James McArthur

Libraries across Lincoln are taking part in a national competition to find the UK’s biggest Harry Potter fan.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Bloomsbury is asking fans of Harry Potter to explain why they love the boy wizard in no more than 50 words.

Bloomsbury will be on the lookout for the most original and entertaining reasons and encourages competition entrants to make their letters as creative and elaborate as possible.

Winners will receive a family trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and a special 15th anniversary edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Head of Heritage and Libraries, Jonathan Platt, said: “Lincolnshire libraries are delighted to be supporting the search for the biggest Harry Potter fan.

“Stocking the full range of Harry Potter titles across our libraries, we’re encouraging people to not only enter the competition, but also re-kindle their love for Harry and his adventures.

“It’s also a great opportunity for those who may not have read the Harry Potter series to discover what all the fuss is about.”

Entires for the competition can be posted at all Lincolnshire libraries (including mobile libraries) between Tuesday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 31

The winner and runners up will be announced on Saturday, September 1.

For further details about the competition, please visit www.bloomsbury.com/harrypottercompetition

Source: Lincolnshire County Council

A site of Lincoln’s ancient Roman history is set to open to the general public on Tuesday, July 31.

Posterngate, a Roman gateway discovered beneath the Royal Bank of Scotland on Bank Street, remains closed for most of the year to help preserve Lincoln’s heritage.

However, members of the public are being given the rare opportunity to tour the historic site for a brief period this summer.

Sally Bleasdale, Collections Access Officer, said: “The site was discovered during excavations in the 1970s and has remained popular with visitors ever since.

“Posterngate itself was gateway that allowed people to access boats on Lincoln’s waterfront.

“It is widely thought that the route was used by merchants and traders when Lincoln’s waterside was a bustling port.”

She added: “Visitors can also see a Roman limestone wall, which used to form part of the main Southern Wall of the old city.”

Tours of the historical gateway will last 15 minutes between 10am and 4pm, starting July 31.

Entry costs will stand at 50p per person, while under fives can enter for free.

Source: Lincolnshire County Council