People have been left seriously disappointed and angry over a huge Christmas market that some people claim is nowhere near Christmassy enough, and loads are saying is a ‘rip-off’.
To be fair, most Christmas markets these days are pretty expensive.
They’re full to the brim with pricy food and drink, which seems to get more and more expensive every year.
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If you want to feel festive this year, you’ll need a sizeable bank balance and – presumably – a job that makes you immune to the cost-of-living crisis that has made everything more expensive these days.
Manchester’s Christmas markets are amongst the biggest and most well-established going, and they’re usually packed to the brim with punters wanting to get into the festive spirit in the themed surroundings.
However, loads of people have noted that things have simply become too dear for most ordinary people these days, with some even remarking that it might be ‘cheaper to go to Germany’ to experience their Christmas markets.
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As well as food and drink prices, if you are coming from further afield, you’d have to fork over for transport or hotels to get to and stay in the area, too.
Prices for both of those things are through the roof just now, making the experience even more unaffordable for regular folks.
One person commented how they were ‘ripped off’ when buying two cups of cocoa and getting charged £16.
Later on, they claim it increased to £18.
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Another person said: "I spent £20 near enough on a vegan hotdog (which I have never tried) & salt beef sandwich which looked vile when it were being cooked by the way."
Others have claimed that the situation has become worse since Covid-19, whereas before the markets were full of Christmas trinkets and the like.
Someone else said: "Nothing at all Christmassy, pre-Covid they were lovely stalls selling Christmas ornaments, now it's all food and drink mostly £15 for 2 mugs of hot chocolate, cocktails £9 for a snowball - just pure greed.
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"Very disappointed, definitely won't be back this year or in near future," they added.
The simple truth is that Manchester city centre is full of lovely pubs where drinks prices are way less extortionate and the atmosphere no less festive.
People are likely to start voting with their feet, if the early reviews are anything to go by.
It’s not even December yet, after all.
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Another comment read: "Over-priced beer and food, too busy and no really Christmas stuff, just the same old hot Vimto and Aldi sausages for extortionate prices.”
It’s worth pointing out that not everyone has had such a bad time at the markets, with others praising their experience and saying they had a lovely time.
"My daughter and I had a lovely afternoon on the Manchester Christmas markets.
"We walked round the stalls and had mulled wine, liqueur coffee, vegan cakes and plant based hot bratwurst and sweets. We had such a lovely time," one said.
"Had a great day out in Manchester Christmas market money well spent lots of great gift ideas,” another said.
"If you start off at Albert Square and work yourself backwards towards the Arndale Centre there's a great atmosphere and plenty to eat and drink prices not to badly priced."
Pat Karney, who is the spokesperson for the Christmas markets from Manchester City Council, said: "We know that not everyone has the cash to splash out on a hot chocolate or Gluhwein which is why our Christmas offer isn't just about the markets this year.
"The city centre is at its sparkling best at the moment with our famous big Santa in St Peter's Square and a fabulous Christmas lights trail that includes walk-through baubles and stars, Christmas trees, and a twinkling Manchester bee – all of which are free to discover and enjoy.
"We've also got a fantastic programme of free fun for families each weekend between now and Christmas with a series of magical Festive Sundays funded in partnership with city centre business partners, and, in a festive first for the city, the first ever Manchester Christmas Parade which is coming up on Sunday, December 11."
Tom Wood