Lincoln BIG promote -Centenary of Royal Air Force

HIGH-FLYING YEAR OF CELEBRATION

Families are being encouraged to celebrate Lincolnshire’s magnificent aviation story by filling their diaries with fantastic events and fun things to do as we mark the Centenary of the Royal Air Force.

Visit Lincoln and Lincoln BIG are proud to be commemorating the county’s association with the 100^th anniversary of the RAF. The city and county are famed for their heritage and the fact that Lincolnshire played key roles in the First and Second World Wars. We are still home to many operational RAF stations today.

In honour of this special year, Lincoln BIG has hung an eye-catching banner featuring the much-loved aerobatic team The Red Arrows, across the city’s High Street.

It’s there to remind everyone to join in with the RAF100 celebrations, which include unmissable, world-class family-friendly events, exhibitions and trails.

Head of Visit Lincoln Lydia Rusling said: “It really is a special year and we are determined to help RAF100 one to remember, so we hope as many people as possible will join in.

“To celebrate this year’s activities and events, Visit Lincoln has launched a video showcasing the forthcoming highlights of 2018 – see www.visitlincoln.com/RAF

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “We have devised eight new exciting trails for Lincoln and the county.  The four walking routes and four cycling trails will be launched at the end of April.

“In connection with these, Lincoln BIG worked with the University of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre, off Canwick Hill,  to “find” 100 voices – to compile a collection of stories from Lincolnshire.

“Each “Voice” will be presented on a wing installation.  These wings will be placed around the city and Greater Lincoln area. And walkers and cyclists will be able to read the stories, each of which is an historical account relating to the RAF in the county. 

April 12 promises to be a really special day, with the private official opening of the International Bomber Command Centre, off Canwick Hill, just outside of the city.

This important site, which will be fully open to the public from April 14, includes the 102-ft high Corten steel memorial spire, walls containing the names of nearly 58,000 men and women who perished whilst serving with or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two, The Chadwick Centre (which is packed with information and exhibition material), peace gardens, café and the Ribbon of Remembrance, with its engraved paving stones.

From May 26 to September 9, there is a chance to visit the Bastion in the Air exhibition at The Collection in Danesgate, Lincoln, and learn more about the development of aviation development, production and defence in World War One.  Look out for medals, badges, uniforms, postcards and lots of other memorabilia.

Then we have Lincoln BIG’s bumper 1940s Weekend taking place on August 11 and 12, which will also form part of the RAF100 celebrations.

Everyone is encouraged to make a date to catch the 1940s vibe and attractions which will include vintage vehicles, live entainment, jive and swing dancing, market stalls, displays, and a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There will be something happening in the Bailgate area, High Street, Brayford Waterfront, City Square and St Marks – so make sure you’re there.!