‘The perfect setting’: Music fans praise concert series return as castle’s action-packed summer steams ahead

Concert goers enjoy Simple Minds' performance at Lincoln Castle in the setting sun
Concert goers enjoy Simple Minds' performance at Lincoln Castle. Photo by Cuffe and Taylor

Music fans have hailed this summer’s TK Maxx presents Live at Lincoln Castle concert series a huge success.

Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor returned to Lincoln last month, staging shows by global music icons, including pop favourite Olly Murs, indie heroes James, Scottish rock legends Texas and Simple Minds, and many more.

With the sun setting on the concerts, music fans still have so much to enjoy this summer at the castle.

The first band to take to the stage this year, punk pioneers The Buzzcocks, are one of more than 100 artists being celebrated in the castle’s ‘Playback: Art of the Album Sleeve’ exhibition.

The exhibition, which runs to 24 August, sees iconic covers from era-defining bands, including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, and many more take pride of place in the castle’s Victorian Prison.

Visitors also have the chance to hear leading designers, including Malcolm Garrett, who designed The Buzzcocks’ album, A Different Kind of Tension, share the stories behind the covers in an exclusive film, which also features Farrow Design (Pet Shop Boys) and Stylorouge (Blur/George Michael).

Promotional graphic. Text reads "Playback. Art of the Album Sleeve". Three record covers are pictured - Frank Sinatra's, 'Come Fly With Me', The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band' and Björk's 'Post'

Kimberley Vickers, culture services manager for Lincoln Castle at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This year’s concert series has been extraordinary – the atmosphere, the feedback, and the sheer scale of it all. Hosting 10 headline shows in such a historic setting is no easy task, but thanks to a brilliant partnership with Cuffe and Taylor and the dedication of everyone involved, we’ve delivered something really special.

“We’ve had visitors from all over the world, fantastic praise for accessibility, and local businesses thriving with the buzz across the city.

“Our celebration of music continues through the summer with the brilliant Playback exhibition. Visitors have been loving the unique opportunity to see their favourite album covers on display in the Victorian Prison, so don't miss out!”

Unforgettable family fun


Castle visitors can look forward to an action summer of fun for the whole family. Events coming soon include:

  • 26 July: Ministry of Sound Presents: Ibiza Anthems with Ellie Sax
  • 30 July: Immersion Theatre Presents: The Wind in the Willows
  • 2 and 3 August: The Medieval Joust
  • 14 to 17 August: Outdoor Cinema experiences, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long, Mamma Mia! and Pretty Woman
  • 16 and 17 August: William Marshall’s Knight School
  • 23 to 26 August: The Asylum Steampunk Festival

Jump the queue! Find out more about all the events and book your tickets today at www.lincolncastle.com

Published: 10th July 2025