Giant inflatable monsters take over Lincoln for Halloween

The gigantic creatures are lurking over Lincoln's rooftops for Halloween

A collection of massive inflatable monsters are looming over Lincoln's rooftops this Halloween.

The seven-metre (23ft) high creatures are illuminated at night and are part of the Events in Lincoln project which has replaced the Christmas market.

The market was axed due to overcrowding fears and replaced with a series of smaller events.

The Lincoln Monster Invasion runs from 23 to 29 October from Castle Square to the University of Lincoln.

The monsters can be found from the University of Lincoln all the way to Castle Square

The monsters will be in residence from 23 to 29 October

To tie in with the "spooktacular event", Lincoln Live has arranged for some special guests.

On 28 October a group of Ghostbusters will be out protecting the city streets in search of the monsters and the next day there will be a Monster Mash flash mob in the Cornhill area.

Simon Beardsley, managing director at Lincoln BIG, who are supporting the half-term event, said: "With monsters around every corner in the city centre, located on various landmarks and iconic buildings, we look forward to this new trail and hope everyone gets the chance to experience some seasonal fun with this spooky makeover."

The eight monstrous locations are the University of Lincoln Isaac Newton Building, Nationwide Lincoln High Street, Turtle Bay on Sincil Street, Waterside Shopping Centre, Lincoln Bierkeller on Silver Street, EQVVS High Street, Lincoln Castle Heritage Skills Centre and the Exchequer Gate Arch, outside Lincoln Cathedral.

Some of them reach seven metres high, the council said

Along with the monsters, Lincoln Live has organised some special guest including Ghostbusters

This is Events in Lincoln's second event. The first was a live music session in September with BBC Music Introducing, featuring The Rills, Kings & Bears and Amber King.

City of Lincoln Council's plan to replace the Christmas market, which started in 1982, with more intimate offerings has so far had a "positive response", it said.

The market attracted record crowds in 2022, with 320,000 people visiting over four days - above its ideal 250,000 limit.

Lincoln Monster Invasion is part of an ongoing council initiative to replace the Christmas market with a series of smaller events

Announcing plans to call time on the market, the council said having "so many people in a small area can be uncomfortable" and cutting the event would allow the £260,000 budget to be spread throughout the year.

Another event will be Christmas Lincoln featuring an ice trail with 20 ice sculptures dotted around the city centre and ice carving demonstrations at Lincoln Cathedral.