The Lincoln Festival of History Weekend...

As a celebration of our city's history & heritage, Lincoln is stepping back in time this Bank Holiday weekend as the Festival of History returns, for its third year, from 2nd-4th May. Visit the Roman Market in Castle Square, Knights Academy in St Paul in the Bail, the Viking Arena in City Square and The Norman Camp in Lincoln Castle as well as many more hidden gems and fascinating stories happening all around the city. Perfect for a Bank Holiday wander.

We've delved into what's going on and picked a few favourites, which we've shared below. More details and full event information can be accessed on the Visit Lincoln website.

Follie’s 'Festival of History' - A Mini Guide

Lincoln Castle

The ultimate 'festival of history'

experience. Explore special historical experiences, characters & family fun.

LIncoln Cathedral

The Cathedral will be hosting a wide range of activities, showcasing different eras from the Cathedral’s 1000 year history.

Lincoln Big Open top bus

Hop aboard the Lincoln BIG Tour Bus with discounted festival tickets for a sightseeing spin

throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

UoL Conservation Lab Tours

Go behind the scenes & discover how historic treasures are restored & preserved at the University of Lincoln.

tea with queen elizabeth I

Southside presents Lesley Smith, former curator of Tutbury Castle and well-known historian specialising in medieval matters.

St Mary magdalene

An exhibition at St Mary Magdalene Church in the heart of Bailgate uncovers stories & craftsmanship behind it's Victorian makeover.

Museum of lincolnshire life

Experience the sights & sounds of everyday Victorian Lincolnshire, brought to life with living history demonstrations. Also discover the tools, traditions & inventions that shaped the era.

usher art gallery

A new display in the Clore Gallery features early Anglo Saxon brooches, real treasure, discovered by local metal detectorists & uncovered an Anglo Saxon burial ground just north of Lincoln.

Guided tour St Mary's Guildhall

Formerly known as John O’Gaunt’s Stables, the building dates back to 1157 & was once a major domestic building of the highest social status and possibly the town house of King Henry II.

Uphill Markets

Lincoln Makers' & Antique Markets will be joining forces for one fantastic event, taking place in the Castle Hill Car Park, browse a variety of stalls selling both vintage and locally made wares.

And while you’re uphill, wandering the historic Bailgate and Cathedral Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere, do come for a browse at Follie, our little piece of Lincoln history, built in the 14th Century, filled with gifts, treasures and lovely things to remember your Lincoln weekend by.

Visit Lincoln Lincoln Castle

City of Lincoln Council

Lincoln BIG Lincoln Cathedral

Visit Lincolnshire Southside

Lincoln Independent

The Little Pink Shop in Print: Follie in the Press...

During the festive season, Follie found itself in quite a few lovely places other than Bailgate and I didn't get the chance at the time to share our excitement properly here. I was interviewed during November & December, and either featured in or contributed to six different articles... as well as a little shout-out by Peter Levy on BBC Look North!

For an independent shop in Lincoln, it felt quite surreal and there were moments where I genuinely had to re-read things just to make sure it was my Follie, and not an imposter..

The Telegraph

The Telegraph

BBC

The Guardian

Gifts Today

Balance

It’s easy, when you’re running a small business day to day, especially at Christmas, to keep your head down and just get on with things - unpacking boxes, dressing windows, chatting to customers, making endless lists. So seeing Follie feature in national publications is incredibly special.

More than anything, it reminded me how lucky I am to be part of such a supportive community, there was such a joyful reaction from customers and friends who'd seen the articles themselves, and great discussions of how to go about making paper chain decorations from velvet ribbons.

So this little post is mainly just to say thank you and to quietly mark a really lovely moment in Follie’s story.

Here’s to many more to come

A Little December Update...

Hello lovely people - just a quick note from me to say that December’s What’s On guide is taking a tiny pause this month. It’s the busiest, sparkliest time of year and sometimes even my best-laid plans have to shuffle a little!

But don’t worry - there is still lots of loveliness happening in uphill Lincoln. This weekend brings the magical Lincoln Ice Adventure, fingers crossed for kind weather - although, even in last year’s rain it was absolutely buzzing and beautiful. Expect choirs singing, traditional steam organ music & carousel, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and all those cosy festive touches that make December in Lincoln feel so special.

The Advent Wreath Festival continues at St Mary Magdalene Church, as does Lincoln Castle Illuminated. Plus, there's still late night shopping throughout December here at Follie and across a number of other wonderful businesses in uphill Lincoln - perfect for a twinkly evening wander.

I've also added some helpful links below, so you can find all details you need for many more events through the festive season. And of course, the little pink shop is open every day, full of Christmas loveliness whenever you fancy popping by. 💗

Lincoln Independent

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln BIG

City of Lincoln Council

Visit Lincoln

Visit Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire Showground

University of Lincoln

Southside

The Engine Shed

Lincoln Rocks

Eventbrite - Lincoln