CRITICISM has been levied against the organisation of the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Market after a local business was not accepted for the event.

Owners of the Little Barn Bar, which is well known as a distributor for Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, were left disappointed when their application for the Christmas Market was not accepted.

Built in 2019, the independent bar attended the festive event that year and found great success with its beers, coffee, and mulled wine.

However, after contacting the community manager for the CIC (Community Interest Company) they were unfortunately unable to be selected.

Katie McBride of the Little Barn Bar said: “We haven’t been included this year and we are very puzzled by it.

“We did attend last year after first creating the bar and we realised we could push it further afield.

“Me and my partner work for the Kirkby Brewery and we sell a lot of their drinks.

“It was a great success in 2019 before Covid happened. We are locally sourced, well known and we are the only outlet who serves these drinks.

“The market is having a bar stall this year but they are going elsewhere and have overlooked local companies who could have done that.

“I know we’re the only mobile drinks vender in Kirkby so it is surprising they did not pick a local business.”

A spokesperson for the Kirkby Lonsdale CIC said: “The Christmas Fair and market is designed to be different from our weekly Charter market, with a range of attractions reflecting more than just the town itself.

“We hope the balance of local and new will benefit every trader in Kirkby Lonsdale.

“All local businesses are encouraged to take part in the weekend, as the event involves the whole town.

“This is how our Christmas Market is arranged every year; and it has worked for everyone.”