Only days to go until Lincoln’s free music festival returns to the city centre

Two young males on stage, both with guitars and one singing.

There are now just days to go until Lincoln Live returns to the city centre, bringing a weekend of free live music and entertainment to Lincoln on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.

The music festival, organised by City of Lincoln Council’s Events in Lincoln team, will bring together some of the most popular up-and-coming artists from Lincolnshire and beyond, with the Mainstage programme curated by BBC Introducing.

The festival will get underway at midday on both days, with a packed programme of live music throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

On Saturday, Daughter Turned Thing will open the Mainstage at 12 noon, followed by DB Jones at 1pm, Emzae at 2pm and Lincoln-based The Rills at 3pm. Max Imbornone will take to the stage at 4pm, followed by Purehoney at 5pm, with Cariad bringing the day’s Mainstage performances to a close at 6pm.

Sunday’s line-up will see Jordan Ravenhill open the day at 12 noon, followed by Wounded Newt at 1pm, Marianne Leigh at 2pm and The Publics at 3pm. Stone Cold Sweethearts will close the Mainstage programme at 4pm.

The Rills, whose roots are in Lincoln, will be taking to the stage for one final performance before taking a hiatus, while The Publics will headline Sunday’s show following their recent performance at Y Not Festival.

Lincoln Live Unplugged

For those looking for something a little more relaxed, the Unplugged Zone at St Paul in the Bail will offer a chilled-out weekend of acoustic performances curated by Southside.

The Saturday line-up will feature Ccerise at 11am, Ben Williams at 11.45am, The Curiosity Band at 12.30pm, Julia Rose at 1.15pm, Bethany Gibson at 2pm, Undershaw at 2.45pm and Charlie Allibone at 3.30pm.

On Sunday, visitors can enjoy performances from Ewan Coulbeck at 11am, Romy at 11.45am, Chapter II at 12.30pm, Carrianne Rogers Music at 1.15pm, Nanuk at 2pm, Tinned Peaches at 2.45pm and Red Afternoon at 3.30pm.

The Unplugged Zone will also feature a small selection of market stalls and cosy bean bags, making it the perfect spot to sit back and soak up the music at a slower pace.

Food, drink and more

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a bar supplied by Sipwell Events, serving ales, delicious cocktails, including a special Lincoln Live-themed cocktail, premium spirits and soft drinks throughout both days.

Cornhill Market will be open during the festival, providing food, drinks, shopping and toilet facilities for visitors between acts.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Any alcohol must be purchased onsite from the official Lincoln Live bar.

Some seating and deck chairs will be provided, but anyone planning to attend is also welcome to bring their own chairs to enjoy the music in maximum comfort.

The celebrations will also continue into Saturday evening, with local business Coffee Aroma supporting Lincoln Live with a free live music event following the Mainstage programme.

Lincoln Live Encore: John Grant Live at Coffee Aroma will see saxophonist and vocalist John Grant perform at the Guildhall Street venue from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Visitors can also enjoy half-price Espresso Martinis and Aperol from 5pm to 8pm, making it the perfect way to round off a day of live music in the city centre.

Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:

“There are now just days to go until Lincoln Live returns, filling the city centre with music and allowing people the opportunity to enjoy everything Lincoln has to offer.

 

"It’s fantastic to see such a strong line-up of emerging artists from Lincolnshire and beyond, alongside some brilliant local businesses getting involved and extending the celebrations throughout the weekend.

 

"Best of all, the festival is completely free, so it’s a great opportunity for people of all ages to come into the city, discover some new music, support local businesses and enjoy what is set to be a fantastic weekend together."

With just one week to go, music fans are being encouraged to head into the city centre and enjoy a weekend of live music, completely free of charge.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the Events in Lincoln Facebook page.

Published on September 1st 2026