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| Bottesford, St Peter ad Vincula by Ashley Taylor |
This year we have a double celebration to share with you, as we reach our 30th year and see a record number of churches and chapels taking part! We are truly going from strength to strength.
The event takes place over two weekends, with the 9th-10th May showcasing the churches in the east, and the 16th-17th May featuring churches in the west of the area.
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| Epworth St Andrews by Ashley Taylor |
But east and west of where? A large swathe of rural Lincolnshire, located to the north of the cathedral city of Lincoln (UK). A tour of our churches will take you through beautiful villages and vibrant market towns, as well as remote rural locations where time seems to stand still.
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| Southrey - St John the Diving by Ashley Taylor |
New churches to the event include those just outsides the West Lindsey district (in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and East Lindsey), who join the many sacred spaces within the district who have opened year on year and helped make this festival one of the biggest and best Churches Festivals in Europe.
The first weekend takes place in the east of the area and there really is something to see and do for everyone. Where will you start? The George Gilbert Scott Saxby All Saints? The outstanding 12th century black Tournai font at Thornton Curtis, St Lawrence? Or perhaps Immingham, St Andrew with its links to the Mayflower Pilgrims?
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| Churchyard at Claxby St Mary by Ashley Taylor |
James Fowler’s Victorian Early English style masterpiece Binbrook, St Mary & St Gabriel and Riby, St Edmund will offer spire and tower tours with rare behind the scene access to clocks, bells, and magnificent views. On the Saturday there is a Teddy bear parachuting event for all the family, where bears can parachute from the church tower at Cadney, All Saints. The very popular ‘Value It! Flog It?’ and Riby Ramble 4 mile walk also return to Riby, St Edmund. Normanby le Wold would like your help completing jigsaws for all ages at their jigsaw festival.
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| Nettleton - St John the Baptist by Ashley Taylor |
Claxby, St Mary will be launching a new trail leaflet to guide you around a series of local churches. Listen to the tunes of Joshua Gibbons a papermaker and learn about papermaking 200 years ago at Tealby, All Saints. See the original 18th century Tyrwhitt tapestries at Stainfield, St Andrew a beautiful Queen Anne church. Listen to an engaging talk on the history behind the divine Southrey, St John the Divine.
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| Cherry Willingham - St Peter & St Paul by Ashley Taylor |
Explore the open towers of Kirton in Lindsey, St Andrew, and Scotter, St Peter during the second weekend. Consider a pilgrimage to Hibaldstow, St Hybald the resting place of the 7th century Anglo-Saxon saint. Discover the Crowle Stone in Crowle, St Oswald. Visit the Minster Church of St Mary, Stow for a stunning blend of Saxon and Norman architecture. In Coates by Stow, St Edith, take a seat in the pews and admire the rood screen and loft Henry’s men overlooked. Later look for the stairs to nowhere in other churches.
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| Snarford St Laurence by Ashley Taylor |
Don’t miss the recently restored 17th century Monson Monument at South Carlton, St John the Baptist. Finally, appreciate the beautiful Victorian Gothic Hackthorn, St Michael & All Angels, featuring exquisite woodwork and set in tranquil parkland. If you are looking for a peaceful place for reflection, choose one of the churches that have identified themselves as quiet churches.
Once again, we thank you for your support. We would not be here celebrating our 30th birthday if you did not return year after year.
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| Kingerby St Peter by Ashley Taylor |
Some of the many reasons visitors flock to the festival
Visitor Patrick Flynn explained how the opportunity to play many of the church organs was a highlight for him and his friend: "We travel from Hull and visit on one of the days each weekend. My friend is a professional organist and usually plays all the available instruments and we plan our route beforehand. We enjoy the festival very much indeed."
Sheffield visitor Cath Mirfin offered her recommendation to people considering taking part this year: “Whether you love visiting a new church, finding out about the building’s history or just admiring the architecture this is the festival for you. Everyone we met were very friendly and full of interesting info. And some churches have fabulous cakes! We put it in our diary every year and make it a long weekend at the East coast.”
Visitor Angela Mayne from Middle Rasen explains her reasons for taking part: “I love taking pictures in Churches, so during the festival makes my job a lot more interesting. People looking round the displays in the Churches makes for good photography.”
Sue Toogood from Lincoln told us: "We have our favourite churches but try to ‘bag’ a new one every year - getting more difficult now after so many seasons!"
Chris Gale, also from Sheffield, combines visiting her brother Andy (who lives in Lincolnshire) with church visits. "We always take time to visit the church festivals, last year we took the family’s Sealyham terrier Arthur who really enjoyed it, especially the ham sandwiches at Stainfield. This is an unusual Queen Anne-style church next to the Manor House in a tiny village that you would never know was there! The festival helps you discover some hidden gems in Lincolnshire."
Gillian Poucher (Wolds based author and URC minister) wrote: "May Churches Festival celebrates the rich variety of churches across our district, from ancient to modern, peaceful to vibrant, in hamlets, villages and market towns. The Festival offers something for everyone: opportunities for reflection in the Quiet Churches, enjoyment of organ and other music, fascinating heritage displays, and of course many cups of tea and mouth watering cakes!
Lincoln-based Tracey Kidner explains how much the event means to her.“Always a highlight of my year: such a delight to explore our beautiful county and discover our shared history and heritage. Plus amazing cakes!”
Sally Vergette from Grimsby: "The very many different architectures of the churches amaze us. The volunteers are so enthusiastic and informative and the displays are imaginative. We love it."