The UK’s oldest Christmas market has been scrapped this year
THE oldest Christmas market in the UK has been replaced by a string of smaller events - and locals aren't happy about the decision.
Lincoln Christmas Market first opened in 1982, with only 11 stalls selling items like German wine and handmade gifts.
The market was introduced to the east Midlands city because of its ties to the German town of Neustadt an der Weinstrasse.
Three council members from Lincoln visited Neustadt an der Weinstrasse when the town's Christmas market was in full swing.
After being impressed by the German market, Lincoln Council replicated its own.
Despite only having 11 stalls to its name, the market was hailed as a success.
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Over the years, Lincoln Christmas Market expanded its offering to include other festive attractions, like a Medieval Christmas Market and fairground rides.
In 2022, the four-day Christmas market welcomed a staggering 320,00 visitors.
But earlier this year, the City of Lincoln Council decided to scrap the city's Christmas market over safety concerns regarding overcrowding.
While the decision was announced in February, both local residents and business owners in Lincoln were shocked by the news.
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A few days ago, one resident told : "Very sad to see the market go.
"[It] was the highlight of the Christmas lead-up for me. Lots of happy memories I hope it will be brought back in the future."
While Paul Catlow, one of the owners of The Castle Hotel on Westgate, told The : "There was no consultation whatsoever so it was a complete surprise and I don’t know anybody in the hotel world who was consulted,” he said.
“I think blown-up monsters and an ice trail are never going to replace the revenue the market generated."
Lincoln Christmas Market will be replaced by several other festive events, including an ice sculpture trail, stilt firewalkers, and giant inflatable monsters.
Luckily, there are plenty of other Christmas Markets in the UK.
One of those is The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, which is said to be the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany.
Here are the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK this winter.
For those Brits who aren't fond of Christmas markets, then you'll be relieved to know that there are plenty of other winter attractions in the country.
For example, a 100-year-old post train that kids can ride deep below London has been given a glow-up for Christmas.
Later this month, Christmas by the Sea will also be returning to Blackpool.
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Among several rides and Christmas activities, there will also be festive chalets, simulated snowfalls, and a snow slide.
Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the country.
