Council tables plan to scrap Lincoln Christmas Market after 40 years

Councillors will consider plans to scrap Lincoln's Christmas Market – the year after the event attracted a record number of visitors.

Members of City of Lincoln Council's executive will discuss proposals which would see the market's £260,000 budget divided between a number of smaller events held across the year.

It comes after last year's four-day event attracted a record 320,000 visitors.

Council leader Ric Metcalfe said the challenge of managing large crowds had influenced the rethink.

He said: "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."

Almost 90 people were treated for injuries at last year's market, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, but the council denied overcrowding and poor crowd control measures were to blame.

The council said the money freed up from the market would partly be used to fund improved Christmas lights.

A spokesperson from Lincoln Business Improvement Group said: "The Christmas Market played a crucial role in boosting our members in the retail and hospitality sector after such a tough time.

They added: "We look forward to working with our members and the City Council to see how Christmas in Lincoln will be developed."

The group said it is anticipated that experiences on a more regular basis will help increase both footfall and local spending more often.

They added: "Recently we have seen other cities cancel their Christmas Markets, including Leeds, Glasgow and Southampton due to lack of funds and safety of visitors, so Lincoln isn’t alone."

The proposals will be discussed on 20 February.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.