Cultural highlights in Lincoln not to be missed

Celebrations for Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary in 2015 continue through the summer – especially in Lincoln. The city is home to one of only four surviving copies of the document which lies in a state-of-the-art, subterranean vault in Lincoln Castle. The vault is the only place in the world where the 1215 Magna Carta can be seen alongside the 1217 Charter of the Forest.

And in late August, Festival 800 brings a host of national and international artists and human rights activists to celebrate freedom of speech as an artistic response to Magna Carta. Read on for highlights coming up in Lincoln for a truly cultural city break.

Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta

Lincoln Cathedral towers above the city at the top of a steep hill, aptly named Steep Hill, and can be seen for miles around. What a sight it would have been to behold for Medieval pilgrims travelling to hear the words of the newly written Magna Carta in 1215.  The Cathedral was the seat of power for the country’s largest diocese at the time, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, and a copy of the document was sent there as soon as it was sealed.

Today you can visit the Cathedral and Lincoln Castle, where the ancient document is housed, with one money-saving ticket for a unique cultural break. Climb the 338 steps to the top of Lincoln Cathedral’s tower for stunning views across the city and even into the walls of Lincoln Castle itself.

In the Castle, Magna Carta isn’t the only artefact worth examining. The Medieval wall walk allows you to walk the full circumference of the castle – something not even William the Conqueror could do. And the Victorian prison tells tales of the real Lincolnshire prisoners that resided there – a fascinating example of the Victorian ‘separate system’.

Both attractions are open through the year and the joint ticket includes a return visit to each landmark – a great excuse to plan another visit.

Festival 800 featuring Eva Clarke

For an inspirational and thought provoking evening visit the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on Monday 31st August to hear the amazing story of Eva Clarke, one of the youngest survivors of the Holocaust.

Eva came into this world at Mauthausen, a notorious Nazi death camp, on 29 April 1945. Her mother was forced to deliver her on a wooden cart amongst dying and typhoid ridden prisoners. Thankfully Eva’s arrival coincided with the collapse of the Third Reich – had Eva’s mother Anka Bergman gone into labour just 24 hours earlier both of them would almost certainly have been killed moments after Eva took her first breath. Instead she became one of the youngest survivors of the Holocaust.

Eva will be coming to Lincoln’s Festival 800 to bring her story to life with a mesmerising talk at LPAC. She will be joined and introduced by Gillian Walnes MBE, co-founder and Vice President of the Anne Frank Trust UK.

“Because I’m Shappi” – Shappi Khorsandi

Shappi Khorsandi performs her latest show ‘Because I’m Shappi’ for Festival 800 – a show you really don’t want to miss! Shappi is a regular on TV and on Thursday 3rd September Shappi will bring her feisty performance to the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC).

Her involvement in the celebration of freedom of speech at Festival 800 is perfectly mirrored to her childhood. In 1979, her father, Iranian writer and comic Hadi Khorsandi, was forced to flee to Britain following the Iranian revolution and his perceived criticism of the new regime.

Reflecting on the good things, she celebrates her haphazard, zigzag towards her dreams. She introduces us to friends, family and total strangers who have helped her on her personal Yellow Brick Road.

She has whip-crack jokes and is effortlessly funny as she handles every subject with a razor sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously mischievous delivery and endless charm.

So if you’ve been inspired to discover Magna Carta in one of its spiritual homes, plan a visit to Lincoln for a cultural city break.  The city has a wealth of luxury hotels, historic guest houses and beautiful countryside cottages to choose from promising an unforgettable stay.

Emma Tatlow is Manager of Visit Lincoln.

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