Boston Hanseatic Day

Venue Boston
Date Ongoing
Event Festival

For several years, Transported and the Boston Hanse Group have joined forces to mark International Hanseatic Day, spotlighting Boston’s connection to the historic and modern Hanseatic League.

The collaboration began with banner making workshops with artist Ruth Piggott, all the way back in 2018 to create artworks the group could display year on year.

Now, thanks to successful funding bids from Arts Council England and support from Boston Borough Council, the partnership has been able to mark Hanseatic Day in Boston for two years in a row with a bright and joyful festival.

For several years, Transported and the Boston Hanse Group, a volunteer-led heritage focused organisation, have joined forces to mark International Hanseatic Day, spotlighting Boston’s connection to the historic and modern Hanseatic League – a network of over 197 towns and cities across northern Europe promoting cultural, social and economic exchange.

Boston joined the New Hanse in 2015, recognising its rich medieval history as one of Britain’s most important ports, once trading Lincolnshire wool for fish, furs and timber and attracting merchants from across Europe.

This history has shaped the themes and materials for the artwork created for the project. And a key element of the project is that the festival artwork is made by the community in free workshops and offered Bostonians a chance to walk in the parade procession – fostering community pride.

Transported’s director, Nick Jones said: “We are really excited at this award from Arts Council England as a recognition of the importance of this home-grown festival to offer exciting arts experiences but also for the opportunity it provides for more people to be actively involved. Transported is keen to develop the ability to create quality festivals to build aspiration and ambition so they grow each year.”

Click on the image to read the evaluation report of Boston Unfurled, the pilot project in Transported and the Boston Hanse Group’s collaboration
Looking Back: Highlights from Previous Years

Each year, the festival has grown more ambitious, more creative and more joyful.

The medieval market on the square around the Ingram Memorial was brought alive with:

  • A working blacksmith’s forge, complete with glowing coals
  • Woodcarvers, spinners and mosaic artists demonstrating traditional skills
  • A jester entertaining families
  • Heritage‑inspired food tastings
  • Free creative activities, including sheep-themed headdresses inspired by Lincolnshire’s wool trade
  • Dance and live music infusing the market with energy

Stunning parades (led by Mayors and members of the Hanse group) featuring:

  • The Derwent Valley Drummers, wearing extraordinary wool-inspired headdresses created by artist Ruth Pigott in workshops with local residents
  • The Lincoln Waites, filling the streets with medieval rhythms
  • Dancers from the Josie Clarke Dance Academy, performing routines choreographed by Beth Williams
  • Ten vibrant silk-painted flags, designed with the public in silky batik-style workshops by artist Donna Fox

The result was a truly Boston celebration – proud of its past, shaped by its communities, and overflowing with creativity.