A decision was made to scrap Lincoln Christmas Market after 40 years in February 2023 due to safety and overcrowding concerns. The Labour-run city council decided that the market’s £260,000 budget would instead be put towards an events and cultural programme designed to attract visitors to the city throughout the whole year.
The decision caused much controversy in Lincoln, with many people campaigning to see its return including Lincoln’s former Conservative MP Karl McCartney. The market attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors over the four-day period and brought in vast amounts of money for local traders.
Hamish Falconer, who was elected as Lincoln’s MP at the general election in July, said he is “keen” to see the market return – if issues surrounding safety can be resolved. The Labour candidate received 18,470 votes, almost double that of his predecessor Mr McCartney.
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He said: “I would love to see something like the Christmas Market brought back. Naomi, the leader of the council, feels exactly the same. We’ve just got to be realistic. I know our political opponents tried to make hay with this but the basic facts were that the emergency services were deeply uncomfortable with the number of people coming into the market.
“I’d love to see it back. It’s obviously a big thing for the city but I’m always going to be straightforward with people. There clearly is a real issue to deal with there and I would love to see us be able to deal with it so we can get Christmas in Lincoln being something that draws people in from far and wide in the way that is has.
(Image: Angel Lucas)
“Whether that’s the market back in the way that it was or something else, I’m keen. We’ve just got to take people’s safety into account in a serious way.”
Mr Falconer, who said he was “so proud and overwhelmed” to be elected as the city’s MP, also highlighted the importance of Lincoln’s city centre. He said: “Lincoln’s High Street is so important.
“Going up the hill to the Bailgate, we are so lucky to have such a nice and hugely valuable retail strip with a particular and unique character. Maintaining the Bailgate’s feel is a really important thing for the city.
“The High Street south of the railway line does also need some love and TLC. It feels to me that STACK is a real success and is reviving St Marks a bit. Making sure the buzziness of the city centre is felt south of the railway line is very important.”
Addressing Lincoln residents, he said: “Thank you for your trust. I will do my best not to let you down. I’m dealing with urgent casework enquiries at the moment while I establish an office but if you need my help please do get in touch and I’ll do everything I can.”
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