Disappointment all round: Lincoln Christmas Market Sunday cancelled due to snow

Traders and visitors have told The Lincolnite of their disappointment after the City of Lincoln Council cancelled the final day of the annual Lincoln Christmas market.

The Sunday market was halted due to weather and travel fears.

Thousands of people were expected to visit the market throughout the day and almost all of the 200 plus traders from across the country were forced to pack up overnight.

A light dusting of snow over the Lincoln Christmas Market on Sunday morning. Photo: TheDroneMan.net

Two traders made the decision to open as usual on Castle Hill. Both said they did not agree with the decision to cancel the final day of the market.

Guy Bart Smith, owner of Roly’s Fudge, said: “I decided that it’s silly to close today. I think we could put things in place to make this safe.

“We’ve set up protection against terrorism. I think we can handle a little bit of snow.”

“A lot of people have come from all over the place to be here and they are staying in hotels. It would be good to offer them at least something.

“It was the wrong decision. A little bit of snow is what you would expect at a Christmas market.

“I think we’re smart enough to realise that if the snow is bad wherever you’re coming from then you can make a judgement call.”

Will Codona at One Castle Hill’s drinks stand is also trading on Sunday. He told The Lincolnite: “In Northern Europe, where the Christmas markets originated, they operate outdoor events in feet of snow. Whether they have different infrastructure or if people have better boots… I don’t know.

“If it was a severe warning maybe, but this is just mildly irritating. I think now they have to be over cautious. Politics. I’m sick to death of it to be honest with you.

“I don’t think it will put off traders from coming back. It has always been a good event and well supported.”

Your views

Residents and visitors have reacted in waves on social media.

Katie Palser sympathised with the council’s position: “It’s closed – it’s not open – move on!

“It’s freezing, people’s safety travelling to and from the market has to be considered and when the message is don’t travel it’s not right to say “but do pop by the market”.

Others disagreed. Cate Charnock said: “It’s insane! In Germany and Bavaria people pray for snow for the Christmas markets. It’s the whole point, magical atmosphere!”