What's believed to be the largest post-Covid gathering of Freemasons brought together almost 700 people in the grounds of Lincoln castle and boosted the #Lincs2025 festival total by about £5,500.
The open air 'Concert at the Castle' was Lincolnshire #Freemasons' largest-ever event of its kind, and the money raised is a welcome boost to the Province's 2025 Festival total aspiuration of £2.25m. The picnicking audience enjoyed the party atmosphere and heard music from the Sleaford Concert Band, Miller Magic, the Blighty Belles, and was able to join in a rousing 'Last Night of the Proms' finale.
Provincial Grand Master Dave Wheeler said: 'It was, I believe, the first major social group gathering of Freemasons, friends and their families since the Covid outbreak, and it was absolutely fantastic to see 700 people enjoying themselves so much together. To see so many of our family and friends having a good time was brilliant and the happy atmosphere surrounding the whole evening was something I have not witnessed to that extent before in our Province.' He added that although the money raised would be put to very good use, his measure of success had been to see so many people enjoying themselves.
The event was brought together by Lincolnshire's Festival Events Committee, whose Chairman Gideon Hall, thanking everyone who'd helped to make it happen, said: 'The event couldn’t have gone better, and we have had some wonderful feedback. The entertainment and musical programme was, I thought, perfect for the venue and the Jubilee period that we are in, and everyone seemed to be either dancing, singing, laughing or waving a flag at some point.'
Provincial Charity Steward Pete Tong added: 'Whilst raising £5,500 for our Festival is a great result, let's not forget that another measure of success is the positive effect that money will have in our communities. Ultimately it's in the outcomes of the way the money is put to good use that the really heartwarming stories are to be found.'
