Unprecedented weather conditions may have forced the
cancellation of Lincoln's world famous Christmas Market, but
the city is still "open for business."
That was the upbeat message today from Lincoln BIG chief
executive Matt Corrigan, who said anyone still planning to
visit Lincoln - and local people too - would find a wealth of
fantastic shopping and great attractions on offer.
"We work closely with a tremendous number of organisations
across the city and we know that our businesses are terribly
disappointed that the crowdpulling market has been called off,
even though we know the reasons why," said Mr Corrigan.
"But I want to remind everyone that there so much to still
enjoy in Lincoln over the festive and New Year period.
We hope people will turn out in force, enjoy our
wonderful Christmas lights, make the most of our niche
shopping and pick-up some great food and gifts from our
farmers and craft markets.
"People can enjoy the special ambience of late night shopping
every Thursday in the run-upto Christmas and lots of
families, friends and business parties are looking forward
to having a great time on the Lincoln BIG Ice Rink, which
features a "real ice" experience fromnow right through until
January 2," said Mr Corrigan.
Bailgate Area Guild chairman Mark Hollingworth added that:
"One-third of the traders involved in the overall Christmas
Market are here all year round, in the form of the independent
niche businesses which are based in the Bailgate and Steep Hill
areas.
"We are inviting people to enjoy late night shopping in our area
on December 9 and 16, when Lincoln BIG will be helping us to
create a real festive feel in the area."
Lincoln BIG is masterminding a colourful Torchlight Parade on
December 9, which will see about 200 children from the Cherry
Willingham Community School, carrying brightly coloured
lanterns from the Cornhill right up Steep Hill to Castle Hill -
which should be an amazing festival spectacle, added Mr
Corrigan.
Lincoln Farmers' Markets are also taking place in the High
Street on December 8 and in Castle Hill on December
18.
Craft Markets will set up in the Cornhill on Saturdays, December
4, 11 and 18 and there is a special Christmas Craft Fair
taking place in the week running up to December 24 - at St
Mark's Shopping Centre.