Lincoln Christmas Market 2022 was the busiest on record with around 320,000 people attending the event across four days. However, the annual event’s rising popularity sadly led to its demise when it was controversially cancelled after 40 years due to the council’s fear that it was getting “way too big”.
Following a meeting of the City of Lincoln Council’s executive committee in February 2023, it was decided that the market would instead be replaced with a wider events programme throughout the year. The decision was made after visitors in 2022, especially on the Saturday which saw more than 120,000 people attending, described it as “absolute chaos” and that they were “stuck like sardines in crowds”.
Although some agreed with the council’s decision to axe the event, there have been numerous calls since for the market to return. Recently, Lincoln’s Liberal Democrat group described the cancellation as “hasty” and called for a consultation on how it could be brought back.
The Labour-run city council reiterated that it has intention of reviving Lincoln Christmas Market – but has left the door open for a private business to do so. Councillor Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “I have fond memories of the market, but it changed and grew too big. You only have to look at social media comments to see how the perception soured dramatically.”
He added: “If there is a private venture to hold a market, the council would support it – not financially, but with advice. If someone else wants to do that, they can.”
Councillor Clare Smalley, Lincoln’s Liberal Democrat leader, said: “It’s disappointing that executive made the decision in 2022 was made without consultation with businesses or councillors until the 11th hour. They seemed not able to think of any solution, but we should be aim to provide a safe, sustainable, safe Christmas market – so many cities do.”
See below for 10 pictures from the last Lincoln Christmas Market in 2022.