypast are still being finalised.

Saturday night spectacular

Photo: Emily Norton

People can also splash out and enjoy a 1940s Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Saturday night, but everyone on the Brayford Waterfront is invited to enjoy a fabulous fireworks display from 9pm the same evening.