The best live music in Lincoln this Summer

Published on 2025-05-16 / By Oli Pyper

It's festival season – and all across the UK, revellers are preparing to pitch their tents and get their groove on. But you don't have to go to Glastonbury or Reading to rock out. There's plenty of great live music in Lincoln planned for the summer months.

Here's our guide to Lincoln's best gigs for summer 2025. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-denim rocker or a Classic FM devotee, you're sure to find something to get excited about.

A historic stone castle gate with arched entry flanked by round towers, flying two St. George’s flags, surrounded by visitors on a sunny day with a bright blue sky.

We can't talk about Lincoln's music scene without mentioning Live at Lincoln Castle. This summer concert series kicked off last year – but it's already become a firm local favourite.

This year's lineup might be even better than 2024's. It all kicks off on Friday 13 June with arch-punks The Stranglers, followed on Saturday by 90s Britpop darlings James. Then, to round off the first weekend, you can catch Scot-rock legends Texas, fresh from their sold-out UK arena tour.

Things get soulful on Thursday 19 June when Rag'n'Bone Man takes the stage. And it all goes pop on Friday 20, courtesy of Sugababes and their trusty catalogue of certified bangers.

Last but not least, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will light up Lincoln Castle on Saturday 21 June with their tried-and-tested brand of Brummie reggae. It might seem odd skanking to 'Red Red Wine' in a medieval fortress. But believe us – it works.

Visit the Lincoln Castle website for more information and to book tickets.

Close-up of musicians playing electric guitars and bass on stage during a live performance.

Need more guitar? Get a load of these rocking gigs.

Friday 4 July will see John Lydon's post-punk innovators Public Image Ltd bring their kitchen-sink sound to The Engine Shed. In Lydon's typically cryptic style, the tour is dubbed 'This is Not… The Last Tour'. Will this be your last chance to see them? It's hard to tell – but you might want to book a ticket just in case.

Or how about a dose of noughties nostalgia? A few weeks later, indie legends The Cribs will also take the stage at The Engine Shed. Keep Wednesday 23 July free if you fancy bringing those skinny jeans out of retirement.

Most live music in Lincoln tends towards the poppier and rockier varieties. But there are at least two folk gigs worth scratching into your diary this summer.

The first one is a big one. Folk-rock elder statesmen Levellers will twang the night away at The Engine Shed on Saturday 23 August. If you still haven't seen them live, prepare to be blown away. These Brighton boys might be getting on a bit, but they still put on a legendary show.

Then, on Friday 12 September, The Drill will host This Flight Tonight: The Songs of Joni Mitchell. A nice glass of wine and a Joni Mitchell tribute – is there any better way to spend a late summer evening?

Gold glitter is spilling out of a plastic pit, with a pink background

There's no shortage of pop gigs in Lincoln this summer. Take GirlyPop Live – an afternoon of fizzy, fun-packed bangers. Aimed at pop addicts aged five and over, this family-friendly event is headed by some of the UK's finest female tribute artists. To join the party, head to STACK on Sunday 13 July.

Looking for something a little more grown-up? What's Love Got To Do With It is simply the best. Dubbed 'the ultimate tribute to Tina Turner', this all-singing show returns to Lincoln on Saturday 26 July – this time at legendary venue The Engine Shed.

Finally, Saturday 16 August sees Tom Jones perform at the nearby Market Rasen Racecourse. Yes, the real Tom Jones. This is not a tribute. This is not a drill. Grab your ticket before it sells out.

women wears a steampunk style hat, with metal cogs and metal butterflies attached, while smiling at the camera and wearing round sunglasses with a pink lens

Is one night of live music in Lincoln just not enough? Good news – there are a couple of fun-packed festivals planned in and around the city this summer.

First up, Rand Farm Park will host Rand Festival for three nights from Friday 8 August. This kid-friendly extravaganza promises pure pop fun, with tributes to the likes of Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande. You'll also get the chance to meet the resident farm animals, bounce around the Soft Play Zone and sample all sorts of tasty takeaway snacks.

Rand Festival offers camping. But in case you'd rather not rough it, we know a lovely country house hotel just a few miles down the road…

For something altogether weirder but just as wonderful, don't miss the 2025 Asylum Steampunk Festival – the world's oldest and biggest steampunk celebration. Expect music, films, dance and lots and lots of quirky costumes. The festival is held throughout the city centre from Thursday 21 August until the following Monday.

Don't worry, classical fans. We haven't forgotten about you.

On Tuesday 17 June, you can enjoy a wonderful programme of live music in Lincoln County Assembly Rooms. Billed as 'Music for a Summer Evening', this event will feature a curated selection of compositions that sound like pure sunshine. That includes Mozart's celebrated The Marriage of Figaro overture.

Is 1786 too modern for your tastes? No problem. St Mary le Wigford Church has you covered with its Early Music Concert for Amnesty International on Saturday 21 June. Led by soprano Wendy Leonard and period ensemble Sixteen Eighty Five, the evening will feature works by a host of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque composers.

Stay at Washingborough Hall

Headbanging is hard work. Dancing all night, doubly so.

With that in mind, why not treat yourself to a warm bed and a spot of luxury after your big night out?

Washingborough Hall is a majestic country house hotel equipped with 20 lavish bedrooms, a double AA Rosette-winning restaurant and bags of boutique charm. It's the perfect place to wind down and rest your ears.

Best of all, we're only around two miles from Lincoln city centre. That means you'll never be too far from another great gig.

How about it? Right now, we're running a very special offer on a four-night stay, complete with a £50 wine voucher and a full cooked breakfast every morning. That's the ticket.