Lincoln Xmas Market

Ok I admit it.I was asked to chaperone family from Nottingham to the Xmas Market.But I've got to tell you.It was quite enjoyable.I had said,after a previously bad experience of traffic jams etc that I would never go again.However,I drove straight to the Showground and found a well organised shuttle bus system which was quick and convenient.(The £10 fee was a bit steep and it took a while to get the money out of the family Tight wedges!).Anyway,there was none of the usual crush and a good cross section of stalls.Including a stop at the Lawns for refreshments,we spent almost 3 hours there and all the family agreed that they enjoyed themselves.)(Must admit I wiped the smile of their faces when I asked for a contribution to fuel - well they were the ones that taught me the Christian values of goodwill and sharing. )
Must admit,though,I wouldn't like to live anywhere near the market.I imagine its a nightmare for the locals.

a friend lives up there, each year he has to argue with policemen to let him into his own street to park his car after work, i certainly wouldnt pay a tenner to see a market in my own town. the prob is when the market is on the council dont care residents of lincoln, AND WE PAY THEIR WAGES! dont you love a corrupt system?

My wife was on about the security trying to stop her and her friend going back stepping (walking back to a stall they had walked past) and herding them along like sheep in the one way system.

Even she said it was rubbish and just food everywhere. Supposed to be a Christmas market, not a food market.

Anyone who thinks its good should go to Portugal or Spain and experience a festival there where parking is also at a premium, queues everywhere BUT people expect it and are prepared to wait. There is no security pushing you along in one direction. There is an atmosphere of a communal party rather than everyone looking after theirselves and the most important and maybe most telling part is that all the residents are out enjoying it too.

Maybe it is just us English that have to turn everything into such a regimented organised rule ridden event compared to Portugal and Spain where the events seem to be much more relaxed!!!.

AC

Got to admit Coley1 that your absolutely spot on with your decription.It was as you said but that was the first time I went!I would not have gone again under normal circumstances but was acting as an escort and the experience was totally different.The stewards were there to help and assist and were very pleasant and curteous,we frequently went against the 'flow' and returned to different stalls.My friends explored the Cathedral and the upper part of Steep Hill ,every which way, in a relaxed manner.There are ,of course,down sides.There was a reduction in German sausage sellers and French roast nut vendors but still the same amount of English 'beef' burger sellers who would find it difficult to pass even rudimentary health regulations.(The stall selling 'a taste of the Mediterranean' was ,by contrast,immaculate and the food looked tempting and wholesome.Not salt flavoured stew. )
Finally,I do have a secret.The first time I went I tried to park in the Uphill area and save the park and ride fee.I was stopped on a number of occasions by the police who were protecting the rights of the local residents.Surely thats how it should be.Imagine the consequences of hundreds of people trying to park around the area - carnage.I finished up in the car park of Lincoln County Hospital and had to walk.
This time I 'bit the bullet' in the safe knowledge that I could get someone else to pay and vacated the Showground quickly and easily thanks to the regimented and organised rows of cars.
Having said all that I won't be going again.

The one in my wife's village doesn't stop till 2,3,4 in the morning!!! Imagine the outcry if it were the same in Lincoln

Probably the clubbers complaining there weren't enough taxis available to go home

AC

my original suggestion was to move it all to the showground, get it all out of our hair for good, and those who want it still have to drive to the showground, we all win!

I think the Cathedral and Castle are quite hard to move

They could however move it to Boston or wherever they said they might a few years ago.

Ac

ill vote for that!