“It is great to be back”.
That was the overall feeling from councillors and market traders with the return of the Lincoln Christmas Market for the first time since 2019.
The market, which opens tonight and runs until Sunday, will have over 150 stalls with a variety of products.
One of the stalls is Football Stadium Photography run by David Shields. Mr Shields says the market “is probably one of my biggest shows of the year, so financially very important”.
Being a trader, the market has been crucial for David in the past. “I’m a one-man business, so it is a lot of work.”
The market is important to the council and local traders, who also benefit.
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth, explains how crucial the Christmas market is to the city of Lincoln.
“It’s massively important because over the last 20 odd years it’s been a very large financial, economic and social things.”
“I want to see it happening because the local shops do well. There are so many new customers and people who work in those shops who also do well because it helps to retain their jobs.
“So, it’s hugely important in the economic terms of Lincoln.”
To keep traders and visitors to the market safe the council have asked for masks to be worn indoors and inside the marquees spread around the market. The market stalls have been spread out as well to ensure that customers are not too close together when browsing.
Cllr Murray added: “We get people from all over it is a very nice, friendly and safe event and the vast majority of people will take notice of what we are saying.”