| Where: | Lincoln, formerly starting at Newport Arch and ending at Stonebow at the Guildhall but now at a local church-see Helpful Hints for current details |
| When: | 21st or very near date |
| Time: | 7pm-7.30 (formerly 6.30) |
Every advent the Lincoln Waites, a group of musicians in the medieval tradition, led a civic parade through the dark streets of the city stopping at intervals to deliver the Proclamation, which was read out by the Senators who represented the Magi. The other officials involved included the Mayor and local councillors, and everyone was rigged out in full regalia for the occasion. The words for the ceremony were written down in the mid sixteenth century and the origins of the custom may well lie much further back in history; the practice was revived here in 2007. The proclamation was read at set stopping points around the city, with dancing and music appropriate to the festive season, and the parade was usually followed by a reception for invited guests at the Guildhall. Now, the ceremony takes place instead at a nearby church as part of a concert hosted by the Lincoln Waites, with a retiring collection.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 the Waites performed at the Diamond Jubilee Town Hall at Kirton-in-Lindsey on Tuesday 16th and at St Mary Magdalene Church Lincoln on Wednesday 17th December, both at 7.30 pm where the proclamations were part of the programme of seasonal music. 2026 details are yet to be announced.
The ceremony formerly took place in December on a weekday evening on or near the 21st though date, location (and time) moved a little from year to year depending on the availability of all the participants. Photos are from when it took place in the city.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln.Waites/
and the Waites’ website: https://lincolnwaites.org.uk/
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