A HIKE in the price of holding a stall at the Windermere Christmas Market has left local businesses feeling angry and threatening not to return this year.

The hugely successful Windermere Ja event in December last year drew thousands of people in what was said to be the busiest trading day in the town for 30 years.

However, a potential near-200 per cent increase in how much it costs to sell there is putting vendors who attended in 2016 off.

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The price has risen from £95 to £295.

Some potential vendors have contacted the organisers, who have assured them that they are not profiting from the increase, to voice their concern.

One of these is Kay Forsgardh, who owns Huttons Chocolates in Bowness.

She said: "We did the markets last year and it was fantastic, but when we received an email regarding the cost we were shocked at how much the price had gone up.

"It is just greedy when they were so successful.

"It was a success because of the little businesses here who bother to do it and promote it on social media. It could have been a flop last year, but it wasn't because everybody worked for it.

"The price is £295, but I believe if you want electricity to sell food it is £350. It's not viable. It is stupid. There is no way it costs that much to run.

"It is sad because I was encouraging other businesses, saying they have to get involved because it was so good last year.

"We will not be doing it this year unless something dramatically changes."

Ben Berry, who organises the event with Windermere Information Centre and Mountain Goat, said last year's event made a loss because the charges were finalised before costings.

He told the Gazette: "I know some people have left and I also know that they aren't happy with the price.

"It's always a shame when we can't keep everyone happy but I know it won't detract from what was and will continue to be a successful event that brings thousands of people and pounds to our wonderful town.

"It is a reasonable amount. We have chosen it to make it comparative to other events like it in the area. It is the same as the Cockermouth market."

He added: "It's important to note that none of the team gain financially from the event and we do it to benefit our town and the people who live here.

"The charges last year were decided by Made in Cumbria before the costings for the event were done. It was £95.

"We made a loss of several thousand pounds, which was funded through other means. We need to make the event sustainable so this year we have set the price at £295. That is how we came up with that figure.

"I am disappointed that people are complaining. It is a community event and we need to make it pay and be sustainable so that we can carry on doing it.

"It is not exorbitant. It is on a par with other local events.

"We will review the cost going forward as we are still only in the formative stages of planning this year's event. All feedback is being considered."