About Us

The Drill is a live music and events venue situated in the heart of Lincoln city centre. The venue is a Grade II listed building erected in 1890 as a military training drill hall, and its history and secrets can be seen everywhere, from commemorative plaques to a firing range in the basement.

The Drill Hall has been used for hosting entertainment since it opened, with dances and social events held for military officers, but in 1963 history was made when The Rolling Stones played a New Year’s Eve concert here, the day before they appeared on Top of the Pops for the first time. You can also watch this awesome video of when the venue hosted roller discos in the 1980s!

Although it was closed in 1999 due to its need for refurbishment, in 2004 the venue received funding from Lincoln City Council and for 16 years became an important community hub and arts centre, with a varied programme of theatre, comedy and music. Unfortunately funding was withdrawn in 2020, and the Drill Hall was forced to close.

 In 2021, the Lincoln College Group took over the building to reopen as a not-for-profit venue hosting mainly live music gigs and other community events including the historic Lincoln Beer Festival; we’ve been successfully raising our profile and recent sold out shows with The Libertines, Creeper and Kiefer Sutherland have helped put The Drill on the map as a stop for touring bands!

Click on the link below to see the various events we’ve hosted since reopening in 2022, and view photos from talented local photographers.

GALLERY OF PAST EVENTS

OUR VALUES