Dale Benton

The very first city landmark to appear on the new Lincoln edition of the Monopoly board has been revealed.

Local charity Lincolnshire YMCA will be the first Lincoln Monopoly landmark to appear on the board.

The charity will take the very first location, the ‘Old Kent Road’ site, which had recently left the makers of the Lincoln edition stuck for ideas as to what could be its equivalent.

Old Kent Road is on a brown site and costs sixty Monopoly notes. Dubbed as one of the more challenging locations due to its lowest ranking location on the board, many players like the brown site due to its modest price and reasonable returns.

The Monopoly: Lincoln Edition makers Winning Moves UK will be keeping the identity of the other 21 Lincoln Monopoly properties under wraps until the board is officially launched and on shelves this October.

Lincolnshire YMCA’s location on the Lincoln Monopoly board

Peter Griffin, Monopoly Development Director at Winning Moves UK – who are producing the board – says he believes the YMCA has landed a “coup” in appearing on Old Kent Road after the Lincoln public were invited vote which city landmarks should appear on the board.

“We would like to formally thank the great Lincoln public for all their votes. Without the public’s support this unique and official board could not have been produced.”

He added: “The Old Kent Road position is one of the most talked about and high profile locations on the Monopoly board. It’s a plum and prestigious spot.

“We will be keeping the vast majority of the board close to our ‘Community Chests’ until we launch the game next month, but we have decided to announce this site first as it’s the very first location on the board.”

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire YMCA said that being the first location on the board mirrors the foundations’ real life contribution to the city: “Lincolnshire YMCA plays a key role in the community of Lincoln and the county of Lincolnshire.

“With the Showroom and our other centres and services, we believe that we are an integral part of the Lincoln cityscape and are very proud that the official Monopoly board has recognised this.

She added: “As the ‘new’ Old Kent Road we will be able to give people a chance for their first step on the housing ladder – both in the city and on the customised new board.”

Morris groups across the country will perform throughout Lincoln next month as the Lincoln BIG Morris Festival returns to the city.

Throughout September 7, locals and visitors will be treated to dancing displays from Morris groups, with displays in the city centre and uphill.

Organiser Diane Booth believes the event will be an even bigger draw this year, with more dance teams taking part.

She said: “Groups are coming from all over the pace, including Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and there will be displays to enjoy in both the city centre and Uphill Lincoln.”

The Morris groups will put on displays and singing sessions at Brayford Pool, Lincoln High Street, Bailgate and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Burton Road.

The Morris groups will all come together in a grand finale in Minster Yard, with the Lincoln Cathedral providing a backdrop to the popular festival.

Lincoln BIG events and promotions manager, Michael Armstrong, said: “Our colourful Morris Festival just seems to get better every year and we are particularly pleased that locals, shoppers and visitors will be able to stop and enjoy this experience wherever they happen to be in the city.

“Lincoln has been bursting with festivals during the Summer months and we have tried to offer a real kaleidoscope of entertainment for all members of the family.”

He added: “The Morris Festival is a key part of that programme.”