Viking‑themed activity day in Horncastle
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Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival 2026 to launch with viking‑themed activity day in Horncastle Saturday 16th May 2026 - 10.00am to 4.00pm
Residents, families and visitors are invited to attend the official launch of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival 2026, which will be marked by a free Activity Day celebrating the landscape, heritage and outdoor opportunities of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
The event will take place at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle and will provide a welcoming opportunity for the community to come together at the start of the 2026 festival programme.
The Activity Day will adopt a viking-themed focus to commemorate 50 years of the Viking Way and to highlight the area’s historical connections to the viking era. The event has been designed to appeal to all ages, with a particular emphasis on families and young people, offering accessible and inclusive ways to engage with outdoor activities, local heritage and community organisations.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to experience Viking living history and re‑enactment delivered by The Vikings of Middle England. Living history tents will showcase authentic clothing, weapons and crafts, alongside engaging demonstrations that bring viking life into a modern setting. Scheduled re‑enactments will take place at 12pm and 3pm.
A range of drop‑in “have-a-go” outdoor activities will also be available, suitable for beginners and families. These will include a climbing wall, supported by Horncastle Town Council, along with soft archery, wilderness skills, laser clay pigeon shooting and face painting, providing opportunities for participants to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment.
The Activity Day will also feature community and festival stalls, offering the chance to meet local organisations, outdoor activity providers and festival partners. These stalls will provide information, demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about outdoor life across the Lincolnshire Wolds and how to get involved throughout the festival.
A selection of locally sourced food and drink will be available from on‑site vendors, offering a range of payable refreshment options. The event is free to attend, with all activities and attractions available at no charge.
To support sustainable travel and help reduce congestion, attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible. East Lindsey District Council town‑centre car parks are available approximately a ten‑minute walk from the school site. Limited on‑site parking will be available for Blue Badge holders only and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Visitors are kindly asked to be mindful of local residents and the highway network to help ensure the event remains enjoyable for the whole community.
Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “Launching the 2026 Outdoor Festival with a free, viking‑themed Activity Day is a fantastic way to celebrate the Lincolnshire Wolds’ heritage and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.
“I would encourage residents and visitors to come along, take part in the activities and discover what makes the Wolds such a special place.”
The wider festival, which will run until Sunday 31 May, is organised by a steering group of organisations, including: East Lindsey District Council, West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, Active Lincolnshire, National Trust, Jubilee Park, South Ormsby Estate, Ramblers Association (Lincolnshire), Cycling UK (Louth branch) and Shine Lincolnshire.
For more information, details of activities, along with booking instructions, please visit the dedicated website: https://woldsoutdoorfestival.com/activities/horncastle-activity-day/
East Lindsey District Council |