The incredible Christmas market in a UK city that was so popular it had to be cancelled

One of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK was axed after attracting more than 300,000 visitors in just four days. The Lincoln Christmas Market, which first opened in 1982, was once described as one of the oldest and best festive events in the country. But it was officially cancelled in 2023 by the city's Labour-led council due to safety concerns and overcrowding.

A proposal to bring the market back was put forward this week, but it's been rejected. The Conservative opposition suggested increasing the City of Lincoln Council's budget by £190,000 to fund the return of the event. However, Labour councillors argued the proposal didn't go far enough and said the safety risks hadn't been properly addressed.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, leader of the council, told the BBC: "They haven't explained how they would satisfy safety requirements. £190,000 is simply not enough."

Lincoln's market began with just 11 stalls in the early 1980s and was launched to celebrate the city's link to the German town of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse.

It quickly grew into a major attraction, bringing in huge crowds every December.

In 2022, the market drew more than 300,000 people in only four days. However, that number of visitors sparked complaints about long queues, packed streets, and difficulty moving through the crowds.

The council decided to cancel the event in 2023, replacing it with smaller activities across the city centre.

Councillor Gary Hewson (Labour) admitted the market brought in money, but said he believed "most of the money goes out of the city".

At the recent meeting, Councillor Tom Dyer, leader of the Conservatives in Lincoln, argued for the market to be brought back in time for Christmas 2025. But his proposal was voted down.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Christopher said there was "very little democracy" at the meeting and claimed the market cancellation was "a classic example" of poor decision-making.

Councillor Metcalfe strongly disagreed, saying: "To suggest it happened behind closed doors is frankly wrong.

"I did no less than 17 interviews with local and national media explaining what the council did and why we did it."

Locals have also shared their thoughts over the last few years, with many asking for the return of the traditional four-day event.

One resident told Lincolnshire Live: "Bring it back but it needs to be a week long maybe longer. Give people more chances to visit without everyone crammed into one weekend."

Another added: "Bring it back, reduce the amount of repeated stalls and consider moving the fairground rides to a bigger space such as the showground."

Despite no official Christmas market, Lincoln still offers a festive atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas.

Visit Lincoln, the city's official tourism site, says: "Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit Lincoln.

"The city is aglow with festive lights, the shop windows are adorned with sparkling decorations, and the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air."

They added: "Explore the picturesque Bailgate area, visit some of our wonderful independent shops and cafés, and follow the twinkling lights into Castle Square.

"Overlooked by the towering Cathedral, there's no better place to experience the sights and sounds of the season."

Smaller festive markets and pop-up events are still going ahead across the city throughout December.