Lincoln is at the sharp end of engineering and always has been*. Today, the sector is flourishing in the city thanks to pioneering, innovation-led work being done by brilliant engineers. But this is no modern accident of fortune – at the beginning of the industrial revolution, the name Lincoln became a byword for engineering excellence. That heritage lives on today, which is why many global leading companies are based here.
From Saturday 25th to Monday 27th May, a free event celebrating Lincoln's sparkling engineering past, present and future, is being held at the cathedral. Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy interactive displays, engineering companies showcasing their future technology and view the gigantic 16 meter long timeline display that Optima have researched and created. It charts the progress of engineering in the city from the Romans to the present day and also attempts to look into the future. It is in the North Choir aisle and being 2.4 meters high and brightly lit, you are unlikely to miss it!
This event is being held to shout about the great work being done in Lincoln but as the city's engineering future will rely on the talent and creativity of its young people, this event is also designed to encourage and inspire them.
Activities throughout the weekend include:
- showcase of vintage and concept vehicles
- man with a rocket suit
- go karting challenge
- K'nex buggy trials
- rocket powered motorbike
- the Eden project pyramid challenge
- a paper aeroplane launcher
- schools challenges
- seed drill activity
- modern hero display
- a working Wm Foster & Co. Steam engine
- engineering bus tours
For opening times and a map visit: www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on/celebrating-engineering
*As a snippet did you know:
The world's first factory lit by electricity was in Lincoln
Boolean logic, the basis from which all modern computers operate, was created here
The world's first road-going vehicle with rubber tyres was made in Lincoln
The Statue of Liberty is lit by a Lincoln-made gas turbine
The military tank was invented in Lincoln
The next time you make a phone call, send a text or load a webpage on your phone, a chip designed and made in Lincoln probably enabled it.