50,000 swing it to Lincoln 1940s weekend

Lincoln’s RAF100 weekend attracted an estimated 50,000 people to the city this weekend.

The festival, which incorporated the annual 1940s celebrations across 13 different city centre locations, and included flypasts, performances, markets and displays, was a hit with locals and tourists alike.

The city centre, uphill and Brayford Waterfront areas buzzed with the 1940s vibe. Many people dressed for the occasion.

Ladies sported Victory Roll hairdos, cheerful tea-dresses and jaunty headscarves. Gentlemen looked cool in period trousers, braces and trilby hats and military uniforms.

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “Our Lincoln RAF100 Weekend really lived up to its promises. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest events we have staged in the city.

“Once again, together with the strong support of our partners, it was great to have the ability to put on a good show across the city centre and offer everyone a warm welcome.

“The weekend involved lots of detailed planning and Lincoln BIG levy players really threw their weight behind it so that it was designed to be good for everyone, from local families to tourists and shopkeepers.”

Visit Lincoln’s website data showed that, in the month leading-up to the RAF Weekend,
there were 30,000 visits to the event pages promoting the weekend’s activities.

Visit Lincoln Chief Executive Lydia Rusling said: “It was a magnificent weekend for the city, which attracted international visitors from Australia, America, Germany and Sweden, as well as friends and family from across the UK.

“The whole city was vibrant and welcoming with lots of activities combining to create an exceptional showcase for visitors to Lincoln.”

Bells Tea Shop owner and Bailgate Guild Chair Nicky Lockwood added: “It was really buzzing at the weekend.

“It was lovely to see so many people in their 1940s outfits and that so many of the businesses made the effort to decorate their premises. I’d love to see it all happening again.”