Lincoln’s Festival of History is back this weekend, with residents and visitors invited to step back through the centuries as the city hosts a free, three-day celebration from 2 to 4 May.
Organised by the Events in Lincoln team, the festival will transform the city centre into four immersive historic zones, bringing key moments of Lincoln’s past to life.
Running daily from 11am to 5pm, the event will feature themed activities, living history displays and re-enactments across a range of locations.
The Knight Academy at St Paul in the Bail
Visitors can experience medieval life through armoury drills, weaponry activities and hands-on crafts, including grain grinding, purse making, and candle rolling, alongside displays of replica arms and armour.
The Viking Arena at City Square
The Vikings first arrived in Lincoln in 865, establishing the city as one of their key strongholds. Celebrating Lincoln’s Norse heritage, tents filled with wares and weaponry will line the square, while visitors can try their hand at coin minting and calligraphy. Fierce warriors will patrol the arena, with combat demonstrations taking place across the weekend.
The Norman Camp at Cornhill Square
New for 2026, this area will explore life after 1066, when the Normans made Lincoln one of their most important power bases. Visitors will be able to taste food from a Norman kitchen, view armour and weapons up close and discover how the Normans cooked, fought and survived during this transformative period in the city’s history.
The Roman Market at Castle Square
Highlighting Lincoln’s origins as Lindum Colonia, Castle Square will become a bustling Roman Market, celebrating Lincoln’s origins as Lindum Colonia. Conquered by the Romans around AD50, Lincoln grew into a major settlement for retired soldiers. Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience live demonstrations of ancient crafts including baking, carpentry, tile making, blacksmithing and textiles, offering a unique insight into daily life in Roman Britain.
Alongside the four zones, there will be additional activities taking place across Lincoln.
At Lincoln Castle, visitors can explore the Victorian Prison and encounter costumed characters bringing the site’s history to life. Lincoln Cathedral will also host a programme of activities across the weekend, including demonstrations and guided tours.
Elsewhere, venues including St Mary’s Guildhall, the Usher Gallery and the International Bomber Command Centre will be hosting exhibitions, tours and family-friendly activities, while the Southside area will feature themed experiences.
Visitors can also take advantage of the Lincoln BIG Tour Bus over the weekend, helping them get around the city.
From iconic landmarks to lesser-known historic sites, the festival showcases the depth and variety of Lincoln’s heritage, offering a free and accessible way for people to engage with the city’s past.
For more information, go to Visit Lincoln's website, or the Events in Lincoln Facebook page.