Results from a survey organised by Lincoln MP, Karl McCartney MP, to residents in Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and from elsewhere in the UK, show overwhelming support for bringing back the world-renowned Lincoln Christmas Market. This was closed in secret by the City Council last year and they have refused to even contemplate bringing it back in a revised form.
The online and paper-based survey results show a clear consensus that a refreshed Christmas Market should be spread over a number of weekends (instead of the one as previously was the case) and should be spread further across the City. This would help resolve previous issues about congestion and public safety. There were also views suggesting the market should also be more Lincolnshire-focused with an emphasis on local art, crafts, farmers and traders.
This and other information was presented at a meeting with key City stakeholders on Saturday morning in Lincoln who have come together to find a way forward on bringing the Market back. The City Council refused to attend. However, they are obviously welcome to attend future meetings and would be greeted as a positive partner.
Highlights from the survey conducted in December 2023 which included over 600 Lincoln responses were:
- 90% did not agree with the decision to permanently close Lincoln Christmas Market;
- 89% believed the closure of the Christmas Market will have a negative impact on the reputation of Lincoln (93% from those in Greater Lincolnshire);
- 94% said the closure will impact local businesses and shops;
- 93% said the closure will impact tourism;
- 80% said the closure will impact local jobs;
- 62% of respondents said they visited every year and 27% most years;
- 65% said their visit lasted 2-4 hours, 19% 1-2 hours and 9% said all day (this was a popular answer for those outside of Lincoln/Greater Lincolnshire);
- The average amount spent was £58 overall with higher figures for those from across the UK (£71);
- In terms of what changes need to be made, the most popular answers were for it to be spread over a number of weekends like in other cities and also for it to be spread further across the City. Over 70% of respondents mentioned this whilst there was little support for ticketing and for no changes. There was also support for a more Lincolnshire-focused market with an emphasis on local arts, crafts, farmers and traders.
It was recognised that the Christmas Market not only brought visitors to the City for the four day period, it also serves Lincoln all year round. This is due to market visitors being ‘reminded’ to come back at other times to enjoy the City’s museums, galleries, independent shops and heritage.
Karl McCartney MP, who always Puts Lincoln First, said: “The survey results are clear that the public in Lincoln and elsewhere want our Christmas Market back in a refreshed and more traditional format.
“The decision made by the City Council to permanently close has been a monumental mistake and the public recognises it has damaged our reputation, tourism, jobs, businesses and charities.
“What is also clear is that positive changes can be made so that it can be brought back safely. There is a clear common-sense view that the Christmas Market should be spread over more weekends and further across the City Centre. It should also be far more Lincolnshire-focused with an emphasis on our local art, crafts, farmers and traders.
“A positive meeting at the weekend was held with a wide range of local stakeholders including business groups and we will be continuing to pursue solutions on bringing our wonderful Christmas Market back.
“The City Council has a golden opportunity to rethink its position especially when it is so out of step with what the public and businesses want. It is time to put political differences aside and all of us work for the greater good of the City and County. Which means creating a refreshed and traditional Lincoln Christmas Market.”
