Lincoln is gearing up for the Great Magna Carta Weekend – marking 800 years since the historic document was sealed.
Fun family events are being held in the city from Thursday June 11 until Monday June 15 – 800 years to the day since King John sealed Magna Carta, watched by 25 Barons. Only four versions of the landmark document are in existence, and Lincoln castle holds the world’s best-preserved version in a brand new state-of-the-art vault.
From June 13, visitors can explore the Lincoln Barons’ Charter Trail for the very first time, which will see 25 baron sculptures placed around the city. They will be displayed for three months, before being auctioned with all proceeds from the sales donated to The Trussell Trust, the national foodbank charity.
Local community groups will be donning democracy-themed costumes and taking part in parades as part of the Night of Festivals (below) at Brayford Waterfront on the Saturday. Every 45 minutes, there will be a carnival featuring giant puppets, fireworks and street musicians. On Monday June 15, there will be a schools carnival procession featuring a giant King John puppet.
Young history fans can watch the free Horrible Histories show ‘Barmy Britain Part 2’ – including a new Magna Carta sketch – at the castle on the Sunday afternoon. On Saturday evening, Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity are headlining at the Magna Party concert at the castle.
Over the weekend, Lincoln’s most famous street (above) will come alive with Steep Hill Stories in association with BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Every 20 minutes, people can hear the story of King John and the impact of Magna Carta over the centuries.
For full details, see visitlincoln.com/greatweekend
Stay: Tattershall Lakes Country Park, a short drive away, is offering a three nights in a six berth self catering comfort caravan from June 12 for £318, a 25% reduction on the brochure price. To book: See Tattershall Lakes
