The Lincoln Inspired festival of literature, performance and art begins on Tuesday May 6 and runs until Sunday May 11, featuring more than 60 events around the city including the open air stage outside the university library
A CHANCE to chat with bestselling author Jasper Fforde, hear a whirlwind history of food from a MasterChef judge, bake Gruffalo crumble, join in with a TweetUp and learn the real history behind the story of Noah’s Ark are just some of the highlights on offer at this year’s Lincoln Inspired festival, which begins on Tuesday May 6.
The second edition of the festival of literature, arts and performance runs until Sunday May 11 and more than 60 events are planned.
The open air stage between the University’s Library and LPAC buildings will be alive to the sound of music on Saturday May 10 as school and community choirs from the Lincoln area perform.
And Cygnet PR, the agency run by PR degree students at the University, will be providing a key social media presence at a Tweet-Up at the Lincolnshire Showground on Thursday May 8.
Jasper Fforde, author of bestsellers including the Thursday Next series of comedy detective novels, was voted the writer audiences would most like to see in a poll at last year’s Inspired festival.
“Knowing that people in Lincoln really want to see Jasper made us determined to try to get him to come along,” said festival director Sara Bullimore.
“We were absolutely thrilled when he said yes and tickets are selling fast for his event.”
Jasper is at Lincoln Drill Hall – which is the festival hub – at 7pm on Thursday May 8. Tickets are £6 (£4 concessions).
British Museum assistant keeper Irving Finkel will be talking about his new book The Ark Before Noah, which explains how the detective work involved in decoding the symbols on a 4,000-year-old tablet has led to new understanding of the story of Noah.
Waitrose Kitchen editor and MasterChef judge William Sitwell will be discussing 4000 Years of Food in 2000 Seconds on Friday May 9, while World Book Night author Matt Haig is at the festival on Saturday May 10.
On Sunday May 11 there is a First World War day which includes a talk by military history expert Allan Mallinson, while Richard Pullen will be talking about Lincoln’s key role in the development of the tank.
Other events include the chance to take part in creating a dance, workshops offering advice to aspiring writers, theatre based on HG Wells’ classic The Time Machine, children’s events, an open mic night, and performance poetry featuring Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze.
There is also is a programme of free events featuring local authors at the BookStop cafe on Steep Hill.
Sara added: “We rely on the support of the community to make the festival happen and we want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the events.”
Tickets can be booked on (01522) 873894 or atwww.lincolndrillhall.com
Full details of the Inspired programme are available at www.lincolninspired.co.uk or look out for the festival brochure around the University or in shops, libraries and other venues in the Lincoln area.