A jewellery seller who has participated in Liverpool’s Christmas market for five years says she will not be returning this season due to significantly increased costs following a change in management. The silversmith reported that rental fees for a market stall have roughly doubled, rising from approximately £6,780 including value-added tax and electricity last year to just under £14,000 before additional charges this year.
The Christmas market at St George’s Hall has been operated by a new company, Underbelly, following a tender award earlier this year. Under the new management structure, traders face additional expenses for services including water and waste management, refrigeration, storage facilities, and energy supply. The trader expressed concern that these cumulative costs effectively exclude independent vendors from participating in what had been an accessible seasonal opportunity.
The silversmith indicated that the Christmas market typically generates approximately 80 percent of her annual festive season revenue, and the inability to participate raises questions about the viability of her business. She emphasized that the previous operator, a smaller local company, had fostered a collaborative environment among vendors. Liverpool City Council stated that the new operators manage trader arrangements independently but noted the city’s Christmas Markets attract over 500,000 visitors annually and provide substantial economic benefits.
Underbelly, a global events company already managing festive events in central London, plans to introduce new attractions including an outdoor ice-skating experience at the venue. The company’s co-founder expressed enthusiasm about creating a seasonal highlight complementing Liverpool’s festive calendar. The operator did not provide a response addressing concerns regarding vendor cost increases.
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