Lincoln Christmas Market Axed After 40 Years Amid Safety Concerns
In a move that has sparked controversy, Lincoln City Council has decided to scrap the Lincoln Christmas Market after 40 years, citing safety and overcrowding concerns. The market's £260,000 budget will instead be used to fund an events and cultural programme aimed at attracting visitors to the city throughout the year.
Concerns Over Safety and Overcrowding
The decision to axe the market, which attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors over four days, has been met with opposition from many, including Lincoln's former Conservative MP Karl McCartney. However, Hamish Falconer, Lincoln's newly elected MP, has expressed his willingness to see the market return, provided that safety issues can be resolved.
"I would love to see something like the Christmas Market brought back. Naomi, the leader of the council, feels exactly the same. We've just got to be realistic. I know our political opponents tried to make hay with this but the basic facts were that the emergency services were deeply uncomfortable with the number of people coming into the market."
Falconer acknowledged the importance of prioritising safety, stating that he would be "straightforward with people" about the issues that need to be addressed.
A New Direction for Lincoln's City Centre
In addition to his comments on the Christmas Market, Falconer also highlighted the importance of Lincoln's city centre, particularly the High Street and the Bailgate area. He expressed his desire to maintain the unique character of the Bailgate and to revitalize the High Street south of the railway line.
"Lincoln's High Street is so important. Going up the hill to the Bailgate, we are so lucky to have such a nice and hugely valuable retail strip with a particular and unique character. Maintaining the Bailgate's feel is a really important thing for the city."