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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Gemma Jaleel

Liverpool's Christmas markets leave people massively divided

Christmas in Liverpool means fairy lights, decorations and of course eating, drinking and shopping at the Christmas markets.

But since its move from Church Street and Lord Street to St George's Plateau three years ago in 2016, there has been an ongoing row about whether the outdoor festive market is still a good day's outing.

The market has remained outside St George's Hall, growing in size with attractions including the Windmill Bar, fairground rides for children and this year even a Ferris wheel.

Some people love the location but others hate it - so much that it's even sparked a debate on our Christmas in Liverpool Facebook group.

One of our Facebook members Leanne Kearney posted in the group: "All the people saying the Christmas market is rubbish. Just because it's not for you doesn't mean it's rubbish.

"Keep seeing negative comments on this group about it all the time. What yas [sic] expecting exactly?

"I had a nice time there on Saturday afternoon. My kids went on the big wheel and had a Bailey's hot chocolate which was lovely. Think it's wrong people should be putting other people off just because its not for them."

The post gained lots of reaction from fellow group members who agreed.

Anne Bailey wrote: "Well said Leanne and the back drop of St Georges Hall lit up is amazing too."

Tina Fox said: "Totally agree, God some people just love to moan. Liverpool is amazing. I’m a proud Liverpudlian me."

Kayliegh Demunnik added: "Oh I love the Christmas market. The food is amazing and such a good price! I went there on Saturday with my family and enjoyed it so much."

Finally William Hughes wrote: "Were there a few times at weekend, thought it was great. On big wheel six times over weekend and bought a few things which we thought they weren't that dear and for all people that are saying it's cr*p they should come up to Dundee in Scotland and see what a crap Xmas market and display looks like."

But others said that the market is rubbish and out of the way.

Jennifer Inglis shared her views saying that the market is "not geared towards the people of Liverpool".

She wrote: "Christmas markets are where you go to do some Christmas shopping, have a drink while you shop, maybe some street food.

"There is next to no shopping. The food and drink stalls out weigh everything else, you are dodging drunks when you enter and the rides are over priced.

(Jason Roberts photography)

"While someone might have a good day out, it doesn't mean that it's a good Christmas market.

"It is a rubbish Christmas market, because it isn't a Christmas market. It is not geared towards the people of Liverpool, it is geared towards tourists getting off at Lime street, and going to the theatre.

"While it was ridiculously crowded when it was on Church Street, at least there were vendors. And it made Church Street look so magical."

Ali Wiltshire added: "I think people are entitled to post their opinions. I was very unimpressed really. Wouldn't go again."

Sarah Marsh-Noon agreed: "I'm not impressed. I went to Chester Xmas markets and there was a lot more stalls there other than food.

"If it's food and drinks you are going for then yes it's lovely but if you're going for a bit of Xmas shopping then don't bother cos there is very limited stalls!"

And Kaynie Watson wrote "It used to be all over the streets, bigger and a much bigger variety of things. This is a small square, out of the way, with nothing much you can't find in Liverpool anyway."

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below and take part in our poll above.

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