Festive markets add fun to the city – and a handy financial bonus - Steve Cardownie
It was good to read that the Local Government Association has recognised that festive markets continue to make an increasing contribution to the economic wellbeing of the host town or city.
Of course, you will always get your naysayers, people who like to moan and are unlikely to miss the opportunity that Christmas markets provide for them.
Food and drink prices are extortionate! Fairground attractions are too pricey and their duration too short! Goods are shabby! The queues are too long! There is hardly anybody from Edinburgh! It is only for visitors! Same old same old! We hear it every year.
Some people forget that the Gardens are crammed with people, whereas before the establishment of the Christmas festivities they were closed to the public from around three-thirty in the afternoon. The detractors cannot deny that they are popular, you can see with your own eyes just how busy it gets.
Local pubs and restaurants are reaping the benefit as visitors stop for a meal or a drink and the majority of these “visitors” are also from Edinburgh. Our winter festivals are worth nearly £200 million to the city, attracting more than 2.8 million visitors, which is not to be sniffed at.
I won’t be going to the market expecting to pick up a few bargains and in any case presents that I give out now usually take the form of gift vouchers.
Experience has taught me that when the recipient of a gift from me asks if I kept the receipt, that it will soon be returning to the place from whence it came.
So for those that don’t like the market and attractions the answer is simple – don’t go. Steer clear and let the people who look forward to them go and enjoy themselves.
Bah, humbug!