Lincoln Council to Debate Reinstatement of Christmas Market

The potential reinstatement of the Lincoln Christmas Market is scheduled for discussion next week, marking nearly two years since its last occurrence. The Labour-led City of Lincoln Council previously cancelled the yearly event, citing safety concerns arising from the 2022 market, which attracted an unprecedented 300,000 attendees. The Liberal Democrat group characterized the cancellation as “hasty” and has requested a consultation regarding methods for its revival, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). The prospect of the market’s return will be a topic at the full council meeting on 3 December. This market was among the United Kingdom’s longest-running Christmas markets, having been held for four decades. Liberal Democrat councillor Clare Smalley stated that the market’s cancellation occurred “without proper consultation of stallholders, local businesses, residents and visitors.” She further noted, “The previous incarnation of the Christmas market was not perfect and had issues around overcrowding and safety.” Councillor Smalley added, “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 LDRS indicates that the proposed motion urges the council’s executive to engage in consultations with these groups regarding their preferences for a future market, and to hold a vote on reintroducing the festive attraction. The council previously stated that the four-day market was no longer sustainable due to the substantial crowds it attracted, and it has since been substituted with a range of year-round events. Labour councillor Joshua Wells previously commented: “Our first year of events in the 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.”