Broadcasting giant Chris Moyles playfully brought Lincoln’s public transport woes back onto the airwaves on Wednesday morning, treating the city to an election-worthy pitch of fixes.
The national radio DJ Chris Moyles joined in calls for Uber to be introduced in Lincoln to combat the taxi shortages.
Anticipating this very follow-up story, the Radio X show’s team appeared to be delighted their discussions about Chris’ recent trip to the city were featured on The Lincolnite.
Somewhat bemused, Chris declared that he had “kind of made the news” and “stumbled into a debate” after his comments on taxis in Lincoln during a visit here made headlines in the city.
The celebrity DJ visited Lincoln on Sunday, where his brother, who recently celebrated his birthday, and sister-in-law live.
During his trip around the castle and cathedral (as well as Brown’s Pie Shop and Back to Mono), Chris criticised the waiting times for a taxi in the city.
He said he had waited around three hours for a taxi, and couldn’t believe that a city (as amazing as) Lincoln didn’t have Uber.
“If I can change things for the better in Lincoln, I will do what I can,” Moyles said.
“Now lockdown is being eased, there’s more demand for drivers; fewer drivers and more demand equals longer waiting times [that’s what we reported, of course].
“Uber could come in, you might not like that idea, but it will still be local drivers, or failing that you could look out for more drivers for work.
“I did enjoy my time in Lincoln. Any day now I will be brought into the local council to fix the taxi situation.”
Chris was then made aware of the story we wrote involving his visit, and producer Dominic Byrne called it “a very thorough and very good article” — thanks Dom!
Chris was flattered by his description of “broadcasting royalty” and responded by (rightly) saying: “Too bloody right I am!”
During the show, Chris was warned that “everything you say, word for word, will end up in the local news,” and low and behold, they weren’t wrong.
After reading it out live on air, it was rounded off with applause from the breakfast show team, a touching moment for everyone at The Lincolnite while having our morning coffee!
Chris rounded off his Lincoln-based segment by singing the national anthem, but changing the lyrics to hilariously incorporate Lincoln and its features.
Mentions of the pubs, the castle and the cathedral were rife, as were the lack of taxi services, and if Chris does want to join the local council, he certainly would get our vote!
You can listen back to the show and hear Chris and the team read out our stories by visiting the Global Player website and listening on catchup.
And Chris, you’re welcome back to the city, and indeed the newsroom, any time.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: