Traders at this year's Cardiff Christmas Market are facing a steep increase in stall rental fees, with some costs rising by 50% or more, the Echo has learned. The price hike coincides with the market's relocation from The Friary to two new areas, including the newly pedestrianised High Street.
Instead of traditional canvas stalls, traders will now be housed in 8ft by 8ft wooden chalets, similar to those found at popular German and Austrian Christmas markets. However, the upgrade comes at a cost: arts and craft traders who previously paid around £70 per day, or just over £2,800 for the six-week market, will now be charged £105 per day, totalling £4,515 for the entire period. Food and drink sellers, who paid approximately £85 per day or £3,500 in 2008 and 2009, now face a daily rate of £130, or £5,590 for the full six weeks.
A Cardiff council spokeswoman defended the changes, stating that the market, run by Dinas Powys-based Craft Folk, will be “bigger and better” this year. She acknowledged that the improvements would be reflected in the cost to traders. Craft Folk's website describes the new market as an upgrade, noting that the “exciting new Castle Quarter Christmas Art and Craft Market” will replace the previous canvas stalls and become a “renowned visitor attraction” housed in traditional wooden chalets.
The fee increase comes as one of the market's long-standing traders, Welsh wine producer Cwm Deri Vineyard, applies for an alcohol licence for a proposed new store in Duke Street Arcade. The lease is expected to run over the Christmas shopping period. Michael Caine and Denilson Mattivi of Cwm Deri Vineyard have applied to Cardiff council to sell alcohol from 8 Duke Street Arcade for consumption off the premises. The licensing committee will consider the application next month.
Andrew O'Flaherty, of arcade landlord Curzon, expressed delight at Cwm Deri's interest in locating in Duke Street Arcade. The Echo approached Craft Folk for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.
