City of Lincoln’s Council’s Executive could pull the plug on Lincoln Christmas Market, removing it from the city’s calendar to make way for a new programme of events and activities.
Next week councillors will discuss proposals which would see the four-day event set aside, with a new vision for an events and cultural programme in the city created – but that comes as a blow to retailers and traders who have already committed to ordering stock for next year’s event.
This would see the Christmas Market’s £260,000 budget split across the year to bring a host of new events for residents and visitors to celebrate what the city has to offer.
In 2022, Lincoln Christmas Market celebrated its 40th year with the largest number of visitors in its history, welcoming 320,000 people over the four days.
However, following feedback from residents, visitors and partners, City of Lincoln Council has listened and looked at how the Christmas in Lincoln offer can evolve to assist businesses across the wider city throughout the year, spreading the benefits it brings to tourism and the economy.
A range of smaller events, which are currently being developed, are planned throughout the year to bring visitors to the city across the 12 months.
For the festive period in particular, it is hoped some of the dedicated budget could be used to fund an enhanced illuminated Christmas offer in the city, with changes to the current lights in the city centre.
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/December 2023.
Cllr Ric Metcalfe, Leader at City of Lincoln Council said: “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.
“I look forward to discussing this exciting proposal further with my colleagues in Executive on 20 February.”
