Lincoln's Christmas Market returns

It's back!

Today Lincoln's Christmas Market gets underway.

Thousands of people are expected to head to the city as the 40th annual festive event opens.

It's a highly regarded event that lasts for 4 days.

This year there's over 150 stalls, lights, rides and cultural entertainment.

There'll also be with a new performance stage in the St Paul in the Bail area.

If you fancy a bite to eat there's plenty of food stalls from festive favourites like roasted chestnuts to the famous Lincolnshire sausage.

It does mean some roads close to the event in the castle and surrounding area will be either closed or subject to restrictions.

Meanwhile police are warning would be thieves CCTV will be in operation throughout the market.

We spoke to Event commander Simon Colburn:

He told us: "We know that people travel from around the country and even from Northern Europe."

"Last year we had around 275 thousand people and we expect around a hundred thousand on Saturday alone."

"That's about the population of Lincoln coming into Lincoln."

"There's always some new food stalls to explore".

"Thats the joy of the market you can come back every year and find something new and something familiar."

"I think that combination is the key to the market."

"I genuinely think there's something for everyone and even if you don't want to buy anything. just look at the Cathedral and the castle and the water tower lit up".

"It really is the start of Christmas for Lincoln"