The Town Hall will host a very special event on Tuesday 16th December at 7.30pm, when The Lincoln Waites perform Lincoln’s unique 600-year-old tradition of “Crying Christmas”.
In the 1480s, Christmas was a mixture of religious worship, gambling and drinking. On St Thomas’s Day (21st December), the Cries of Christmas proclaimed the start of the festive season, when all men were free to act without fear of arrest except by royal writ. The words of the cries were written down in 1565 in the records of the Common Council of Lincoln. They were most likely delivered by the City of Lincoln Waites – the mayor’s musicians.
The present-day Lincoln Waites were re-formed in 2007 and formally recognised as the official musicians of the Mayor of Lincoln on 21st April 2009. They continue to keep this ancient tradition alive.
Tickets for the performance are £2.00 for Kirton in Lindsey Society members and £10.00 for non-members. Contact Martin or Mary on 01652 648435 or email enquiries@kirtoninlindseysociety.org.uk. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.