Disclosure: We were invited to attend Bongo’s Bingo at The Engine Shed, Lincoln. As always, all opinions are my own.
There’s something about the summer holidays that can leave parents running on empty. Between entertaining the children, juggling work, keeping on top of the house and trying to make the most of the sunshine (when the British weather allows it!), it’s easy to forget that mums and dads deserve a night off too.
That’s exactly why we couldn’t wait to head back to Bongo’s Bingo at The Engine Shed in Lincoln on Friday night.
This wasn’t our first visit, so we already knew we were in for an evening full of outrageous prizes, questionable singing, dance-offs and absolute chaos. This time, though, it felt even more special because we were taking our daughter Lillie, who has recently turned 18, along with her friend Olivia. It was our first proper grown-up night out together, and I couldn’t wait to see their reactions.
As it turned out, the night gave us even more than we’d expected, especially when our friend Mark won one of the biggest prizes of the evening: an electric scooter!
What Is Bongo’s Bingo?
If you’ve never heard of Bongo’s Bingo before, let me reassure you of one thing…
It is not your average game of bingo.
Yes, there are bingo books and numbers being called, but that’s about where the similarities end.
Imagine combining traditional bingo with a nightclub, a comedy show, karaoke, rave intervals, audience games and some of the most random prizes you’ve ever seen. One minute you’re concentrating on your bingo card, the next you’re singing Disney songs at the top of your lungs, covered in confetti while giant glow sticks are flying through the air.
It sounds completely bonkers on paper.
In reality, it’s one of the most entertaining nights out we’ve had.
Arriving at The Engine Shed, Lincoln
We arrived at around 7.45pm, and despite the venue already filling up, there was only a short queue outside. Security checked us in quickly before showing us to our reserved table near the front of the stage.
One thing I always appreciate about The Engine Shed is how smoothly everything runs. Within a few minutes we were inside, drinks in hand and soaking up the atmosphere.
Although the first game of bingo doesn’t actually begin until around 9.30pm, there’s no chance of getting bored while you wait. The compère usually appears around 9pm to get everyone warmed up, and by then the room was already buzzing with excitement.
Some groups had gone all out in fancy dress, while others, like us, had simply dressed for a relaxed night out with friends. There’s absolutely no pressure either way, which is one of the lovely things about Bongo’s Bingo. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a hen party or just looking for something different to do on a Friday night, everyone fits right in.
The Music, Mayhem and Madness Begins
One of the things I love most about Bongo’s Bingo is that you never quite know what’s coming next.
If you’ve never been before, don’t expect a quiet evening sitting politely at your table waiting for numbers to be called. From the moment the music starts, the entire room becomes one huge party.
The playlist alone deserves a mention because it makes absolutely no sense—and yet somehow it’s perfect.
Within the space of a few minutes we were singing along to Dizzee Rascal, then suddenly belting out Disney’s Frozen, before jumping straight into Steps and even The Pogues. It’s a wonderfully random mix that somehow gets everyone on their feet.
The brilliant thing is that nobody feels self-conscious.
Complete strangers are singing together, dancing together and laughing together as though they’ve known each other for years. If you decide not to join in, you’re probably going to feel like you’re missing out because everyone comes ready to have fun.
That’s what makes the atmosphere so infectious.
It’s Not Just Bingo…
Calling Bongo’s Bingo “bingo” really doesn’t do it justice because the bingo games are only part of the entertainment.
Between games there’s always something happening.
One of the highlights of the evening was the dance-off, where two audience members battled it out to win £50.
One contestant threw herself into it with absolute confidence, giving it everything she’d got. Her opponent looked much more bashful and slightly overwhelmed by the whole experience, but the crowd completely got behind her. The cheers grew louder and louder until she was eventually crowned the winner.
It summed up everything that’s great about Bongo’s Bingo.
Nobody was taking themselves too seriously.
Everyone was simply enjoying the moment.
Karaoke, Raves and Complete Chaos
Just when you think you’ve worked out what’s going to happen next, Bongo’s Bingo throws something completely unexpected into the mix.
There were two hilarious karaoke sessions where the entire room sang at full volume, regardless of whether anyone could actually hold a tune. In fact, I think singing badly somehow adds to the fun!
One particularly memorable moment came when the hosts announced it was one of the security team’s last night working at the venue.
Rather than simply saying goodbye, the whole room erupted into an impromptu rave in his honour.
It was such a lovely moment and another reminder that Bongo’s Bingo isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s about making everyone in the room feel part of it.
Of course, no Bongo’s Bingo would be complete without the trademark chaos.
By the end of the evening there had been what felt like mountains of confetti exploding across the room, handfuls of Coco Pops flying through the air and more glow sticks than I’ve probably seen in years.
It sounds completely ridiculous when you write it down…
…and that’s exactly why it’s so much fun.
Sharing the Experience with Lillie and Olivia
This visit felt extra special because it was the first time we’d been able to enjoy Bongo’s Bingo with Lillie now that she’s 18.
As parents, there comes a point where your relationship with your children begins to change. They stop needing you to organise every outing, and instead you start creating memories together as adults.
This felt like one of those moments.
Lillie already had a rough idea of what was coming because she’d watched all the videos I’d shared from our previous visit. She’d laughed at the clips, seen the outrageous prizes and listened to me trying to explain that it was “bingo… but not really bingo!”
Her friend Olivia, on the other hand, arrived with absolutely no idea what she’d agreed to.
Watching her reactions throughout the evening was brilliant.
Within minutes she was singing, dancing, laughing and completely embracing the madness just like everyone else.
In fact, before we’d even left The Engine Shed she turned to us and said,
“Please can we go again?”
I think that’s probably the best review anyone could give.
For me, being able to enjoy a proper night out with our daughter and one of her closest friends made the evening even more memorable. It’s not often you find an activity that genuinely appeals to different generations, but Bongo’s Bingo somehow manages it perfectly.
The Moment Mark Won the Electric Scooter
One of the things I love most about Bongo’s Bingo is that the prizes are every bit as entertaining as the show itself.
Yes, there are plenty of silly prizes that have everyone laughing, but there are also some genuinely brilliant headline prizes up for grabs too.
This time, one of those was an electric scooter.
During Game Five, everything changed for our table.
Mark called “One Line!” and, after the usual checks, it was confirmed that he’d won the scooter.
Our whole table erupted.
It’s always exciting when someone wins, but when it’s one of your own friends it somehow feels even better. We were cheering just as loudly as he was.
Seeing him head up onto the stage still looking slightly dazed was brilliant, but the funniest part came afterwards when he climbed onto his brand-new scooter and rode it around the stage with the biggest smile on his face.
He looked completely shocked.
Completely delighted.
And probably still wondering how he’d gone from planning a Friday night out to heading home with an electric scooter!
Moments like that are what make every Bongo’s Bingo unique. You never quite know what’s going to happen next.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bongo’s Bingo Lincoln
If you’re thinking of booking your first visit, here are a few things we’ve learned after going ourselves.
Arrive Early
Although our reserved seating meant there was no rush, arriving between 7.30pm and 8.30pm gives you plenty of time to settle in, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere before the entertainment really gets going.
The bingo itself doesn’t usually start until around 9.30pm, but there’s plenty happening before then to keep everyone entertained.
Parking
We always park at St Mark’s Car Park in Lincoln, which is only a short walk from The Engine Shed and Doubletree Hilton.
On this visit it cost us around £3.40 for the evening, making it an easy and affordable option.
Tickets
Tickets are surprisingly good value.
Prices generally start from around £16 for early-release tickets, rising to approximately £20 as the event gets closer, so it’s worth booking early if you know you want to go.
Dress Code
One thing people often ask is whether you need to dress up.
The answer is absolutely not.
Some groups arrive in elaborate fancy dress while others simply wear jeans and a nice top. We opted for a casual night out and never felt underdressed.
Whatever you choose, you’ll fit right in.
How Long Does It Last?
Our previous visit finished at around 11.15pm, but this particular evening ran until around 12.30am because there were quite a few false calls during the games.
Although it made for a later drive home to Peterborough than we’d expected, nobody at our table was complaining—we’d had such a fantastic evening that the extra time just meant more laughs.
Is Bongo’s Bingo Worth It?
Absolutely.
And that’s coming from someone who’s now been more than once.
It’s incredibly difficult to describe Bongo’s Bingo to someone who’s never experienced it because it really is unlike anything else.
Yes, there are bingo games.
Yes, there are prizes.
But that’s almost secondary.
What you’re really buying is an evening where everyone leaves their worries at the door.
For a few hours, nobody is thinking about work on Monday morning, the washing pile waiting at home or the endless list of jobs that come with family life.
Instead, you’re singing along to songs you probably haven’t heard in years.
You’re laughing with complete strangers.
You’re waving glow sticks in the air while confetti rains down around you.
You’re watching friends unexpectedly ride electric scooters across a stage.
And somehow, despite all the madness, it just works.
Our Final Verdict
As parents, it’s easy to feel guilty about taking time for yourselves, especially during the school holidays when so much of your focus is on creating memories for everyone else.
But evenings like this are a reminder that parents deserve great memories too.
Bongo’s Bingo gave us exactly what we needed—a carefree evening full of laughter, music and moments we’ll still be talking about for months to come.
Being able to share the experience with Lillie now that she’s 18 made it even more special. Watching her and Olivia throw themselves into the fun, sing every song and laugh until their cheeks hurt was lovely to see. It reminded me that although family life changes as children grow up, the opportunity to make memories together never disappears.
And then there was Mark.
I don’t think any of us will forget the look on his face as he realised he’d won an electric scooter, or the sight of him happily riding it around the stage while the whole room cheered him on.
As we made the journey back to Peterborough in the early hours of the morning, we were already talking about when we could go again.
In fact, we’re now looking at booking Bongo’s Bingo Peterborough as part of Will’s birthday celebrations, because if this visit proved anything, it’s that Bongo’s Bingo never disappoints.
If you’re looking for a night out that’s completely different, full of energy and guaranteed to leave you smiling, I’d recommend adding Bongo’s Bingo to your list.
Just don’t expect a quiet game of bingo…
…and if one of your friends ends up winning an electric scooter, make sure you have your camera ready!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bongo’s Bingo Lincoln
What is Bongo’s Bingo?
Bongo’s Bingo is a unique live entertainment experience that combines traditional bingo with a nightclub atmosphere, comedy, music, audience games and incredible prizes. Expect everything from karaoke and dance-offs to confetti cannons, glow sticks and rave intervals. It’s far more than just a game of bingo – it’s a full evening of entertainment.
Is Bongo’s Bingo worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely.
We’ve now been more than once and every visit has been different. The atmosphere is infectious, everyone gets involved and there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about singing along to songs you haven’t heard in years with a room full of complete strangers.
If you’re looking for a night out that’s a bit different from the usual pub or restaurant, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
How much are Bongo’s Bingo tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on the venue and how early you book.
For Lincoln, tickets generally start from around £16 for early-release tickets and rise to around £20 as the event gets closer. If you’re planning a birthday celebration or a night out with friends, it’s worth booking as early as possible to secure the best price.
What prizes can you win at Bongo’s Bingo?
The prizes are part of what makes Bongo’s Bingo so entertaining because they’re a mixture of the ridiculous and the genuinely impressive.
During our visit, our friend Mark won an electric scooter, which had the whole room cheering. Alongside headline prizes like this, you’ll often find quirky and unexpected prizes that are guaranteed to get everyone laughing.
Do you have to dress up?
Not at all.
Some groups arrive in full fancy dress while others simply wear jeans and a nice top. We chose casual clothes for a Friday night out and felt perfectly comfortable.
The most important thing is coming ready to have fun.
Is Bongo’s Bingo suitable for parents?
Definitely.
One of the things I love most about Bongo’s Bingo is that it gives parents the chance to switch off for a few hours and simply enjoy themselves.
During the school holidays especially, it’s easy to spend weeks organising activities for everyone else. Having a guilt-free evening with friends, laughing until your cheeks hurt, is sometimes exactly what you need before heading back to family life refreshed.
Can you go to Bongo’s Bingo with your grown-up children?
Yes—and I’d highly recommend it.
One of my favourite parts of this visit was taking our daughter Lillie, who recently turned 18, along with her friend. It was lovely being able to enjoy a proper grown-up night out together.
Watching them throw themselves into the singing, dancing and complete madness made the evening even more memorable, and before we left, her friend Olivia was already asking when we could come back.
What time does Bongo’s Bingo start and finish?
Although doors usually open much earlier, the entertainment really starts from around 9.00pm, with the bingo games beginning at approximately 9.30pm.
Our previous visit finished around 11.15pm, but this time there were several false calls, meaning the evening continued until around 12.30am. It’s worth allowing a little flexibility, especially if you have a drive home afterwards.
Where is the best place to park for Bongo’s Bingo Lincoln?
We’ve always parked at St Mark’s Car Park, which is only a short walk from The Engine Shed.
On our most recent visit it cost around £3.40 for the evening, making it an affordable and convenient option.
Would we go again?
Without hesitation.
In fact, before we’d even reached home, we were already talking about booking another visit—this time to Bongo’s Bingo Peterborough for Will’s birthday celebrations.
That probably says everything you need to know.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a couples’ night out or simply looking for something completely different to do with friends, Bongo’s Bingo is one of those experiences that’s impossible to explain fully until you’ve been there yourself.
Once you have, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
Planning Your Visit to Bongo’s Bingo Lincoln
Venue: The Engine Shed, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln
Tickets: From around £16 for early-release tickets, increasing to approximately £20 closer to the event. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.
Arrival Time: We arrived at 7.45pm, which gave us plenty of time to find our seats and enjoy a drink before the entertainment started. I’d recommend arriving between 7.30pm and 8.30pm for a relaxed start to the evening.
Entertainment Starts: The host usually takes to the stage at around 9.00pm, with the bingo games beginning from approximately 9.30pm.
Parking: We always use St Mark’s Car Park, which is just a short walk from The Engine Shed. It cost us around £3.40 for the evening and has always been convenient.
Dress Code: There isn’t one! Some groups go all out in fancy dress, while others opt for smart casual. We kept things relaxed with jeans and nice tops and felt perfectly at home.
Food & Drink: Drinks are available to purchase throughout the evening. We didn’t eat at the venue this time, choosing instead to enjoy a few drinks while soaking up the atmosphere.
Age Restriction: Bongo’s Bingo is an 18+ event, making it ideal for couples, groups of friends, work nights out and celebrations.
Our Top Tip: Don’t be shy! The more you join in with the singing, dancing and audience participation, the more fun you’ll have. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere.
Check out the Bongo’s Bingo website for their Halloween dates now on sale.
Have you been to Bongo’s Bingo?
I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you win one of the prizes? What was the funniest moment of your evening? Let me know in the comments below, and if you’re thinking of booking your first visit, feel free to ask any questions—I’m always happy to help.