Cancelling Christmas: Uproar as Markets and Light Switch-Ons Face Scrutiny

Festive Backlash: Christmas Markets and Light Displays Scrapped

As Christmas approaches, councils and event organizers across the UK are facing criticism and backlash for canceling or rebranding traditional Christmas markets and light switch-ons.

The decision to scrap events, including England’s oldest Christmas market in Lincoln, has sparked a heated debate over the perceived ‘cancelling of Christmas.’

Christmas Markets: Safety Concerns and Rebranding

Lincoln Christmas Market Faces Cancellation The historic Lincoln Christmas Market, which saw almost 90 injuries last year, has been canceled this year due to concerns about a “significant risk to public safety.” The decision comes after a tumultuous event in 2022, where almost 90 people were treated for injuries, leading to the enforcement of people-calming measures.

Rebranding Controversy: From Christmas to Winter Markets In an attempt to be more inclusive, some markets, like the one in County Durham, are facing controversy for rebranding as ‘Winter Markets.’

The Bowes Museum’s decision to remove ‘Christmas’ from the event’s title has stirred debate, with critics calling it a move to erase Christmas traditions.

Christmas Markets: A Brief History in the UK

Imported Tradition: Christmas Markets Arrive in 1982 Contrary to other European countries with a long history of hosting Christmas markets, the UK saw its first Christmas market arrive in 1982.

Food historian Annie Gray explains that the earliest markets on the continent from the 13th century served a different purpose, allowing butchers to sell meat before the winter season.

Christmas Light Switch-Ons: Budget Constraints and Roadworks

Lights Out: Cancelled Christmas Light Switch-Ons Christmas light switch-ons are not exempt from cancellations, with towns like Bournemouth, Bolton, Medway, and Leominster calling off the events due to various reasons.

Budget constraints, local disruption, and roadworks have contributed to the decision, leaving some towns without the traditional festive light displays.

Public Outcry: Residents React to Cancelled Light Switch-Ons The cancellation of light switch-ons in Bournemouth and Medway has faced public backlash, with residents criticizing councils for poor financial management.

While councils defend these decisions as necessary to reduce potential overspending, residents express frustration over the impact on Christmas traditions.

Controversial Christmas Cards: Sainsbury’s Pigs in Blankets Card

Tongue-in-Cheek Controversy: Sainsbury’s Christmas Card Sparks Debate Sainsbury’s faces criticism for a tongue-in-cheek Christmas card featuring two pigs in the snow with the text: “Don’t worry, I hear we’re getting some blankets.”

Vegans and some meat-eaters find the card bleak and sad, prompting discussions about the boundaries of festive humor.

Sainsbury’s Response: Wide Range of Festive Cards Responding to the controversy, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson stated that they offer a wide range of festive cards and welcome customer feedback on this year’s designs.

The cancellations and controversies surrounding Christmas events raise questions about tradition, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of festive celebrations in the UK.