Lincoln Christmas Market cancelled

Popular coach destination, Lincoln Christmas Market, has been cancelled.

In 2022, Lincoln Christmas Market celebrated its 40th year and attracted the largest number of visitors in its history, welcoming 320,000 people over the four days.

A Lincoln City Council executive committee meeting highlighted that the crowds gathering at the Market detract from the visitor experience.

“However, some people did find the crowds even on these days too dense and hence they were anxious and concerned when queuing at places such as at the exit to the castle” – report by Simon Walters, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment at the Council

A report authored by Simon Walters, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment at the Council, said: “The overall experience of visitors to the market on the Thursday, Friday and Sunday was very positive. While noting it was busy, most people enjoyed the atmosphere and enjoyed the breadth of stalls and idyllic location for the market. However, some people did find the crowds even on these days too dense and hence they were anxious and concerned when queuing at places such as at the exit to the castle. This further emphasises how busy all days were.”

The report states numbers attending the event are expected to grow, but the current site around the city’s castle grounds is deemed inappropriate to cope with any more growth. Stretching the market over more days is not deemed appropriate considering road closures are in place during the event.

The Council is discussing an events and cultural programme in the city, seeing the Market’s £260,000 budget split across the year to bring a host of new events for residents and visitors. Subject to Executive approval, a full programme of events will be developed and published later in the year, with activities and events to celebrate ‘Christmas in Lincoln’ anticipated for November and December 2023.

“In spreading events throughout the year, we would be able to give businesses the opportunity to have ongoing financial boosts through increased footfall across the year” – Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader at City of Lincoln Council

Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader at City of Lincoln Council, said: “This is a very exciting time for the council and after 40 years of the Lincoln Christmas Market, we are looking forward to evolving this event into a full calendar of activities throughout the year, which will benefit residents and businesses alike.

“We understand that following the massive success of 2022, so many people in such a small area over a short period of time can be uncomfortable, and we want to ensure the best experience possible for visitors to our wonderful city.

“In spreading events throughout the year, we would be able to give businesses the opportunity to have ongoing financial boosts through increased footfall across the year.

“These will be smaller events, so will have less impact on city residents in terms of road closures and disruption.”