Alice Grundy

Stallholders can now begin applying for their spot at the 32nd Lincoln Christmas Market, which runs this year from December 4-7.

The first round of applications are set to close on July 28, with offers due to be sent out from August 18.

The deadline for accepting offers will be September 15, and all stalls allocated will be for the four day duration of the market.

The organisers are also continuing to invite applications from festive buskers.

After a loss of £83,000 in 2013, the City of Lincoln Council has proposed an increase of stall prices by 12% so as to avoid further losses.

Details of discounts for charity stalls and local traders can be found on the market’s website.

Changes to this year’s market include more entertainment in all areas of the market, as well as more seasonal chalets available for hire within Castle Square and the Castle Grounds.

A new layout will see the Perfect Presents Marquee relocated to Castle Hill, while the food court will move to St Paul in the Bail.

Events and Culture Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, Sammy Pengelly, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Christmas market, especially with the added entertainment and extra chalets that will help to create a really festive atmosphere.

“With an unrivalled setting in Lincoln’s cathedral quarter, the market offers a range of quality stalls selling crafts, food and unique gifts.

“In the spirit of Christmas we also offer discounts for charity stalls, as well as to traders selling handmade crafts and goods.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming stallholders old and new who can help us to make Christmas in Lincoln really magical.”

To get involved, get in touch with the Christmas Market Team on [email protected]

Starting from Monday, July 7, Lincolnshire County Council will carry out just over two weeks of overnight roadworks on sections of the A17, A57 and A15 around Lincoln.

The work will take place between 8pm and 6am and, subject to weather conditions, will be completed by Tuesday July 22.

Temporary road closures will be in place on all sites except at the works on the A57, which will be open to traffic under a convoy system. Local diversions will be signposted.

The Network and Development Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, Shaun Butcher, said: “We’ve carefully planned this scheme to minimise disruption, and we’ll be working on a number of sites simultaneously to get everything completed as quickly as possible.

“The roads are in good condition but by surface dressing them now we can extend their life by several years. Surface dressing provides the road with a waterproof, high friction surface, which prevents potholes from forming.

“We’ve already put advance warning signs up to alert people to the work, and local diversions will be in place throughout.”

The current schedule for the project is as follows:

• A15 (South of Caenby Corner): Closed from Ingham Lane to Caenby Corner roundabout, between July 13 and  July 15, as well as July 20

• A15 (North of Caenby Corner): Closed between Caenby Corner roundabout and B1205 junction between July 16 and July 18, as well as July 22

• A17 (Cranwell Flights): Closed from B1429 junction to A15 Holdingham roundabout between July 7 and July 10, and again between July 15 and July 16

• A17 (Fosdyke): Closed from Sutterton roundabout to A151 junction between July 9 and July 13, and again between July 17 and July 18

• A17 (East Heckington) and A17 (Asgarby): Closed from A15 Holdingham roundabout to A52 Bicker Bar roundabout between July 11 and July 14, and again on July 19

• A57 (Burton/ Saxilby/ Broadholme): Work will be completed under convoy system. It will take place in three sections from the A46 roundabout to Broadholme, between July 14 to 17