Traders ‘priced out’ of £12,000 Christmas market pitches

Some Liverpool traders say the cost of stalls at this year’s Christmas market has put them off taking part, following a change of operator. They say the prices risk excluding local businesses and the “Scouse soul” they bring; the council leader says he has heard their concerns and will consider options for the future.

Anthony Grice said he was quoted £12,000 for a stall, while jeweller Alex Healy estimated the smallest hut would cost her £14,000 to £15,000, so she will not return after trading there since 2021. Council leader Liam Robinson said the council knew the operator, Underbelly, was offering those prices when it awarded the contract, and that the authority would receive a share of some income. The council says local traders can use other markets, including a Saturday street market on Basnett Street in November and markets in Lark Lane and Woolton Village.