The UK’s biggest German-themed Christmas market has been branded a ‘rip-off’ after opening the season with inflation-busting price rises.
A regular bratwurst and a pint of beer at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024, which started on Friday, cost £6.50 and £7 respectively – prices more at home in central London.
Each item has gone up by 50p since last year, which, at roughly 8%, is an increase more than four times higher than overall inflation in the same period.
A cheap snack isn’t exactly an option either, with a portion of chips costing £4 and a bag of roasted nuts at £4.50.
Punters also say huge queues have been caused by new rules banning customers from buying more than one drink at a time – even if their fellow drinkers are within sight of staff.
‘This will be the first time in ten years I’m not going to bother,’ said regular visitor John Beard, 35, from Perry Barr.
“It’s a combination of the rip-off prices and that one beer rule is just daft. You can queue for half hour there easily so sometimes you want to double up.
‘It’s a measure to stop people getting drunk, but where’s the fun in that at Christmas? If people want to get merry, let them. There’s never any trouble up there.
‘For what it costs, it’s really not worth it because it’s absolutely rammed and you’re just standing about it the cold essentially. The stalls are the same each year too.’
Trevor Smith added: ‘The last time I went there I got a hotdog and coffee, cost me 15 quid. I said to the bloke, what part of Germany you from? He said Tipton.’
Some items have not risen in price, such as half-pint of beer (£4.50), hot chocolate with Baileys (£7), garlic bread (£4) and crepes (from £4.50).
Others remain fans of the attraction, which was crowned the UK’s best Christmas market in 2023 and eighth-best in Europe.
‘I think it’s amazing, it’s the best time of the year and it’s really entertaining. It’s once a year and I come every year. I love it, I do,’ said Tony Jones, also from Birmingham.
“Everybody is really happy, it’s a great atmosphere.’
Chloe Flynn added: ‘It is expensive for the beers, but because its German beer you don’t even need that many to get drunk.’
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