Stewart WhittinghamNorth West
The wooden chalet bars and bratwurst stalls attract millions of people to enjoy the Christmas tradition despite the steep prices.
Visitors to the Manchester Christmas Markets have told the of their “joy” at visiting them despite fears of “rip-off” prices.
Civil servant Rebecca Stacey, 35, who had just bought an £8 apple pie with custard, said: “We love it – it’s a great day out.”
The city’s markets is one of the biggest in the UK with more than 270 stalls spread across 10 sites. It has been going for 27 years.
The prices have in the past attracted criticism but families and couples have told the that they love the Christmas tradition and atmosphere of the markets.
A bratwurst sausage cost £9, a Yorkshire pudding wrap £11 while chicken and waffles went for £13.95.
Beer cost £6.50, a mug of mulled wine for £5.50 and mac n cheese was on sale for £8.50.
Mrs Stacey had come to the markets with her husband Nick Stacey, 36, and their four-year-old daughter Saffie.
Mr Stacey, an engineer, said: “It’s a good tradition but you do have to brace yourself for the prices.
“But you know it’s going to be a bit steep and it’s not somewhere you’re gonna come every day.
“It’s a good atmosphere and I don’t feel it’s a rip-off, just a bit expensive like a festival.”
A family of five – husband, wife and their three young daughters – told the that they had spent £100 in an hour after visiting from Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Manchester Airport security worker Leo Harvey, 20, and shop worker Amy Hulton, also 20, had just spent £22 on Yorkshire puddings wraps.
They also splashed out £16 on two hot chocolates.
Mr Harvey said: “You get to keep the mugs if you want.
“They are a good keepsake but you can give them back and get £3.50 back.
“We also bought some Yorkshire puddings wraps. You know it’s expensive but it’s great to see it all here and watch people and the lights.”
Ms Hulton said: “It’s an enjoyable tradition to come here. It’s good fun.”
Civil servant Hayley Dobson, 40, of Littleborough near Rochdale, said: “It’s actually not as expensive as I thought.
“People have been saying on TikTok that it’s a rip-off and that prices are nearly twice as high as they actually are.
“The beer is not too pricey and we knew what to expect.
“It’s great fun and a really good atmosphere.”
Her partner Spencer Davies, 51, who works as a plumber, said: “It makes for a great day out.
“And you know the prices are quite high before you come so it’s not a shock.”
Provencal Cuisine stall owner Isabelle Ecolivet, 55, said: “The market is a great place to be as it’s so busy.
“However I think it’s been a bit quieter than last year at the moment.
“I’m not sure why that is but it could be the weather as it’s been raining a lot.
“We have had a stall now here for 14 years – we are definitely one of the oldest in this part of her market.
“We have built up a very loyal customer base who keep coming back.”
