Oliver Coffin

It may be two months until Christmas, but theres only 50 days to go until one of Lincoln’s most popular events returns to the city.

This year, Lincoln Christmas Market will run from noon on Thursday, December 4 until 7pm on Sunday, December 7.

Lincoln is the holder of the oldest traditional Christmas market in the UK, and attracts over 250,000 visitors every year.

The market began as a traditional German Christmas market in 1982 with just 11 stalls, but now welcoming visitors from across the world to enjoy the atmosphere, food and entertainment while browsing more than 200 stalls around the city’s cathedral and castle.

The event is organised by the City of Lincoln Council, and brings in more than £10 million to the city a year.

Claire Thompson, Principal Events and Culture Officer at the council, said: “Lincoln’s Christmas market is well-known for its festive feel, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world, and this year is going to be even more festive than before.

“Last year people told us they wanted more entertainment, so that’s something we’ve worked hard to expand on this year. Buskers will be dotted around the whole market, along with more performances from bands and theatre groups.

The Park and Ride system will once again be based at Lincolnshire Showground on the outskirts of the city.

The market will officially be launched with a traditional carol concert at Lincoln Cathedral on the Thursday evening, hosted by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln Brent Charlesworth.

Thompson added: “We can’t wait to welcome all our visitors and stallholders who can help us to make Christmas in Lincoln really magical.”

Onlincolnshire is running four half-day sessions to give Lincoln businesses advice on using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to gain and engage customers.

The Introduction to Social Media for Business course on Thursday, October 30, at Commerce House on Outer Circle Road is aimed at beginners, while the social media surgeries on October 30 and November 13 are suitable for those who already have a basic knowledge.

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council which runs the onlincolnshire project, said: “Over the past few years social media has become increasingly popular mainly because it provides direct access to customers and the ability to communicate with your target market like never before.

“Businesses who ignore it do so at their peril as those that don’t move with the times ultimately end up getting left behind. It is a very effective marketing tool but you need to know what you are doing which is why we’re giving Lincoln firms the chance to learn more about it.

“Whether you’re a novice or a more experienced user we don’t use any techy jargon, so you don’t need to be an expert in IT to attend.”

The Introduction to Social Media for Business session on October 30 starts at 9.30am and finishes at 12.30pm, followed by a Facebook Social Media Surgery from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Onlincolnshire is also running a Twitter Social Media Surgery on November 13 from 9.30am till 12.30pm followed by Linkedin from 1.30pm till 4.30pm.

To book a place on the courses, or for more information about the free business support, call 0300 80 80 120 or email [email protected].