Llandudno Christmas Fayre organisers on why they charge and how they don't make any money
The event came under fire over 'ridiculous' admission charges. ref DP
Under-fire organisers of Llandudno's Christmas Fayre today defended the controversial entry fee and insisted they were making no money from the four-day street event.
Dozens of people blasted the 'ridiculous' admission charges which increased from £2.50 to £4.50 this year.
But volunteers from the Community Interest Company (CIC) that runs the event said they had no choice but to charge after losing financial support from local authorities.
And they said any profit from the Fayre is pumped back into the event which has been operating for 15 years - but has been run by the CIC for the last two.
Detailing their accounts to the Daily Post, organisers revealed more than 90% of their income came from ticket sales (£72,000) and stall holders fees (£70,000). The remainder came from Welsh Assembly grants (£5,000) and sponsorship (£8,250).
Llandudno Christmas Fayre event costs:
Operational contractors (£32,000)
Tents, marquees and cabins (£31,700)
Security (£18,000)
Electricity and generators (£16,000)
Ground rental (£4,000)
Stage Hire (£6,000)
Entertainment (£3,000)
Road closure licences (£6,000)
Marketing, social media, printing and brochures (£13,000)
Casual labour (£6,000)
Insurance and other costs (£13,000)
Volunteer CIC director and treasurer Mike Thompson said: "Our model includes charging for entry or we could not hold the event. The event was on the verge of closing forever after the 2016 Fayre following a few years of losses.
"The only way to ensure that the event could be held in 2017 was to introduce an entry fee for adults.
"Many people would want it to be free. If we could achieve that we would. If we could pick up a big grant then we would drop ticket prices.
"With the financial difficulties currently being faced by councils around the country, we feel that it is another way to support the local community. Only those who choose to visit the Fayre need to pay to enter so Conwy taxpayers do not contribute towards the event.
"We felt this model was a fairer way to approach it.
"As a community business we need the support of the community otherwise we don't have a future.
"Last year we had a £2,000 surplus and this year it will be around £6,000. All that money is reinvested. We are always looking at more entertainment rather than just being a market. Last year we had 10 pages of ideas and we are considering introducing a 2-day pass."
The number of paying customers was down this year from 24,000 in 2017 to around 17,600. Up to 5,000 people, mainly children, were given free entry and more than 2,000 people performed on the stage.
There was also 140 stallholders and and Saturday performances were dedicated to the Welsh language.
While many continental Christmas markets are free to enter, organisers were keen to point out their admission charges compared favourably to other similar events.
The CIC employs two local contractors to organise and manage the Fayre.
CIC chairwoman Diane Lea said: "The whole board is voluntary. We would like to involve more local people - for example we need a marketing volunteer."
She added the event supports local charities including Ty Gobaith children's hospice which made £3,500 from last year's Fayre.
This year's event occupied a large part of the resort's centre including Trinity Square and Augusta Street.
And a readers comment.
"I thought my energy suppliers were rip off merchants but four grand a day to power a couple of marquees and a few wooden huts? Someone saw them coming a mile off! And who are these “operational contractors” who are charging eight large a day for their services? These figures raise more questions than answers."
