More than 160,000 people are expected to visit the 300 stalls over the next four days.

But while the cold snap which has brought snow to many parts of the country has passed, forecasters believe rain is in the offing.

The event takes its inspiration from Lincoln's German twin-town, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse.

Among the festive items on sale will be hand-painted glass Christmas decorations, ironwork created on working forges, hand-made confectionery, jewellery, and a range of craftwork.