Christmas Cheer Dampened by Soaring Prices
Manchester's beloved Christmas markets have returned with festive spirit but face a storm of criticism over what many shoppers are calling "sky-high" prices. The annual winter attraction, which draws both locals and tourists to the city centre, has seen significant price increases across food and drink stalls, sparking outrage among visitors.
The markets made their much-anticipated comeback this season, featuring 274 stalls throughout the city centre. Albert Square has particularly excited visitors as it hosts a public event for the first time in six years. However, the joy of the festive return has been tempered by sticker shock as customers discover they're paying substantially more than previous years.
Price Hikes Hit Food and Drink
According to Manchester Evening News reports, visitors are paying between 50p and £2 more on most items compared to last year. Lager has increased by 50p on most stalls to £6.50 per pint, while Gluhwein now costs between £5.50 and £6.50 depending on the stall - representing a £1 increase at the highest end.
Prosecco glasses have risen from £6 last year to between £6.50 and £7, while cocktails have jumped from £8.50 to £9.50. However, the most controversial price point has been the German bratwurst sausages, with larger sausages and currywurst now costing between £9 and £9.50.
Independent food stalls have implemented some of the most significant increases:
- Eat Greek gyros: up £1 to £11
- Yard and Coop fried chicken trays: increased by £2 to £13
- Pasta Claus Italian dishes: risen by £2-£3
- Mr Crimble's Crumble: increased from £7 to £8
- Loaded Amsterdam fries: up £1-£2, with Manc Poutine now £11 and beef brisket fries £13
Stallholders Defend Price Increases
Stallholders have explained that rising operational costs have forced them to increase prices. Gareth Kitching, who has been present at every Manchester Christmas Market since their inception 28 years ago, defended the pricing decisions while noting he has maintained his own prices at his Clowbecks and Porkys Grill stall.
"Wages and prices have gone up, and for some stalls the price of products will have gone up as well," Kitching stated. "You have to think is £8 for meat in a sandwich all that expensive really? And beer at £6.50 a pint - when you're paying £8 to £9 for a pint at arenas nowadays so you do have to keep things in perspective."
Manchester's "Mr Christmas", Councillor Pat Karney, revealed that the council had encouraged stallholders to maintain reasonable prices this year. "We all know when we go shopping prices are a nightmare for all of us, but we have said to the traders, if you put your prices up too much you won't sell anything, so hopefully they will listen to us," he commented at the market's launch.
Public Reaction Divided
The price increases have sparked heated debate online, with responses ranging from outright anger to pragmatic acceptance. Many shoppers have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some branding the markets "a complete rip off" while others suggested simply avoiding purchases if prices seemed too high.
One commenter, Unicornsparkle, remarked: "Over priced for what it is. You must have more money than sense to buy anything from them markets. Instead of standing outside cold, you could go to a nice restaurant for them prices!"
Meanwhile, others like Joanne Card took a more practical approach: "RIGHT, Listen everybody, you now know the prices, they will be also on the vendors truck to inform you off the prices, please do not post a picture of mulled wine and a sausage and then moan at the price, you made a choice."
Despite the controversy, large crowds were spotted on the first Saturday of the markets, suggesting that while prices may be higher, the festive attraction continues to draw visitors eager to experience the Christmas atmosphere that has become a staple of Manchester's winter calendar.
