Summer Holidays in the Wolds
With the summer holidays well underway, we know that finding something to do to entertain the family can be quite challenging. So, we’re here to help by showing you a variety of different events taking place across the Lincolnshire Wolds.
From festivals to craft markets, fireworks to dinosaurs taking over our towns, there is so much fun to be had within the Lincolnshire Wolds this summer. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other events taking place which may not be featured on here. If you are hosting an event or know of one which is happening within the Lincolnshire Wolds and is not featured on our website, you are able to create a free event listing to get some free publicity. To submit an event listing, please click here.
Without further ado, lets get into the Lincolnshire Wolds summer of fun!
6th July - 30th September - Horse Fair Exhibition-
Sir Joseph Banks Centre, Horncastle, LN9 5HZ
Horncastle's Great August Horse Fair was once claimed to be the largest horse fair in the world. Buyers came from across Europe and as even as far as Russia and America.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the final Fair in 1948, Horncastle History & Heritage Society are holding a special exhibition at the Joseph Banks Centre.
The exhibition charts the story of the Fair from its ancient origins to its heyday in the early 19th century, and its eventual decline in the face first steam engines and then motor cars and tractors. It features some of the poetry and song that the Fair inspired, as well as photos and engravings from the Society’s Town Archive.
Read more about the Horse Fair Exhibition here.
22nd July - 3rd September - Horncastle Horse Fair Trail-
Horncastle Town Centre
Giddy up on the trail of over 40 colourful wooden horses to be found in shop windows across Horncastle from 22nd July to 3rd September 2023.
All the horses have been decorated by creative local businesses, groups, and schools to help mark 75 years since the town's last Horse Fair in 1948, in partnership with Horncastle History & Heritage Society.
The trail starts with an extra-large wooden horse at the Joseph Banks Centre, where there's also a special exhibition on the history of the fair (open Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 10am-4pm). From there you can spread out across town to find horses in the windows of many of Horncastle's artisan shops and independent businesses.
Read more about the Horncastle Horse Fair Trail here.
11th August - Scott Mills & Chris Stark's Epic Night Out
Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen, LN8 5NJ
Get ready for an epic night out as Scott Mills & Chris Stark head to Rand Farm Park this summer! Famously known for their partnership on Radio 1, Scott and Chris will bring the latest hits to give you the best night out yet! Enjoy 3 licensed bars, scrumptious food and access to the whole of the park - all included in the ticket price!
Please note this event is for 18 years and over.
For more information on the Epic Night Out, click here.
12th August - Horncastle Horse Fair
Horncastle Market Place, LN9 5HB
The main event of the Horncastle Horse Fair! The day will be split up into the day and the evening. From 9:00-15:00 the Horncastle Market place will be hosting all your market favourites plus extra craft stalls, with hands-on creative activities for families, some with a horsey theme.
The evenings events will take place from 19:00 - 21:00 all around town-
- Community Centre at 19:00 - meet at the community centre and bring your horse hats & flags made during the week. The new horse puppet will then make an appearance and together we will horse around town.
- Lion Theatre - Especially commissioned creative film by artist William Lindley being shown on a loop inside the Lion Theatre with additional lighting and effects.
- St Mary's Church - Montage of original Horse Fair images shown on a loop inside on a screen, with a soundtrack and some additional images and illuminations.
- Imageskool community designed graffiti boards on display.
The days events will then be concluded with a free firework display at the playing fields from 21:00.
Read more about the Horncastle Horse Fair here.
12th - 13th August - Rand Festival
Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen, LN8 5NJ
An incredible weekend of live music, play and fun for all the family! Rand Farm Park are bringing the festival vibes this August with great live music, fabulous food and drink and incredible indoor and outdoor play!
Rand Festival will be welcoming a variety of different acts including tributes to Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Jess Glynne, George Ezra, Taylor Swift and many more! Read more about the festival here, including how to buy tickets and what will be included in your festival admission.
12th - 13th August - The Return of the King at Bolingbroke Back in Time
Bolingbroke Castle, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, PE23 4HH
Join Heritage Lincolnshire and the Friends of Bolingbroke Castle as they team up with the magnificent Plantagenet Society to bring you a weekend to remember.
See the arming of the King's knights, learn about the traditional sport of falconry, move to medieval dances, and witness the horsemen on their war horses practicing their martial skills, before watching the climactic skirmishes where armed fighters will vie for your support and the King's favour. This year including live demonstrations of blacksmithing, falconry, medieval cookery, archery and combat.
Read more about the Return of the King event here.
12th - 13th August - Alford 1940's Weekend
Alford Town Centre
After the huge success of last year, the Alford 1940s weekend event is back! Taking place on the 12th and 13th August 2023, 10am-5pm each day, in the Market town of Alford to commemorate the end of the Second world war. There will be live entertainment, vintage traders, military vehicles and much more!
Check out the official Alford 1940’s Weekend Facebook page for regular updates about the event and all you need to know!
15th - 25th August - Jurassic Mark(ets). Dinosaurs are coming to town!
Various market towns across Lincolnshire
Step back in time for a prehistoric adventure in some of Lincolnshire’s markets this summer. Pop into town and come face to face with a Terrifying T-Rex! Meet Pete & his dinosaur babies at various markets around East Lindsey this August.
Walkabouts with Pete at 11am, 12pm & 1pm with an opportunity to meet the baby dinosaurs in between. Times and dates subject to change due to weather forecast and market footfall.
16th, 23rd & 30th August - Summer Holiday Farm School
Top Farm, Bleasby Moor Road, Lissington, LN3 5AF
Top Farm Enterprises are offering children aged 5 to 11 years the chance to learn about fruit and vegetables in a fun and engaging way. Each week will have a different theme and activities to take part in.
£12 per session (siblings £8). Adults - free.
More information on the Summer Holiday Farm School.
19th August - Spilsby Teenage Market
Spilsby Market Place, PE23 5JT
After extremely successful Teenage Market’s in Louth and Horncastle, it is coming to Spilsby on Saturday 19th August! The Teenage Market gives young people a chance to showcase their creative talents. With a range of the next generation of market traders, crafters, artisans, performers and entertainers in attendance it looks set to be a great day. Come along to show your support to the next generation!
For more information about the Teenage Market, click here.
26th - 28th August - Alford Craft Market August Bank Holiday Festival
Alford Manor House Gardens, Alford, LN13 9HT
Well, it’s that time of year again, although we can’t boast about long, hot, sunny Lincolnshire days we can always boast about the wonderful charm, diversity and creativity of the Alford Craft Markets famous August Bank Holiday event. Set in the grounds of Alfords beautiful Manor House built in the 17th century, it has been a creative event that has been running since 1974. Alford Craft Market was originally set up to offer local crafts people the opportunity to sell their work and to this day holds the same ethos. The quality and variety of unique handmade pieces on offer is always a treat to behold and it is a wonderful venue for buying gifts for everyone that are not readily available elsewhere. So why not come along and enjoy the atmosphere, partake of coffee and cake on the lawns whilst pondering a purchase or two and who knows, it may even be sunny.
Find out more information here.
27th August - Open Air Theatre - The Wind in the Willows
Market Rasen Leisure Centre, LN8 3JW
Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures in this heart-warming tale of friendship, mishap and mayhem in Quantum Theatre’s brand new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s family favourite.
Spring is in the air and Mole has found a wonderful new world. There's boating with Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinx on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad. What more could such firm friends wish for? But after Toad's latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels?
27th August - August Bank Holiday Pop-up Pub (with camping options)
Stourton Woods, Baumber, Horncastle, LN9 5PB
Come for a beer, climb the staircase up the Water tower to admire amazing views over the Wolds, enjoy the music, join in the pub quiz & have a bite to eat on Sunday 27th August! Sheriff Ants Trepeneur will be playing live music with his take on some well-known hits throughout the evening. He will be joined by Kira Hodgson who will also be making her debut appearance busking with her guitar.
Open from 6pm – dark (10pm ish!). No tickets are necessary for the pop-up pub night, just come along for a drink/burger.
Find out more information here.
2nd September - Market Rasen Food & Drink Festival
Market Place, Market Rasen, LN8 3HL
Food and Drink Festival at Market Rasen Market Place from 9am until 4pm with the fabulous Relentless Rockabilly playing.