Traders at Plymouth Christmas Market have expressed concerns that smaller businesses are being 'priced out' by the cost of pitches. The market, which has become a major attraction in Devon, is operated this year by Market Place for the first time. Some stallholders have described the fees as 'extortionate', while the organisers insist pricing is fair.
One anonymous trader said: 'Plymouth is a poorer city and that should be taken into account. As well as the pitch fees there are other costs to manage before we can make a profit.' Another claimed the rent increased by nearly £3,000 compared to last year, with promises of a big wheel, helter skelter, Victorian carousel and Santa's grotto that never materialised.
Market Place stated they could not share commercially sensitive information, but clarified that pitch costs vary depending on factors such as product type, unit size and operational requirements. Craft vendors are charged a lower subsidised rate, and this year's market includes an additional trading week compared to 2024.
The company added that the procurement of rides had no impact on rents, which were agreed in advance. Plymouth is ranked 64th most deprived local authority in England according to the English Indices of Deprivation 2025, leading traders to argue that the city's economic situation should be reflected in fees.
