Lighting up Lincoln

Words and pictures: Lily Bowen

Lincoln became illuminated last night (Thursday) to start this year’s festive season.

The city’s lights were officially turned on as the culmination of a celebration event hosted by BBC Lincolnshire, John Marshall and Ross Carrick

 The streets filled with thousands of people counting down together for the illuminations, which were attended by the Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Bill Mara; former Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham in the New Theatre Royal’s 2025 panto Robin Hood. 

He and fellow cast members took to the High Street’s main stage to perform some panto highlights and that filled the crowds Christmas cheer. The magic continued as Santa popped to delight youngsters.

The switch-on has been a popular event every year since I have been at the University of Lincoln. Each year, I have seen its popularity grow, with revellers filling the streets and surrounding shops .

This has always raised my joyful spirit and put me even more in the mood to start hanging decorations, putting up the tree and turning on the Christmas playlists in my student house. This year’s switch on has triggered this same mood!

One recurring concern at the annual switch on is the issue of overcrowding. In 2023, an ambulance was called to attend a medical emergency triggered by the tightly packed conditions and it feels as though the congestion has only gotten worse each year. 

When my fellow intern Katie and I arrived at around 5pm, a treatment centre was already set up near the Guildhall, with paramedics on standby to prevent a repeat of previous incidents. Those who dislike confined spaces or loud noise may prefer to enjoy Lincoln’s enchanting lights on a quieter evening, once the switch-on crowds have disappeared.