'Best UK street' award for Steep Hill celebrated with Chinese lion dance in Lincoln
February 1st 2012
A traditional Chinese lion dance and firecrackers have kicked off a series of events to celebrate Steep Hill being crowned the best street in the UK.
The event, which was organised by the City of Lincoln Council and Lincoln BIG, marks the official start of Steep Hill's year of celebration after being given the Great Street Award 2012 by the Academy of Urbanism.
Councillor Neil Murray said: "We were incredibly pleased, but not surprised, that Steep Hill was given the Great Street Award 2012, as it is so full of character and has so much going on.
"We want to harness the enthusiasm that this award has brought to Steep Hill and its surrounding area, and look forward to a number of events and initiatives that will really boost it.
"I hope our Chinese New Year celebration will draw people to Steep Hill to for a fun and exciting experience."
Steep Hill fought off competition from Byres Road in Glasgow, and Cockburn Street in Edinburgh to win the award last year.
The judges chose the Roman street for its historical assets and valuable place in the city's future.
Matt Corrigan, chief executive of Lincoln BIG, said: "Steep Hill plays an important role in Lincoln as the link between the city's historic cathedral quarter and the High Street.
"It is also home to more than 50 small independent retail businesses, pubs cafes bars and restaurants employing more than 250 people.
"There are a lot of great events planned for the year ahead but what better way to start these off than a new year celebration?"
