Garrett Withington

Towns large and small across Lincoln and Lincolnshire will play host to exiting free events as part of a heritage festival next month. 

The festival is being organised by Heritage Lincolnshire and will encompass over 150 events being staged by communities right across the historic county between September 7 and 10.

All of the events will be free, with historic buildings that are usually closed to everyday visitors, opening their doors and participating in the festivities.

Liz Bates, CEO of the charity Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “The festival is now in its 24th year and we’re delighted that it has grown to become one of the largest Heritage Open Days programmes outside of London. We’re looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors again this year.”

Locations and events which will be open to the public in Lincoln and beyond include:

• Prisoners of Conscience in Lincoln Prison 1918 – 1919 – This event at The Collection examines both the imprisonment of conscientious objectors during the First World War and the history of a group of Sinn Fein prisoners. Saturday, September 9 at 2pm
• Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre – Cited as the world’s first Military Air Academy, goers will get the chance to discover the fascinating story behind the college and even get the chance to become a pilot themselves by having a go in the jet provost flight simulator. Museum open on Saturday, 9 and Sunday, September 10 10am to 4.30pm.
• Lincoln Castle – Dating back all the way to 1068 this medieval castle is home to one of only four copies left of the Magna Carta, the ‘great charter’ which protected the freedoms of everyday citizens.
• Jewish Heritage Tour – Discover Lincoln’s Jewish heritage on a guided walking tour through the city. Sunday, September 10 from Lincoln Visitor Information Centre at 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
• Lincoln Heritage Music Festival – Taking place in the intimate setting of St Benedict’s church, those who attend will be able to explore the music of the past. Saturday, September 9 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday, September 10 11am to 5.30pm.

For further information on events, the full programme of listings across Lincolnshire and where to find them follow this link.

One local resident is determined to get the village of Ruskington knighted – but not in the traditional sense.

Sarah Tonge has started a Crowdfunding page with the goal of raising £3,000 so she can bring back a Lincoln knight to her pub the Shoulder of Mutton in Ruskington.

Residents have become familiar with the 36 uniquely decorated knights which line the streets of Lincoln, but they will all be sold off to in an auction at the end of September.

All of the money generated will contribute to the new Art and Innovation Fund for the City of Lincoln, as well as the Nomad Trust.

It is likely that Sarah will have to raise more than £3,000 to secure a knight, as the starting price for the Lincoln Baron statues, auctioned off in 2015, was £3,500.

Sarah is employing all manners of tactics to raise money for the statue, such as hosting a quiz-bingo night and afternoon tea on September 9 and 10 respectively.

She has also reached out to local business who can have their name placed on the bottom of the statue if they choose to sponsor the project.

In the event that not enough money can be raised to compete in the auction, Sarah will donate the money raised to the Nomad Trust directly.

If you would like to contribute to Sarah’s campaign, you can do so by following the link here, or if you would like to contact her about quiz, bingo and afternoon tea you can reach her on, 01526 832220.