December 9, 2013 2.45 pm This story is over 122 months old

Record uptake for Park & Ride at Lincoln Christmas Market

More use: More visitors to the Christmas Market made use of the Park and Ride facilities north of the city this year.

Uptake of the Lincoln Christmas Market Park & Ride service has been the best yet, bringing in several thousand cars over the weekend.

The Park & Ride scheme operates every year from the Lincolnshire Showground over the market’s four days, offering discount for advance tickets and mini buses for large parties.

From December 5 to 8 this year, 7,500 cars made use the scheme, an 8% rise on the previous year.

According to the City of Lincoln Council, visitors and stallholders described this year’s market as “the best yet”.

This is despite strong winds causing Lincoln Castle to remain closed to the public until 5pm on the first day, and a power cut on Friday afternoon.

Claire Thompson, Principal Events and Culture Officer at the City Council, said: “We’re thrilled with how the market went – we’ve received fantastic feedback from stallholders and visitors alike and the general consensus is this was the best one yet!

“There was a great atmosphere over all four days, thanks to the good weather and helped by the popular decision to remove the one-way system.

“That said, this year’s event was not without its challenges. Apart from the wind we had to contend with the power cut on Friday evening, but fortunately the power was soon back on and the market didn’t lose any of its sparkle.

“There was a fantastic surprise for our visitors – and us as well – on Friday afternoon when the Red Arrows flew over the city on their way back from the Middle East.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including local residents and businesses for their patience and co-operation.

“Thanks also to Lincolnshire Police, Red Cross, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and all the other agencies involved in helping City of Lincoln Council put on this prestigious event that we can all be proud of.”