Robust security in place as anticipation builds for 2015 Lincoln Christmas Market

City of Lincoln Council has reassured visitors of their safety at the award-winning Lincoln Christmas Market between Thursday, December 3 and Sunday, December 6.

The oldest traditional Christmas market in the UK attracts more than 250,000 visitors every year and brings in more than £10 million to the local economy.

Organised by the city council, the market welcomes visitors from across the world to savour the atmosphere, and was recently named the best Christmas market in the UK by the Daily Mail.

A record number of applications for stalls this year were received – more than 300 applied for 200 spaces, with a quarter of stalls coming from Lincolnshire.

The council has also moved to assure locals and tourists that “robust measures are in place” to ensure visitors are safe at the market.

A council spokesperson said: “This is the 33rd time we have held the Christmas Market in Lincoln and visitor safety has always been an essential part of our planning.

“This year is no different and, along with every other major event organiser in the country, we are in regular contact with police regarding counter terrorism measures.

“The events in Paris were horrific but have not directly affected our plans. We already have robust measures in place that are reviewed constantly ahead of and during the market itself.

“All our staff are given health and safety training to ensure our visitors have a safe, secure and enjoyable time at one of Europe’s most popular Christmas markets. We expect this year to be the biggest event so far and are confident they will have a fantastic time.”

What’s new for 2015?

In addition to old favourites such as the funfair, big wheel and stalls selling everything from chestnuts and mulled wine to handmade gifts and toys, a number of new additions have been brought in for this year.

They include:

• 50 authentic wooden chalets which should add to the market’s festive feel
• An improved food and drink area at The Lawn
• More festive buskers and seasonal entertainment

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Claire McDowall, Principal Events and Culture Officer at the council, said: “There seems to be a real buzz about this year’s market and we’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our unrivalled setting around the cathedral and the castle.

“We’ve worked hard on improving the festive feel of the market, providing more entertainment and increasing the number of seasonal chalets to add to the authentic Christmas feel.

“There’s something for everyone – visitors can enjoy a wide range of delicious food from the local area and abroad, find that perfect present among the unique gifts and homemade crafts and enjoy all the sights and smells of a traditional Christmas market.

“Thanks to the Magna Carta celebrations, road race championships and Lincoln Castle reopening, 2015 has been an amazing year for Lincoln. We hope people will join us at the Christmas market to round off a magical year and start the countdown to Christmas.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The market will officially launch with a traditional carol concert at the Cathedral from 5.30pm on Thursday evening hosted by the Mayor of Lincoln Andrew Kerry.

Extra buses will be put on by Stagecoach for the market, and Virgin Trains will run a return service from Leeds to Lincoln on the Saturday.

More information can be found on the Lincoln Christmas Market website.