Calls to reinstate Lincoln Christmas Market

Councillors will call for the reinstatement of the Lincoln Christmas Market next week, almost two years since it was last held.

The annual event was scrapped due to safety concerns at the 2022 event, which saw record crowds of 300,000 people attend.

The Liberal Democrat group describes the cancellation as ‘hasty’ in a motion that will be debated next week, and calls for a consultation on how it could be brought back.

The City of Lincoln Council say the four-day market was no longer viable due to the huge crowds it drew.

It has been replaced with a series of year-round events.

The motion, brought by group leader Coun Clare Smalley (Lib Dem) says: “The previous incarnation of the Christmas Market was not perfect and had issues around overcrowding and safety.

“However, events of a much bigger magnitude are run across the country and there are lessons to be learnt on how to run such an event in a safe and secure manner.

“The decision to cancel the market was done in haste and without proper consultation of stallholders, local businesses, residents and visitors to see what changes could have been made to the market without a cancellation.”

It calls on the council’s executive to consult with those groups on what they would like to see in a future market, and to vote on ‘bringing back a safe and sustainable Lincoln Christmas Market’.

The final market event saw complaints about overcrowding around the castle, with some saying it had become a victim of its own success.

The council has introduced a series of new events, including a free music festival, a monster invasion at Halloween, a history festival and a Christmas ice trail, although Cllr Smalley claims these haven’t attracted the same number of visitors.

Coun Joshua Wells (Lab), portfolio holder for inclusive economic growth, previously said: “Our first year of events in Lincoln programme was a great success for the city, bringing in thousands of people to experience the culture, history, and community spirit that Lincoln has to offer.

“Lincoln is a fantastic place to live and visit, and our events programme reflects that. We’ve put together a schedule that will entertain and showcase the very best of all our city has to offer.

“These events are also a great benefit to Lincoln’s economy, giving local businesses the opportunity to actively get involved. The increased footfall also enhances their visibility, helping them reach a wider audience at different points in the year.”

The motion will be debated at the full council meeting on Tuesday, December 3.