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Christmas market sparks fury as visitors slam ‘rip-off’ prices
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has drawn criticism from visitors who say higher food and drink prices make the event unaffordable, particularly for families. The complaints have raised questions about whether the festive attraction remains good value, although some regular visitors say they will keep attending.
The market opened on 5 November and runs until Christmas Eve. A two-pint Hofbrau wheat beer costs £14, with a refundable £7 glass deposit taking the initial charge to £21; a half-metre bratwurst costs £9.50, or £10.50 with onions. Organisers said most prices rose by about 50p after being frozen since 2022, citing higher import, energy, National Insurance and visa costs. A new one-drink-per-bar-visit rule, introduced to address drunkenness, has also led to longer queues.
In short
- Visitors say rising prices make the market poor value.
- A beer and bratwurst can cost over £30 upfront.
- Organisers cite higher costs after a price freeze since 2022.