Festive market eyes visitor rise

Visitors have been advised to wrap up warm

Organisers of Lincoln's Christmas Market are hoping for improved visitor numbers ahead of its opening.

The 2007 market attracted 140,000 visitors - a 15% drop on the previous year and the lowest since 2000.

Bad weather was thought to be a factor but some people complained of too many fast food stalls and fairground rides.

The city council has said more effort had been put into attracting unique and local traders to the event, which runs until Sunday evening.

Thousands of visitors are expected to come from mainland Europe and officials said they wanted the market to offer distinctive local produce.

Organiser Louise Robinson, from the city council, said: "What we are saying to visitors is do check the weather forecast before you come and make sure you have the right kind of clothing, especially on your feet.

"Also you should get lots of hot drinks on board while you are here because we want people to remember coming to the Christmas Market for having a good time and not shivering all the way round it."

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150,000 vistors are expected in the next four days.