The city council, which hosts the market, says it will not take place if there is inadequate cover.

Lincoln's tourism manager, Rob Bradley, says any cancellation would have a devastating effect on the city.

Last year the market celebrated its 20th anniversary, with record crowds of around 150,000.

Dispute

The market is thought to generate around £10m for the local economy.

The people who come to the Christmas Market see how wonderful the city is

Lea Bason

A decision on whether the market can be held this year will be made during the next three weeks.

That is the deadline the city council has set for the firefighters pay dispute and associated industrial action to be resolved.

The advice is the market cannot go ahead without adequate fire cover.

Knock-on trade

Mr Bradley says they will be contacting stallholders over the next week to warn them of the possibility of cancellation.

This year's event is due to open on 5 December.

Lea Bason, the Chairman of the Bailgate Guild, which represents businesses and stall holders in Uphill Lincoln, says any cancellation will be devastating for the city.

"The Christmas Market is good for the whole city.

"It gives us a lot of trade, it gives us a lot of knock-on trade as well.

"The people who come to the Christmas Market see how wonderful the city is and then come later in the year."