CONTROVERSIAL - Edinburgh Christmas Market - RETHINK needed or is it just PERFECT?

[@steve-marsh]

I'm so glad you've given such an honest review of Edinburgh Christmas! It's much along the lines of the video I'm putting together at the moment as well (although dare I say it yours is better!) Totally agree re generic markets the same everywhere. It's a shame we don't have something celebrating Scottish products more, instead, like you say, it's the same things you can buy in any UK city, which will just be boxed up and brought out again next year. Bravo Roger, and no bah humbug, you're just saying it like it is!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Steve. I definitely think the showcasing of Scottish produce would be a winner. 😀

[@betsybottomley8180]

I've never been to a Christmas market - that's not a thing around here - but that looked amazing to me! I think food prices everywhere are now crazy expensive, but especially more when it's a fairly captive audience. I assume one of the main reasons to go to the markets is to eat....

[@RogEdwardsTV]

The Christmas markets are massively popular with our US visitors, Betsy! You'd definitely have a ball. 😀

[@aidanwilson6035]

It would be nice to have more originality perhaps based on a Scottish theme but you can't argue with the popularity of the current setup even if it looks much the same as any city , i guess in the case of Edinburgh , it's the unique setting that is part of the attraction. Many locals complain about the high prices which is justified as for example a German sausage & roll is half the cost at some continental markets ! , but at least the quality is above average according to a lot of taste tests , the biggest rip off is the pick-n-mix sweets , a 200g bag can cost around £10 !. Spreading out the stalls & activities makes sense as it really did get too crowded at peak times in 1 location spoiling the experience for many visitors. Thanks Roger for another enthusiastic vlog , it might be worth visiting the Botanics , castle & zoo light shows , although you may of covered that in previous years.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Hi Aidan - thanks ever so much for your comments and thoughts. We did do a vlog about the Botanics last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foDVf5KoftGMnsk. This year we are trying the Light Show and Street Food event out at *Balgone Estate* near North Berwick. Hopefully do a vlog about that! Cheers.

[@1954alister]

I agree that the markets are a big crowd pleaser. I can't help but baulk at the cost of things though. My wife took my grandchildren and when she came home she refused to say what she spent!!!! I like the atmosphere that the markets create but it wouldn't matter which one you went to they might be the same but the atmosphere would still be there

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Alister. Hope the kids had a good time. That's the main thing, I guess.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Food over £10 per portion. Beer £9 a pint! Are these rip off prices? If you enjoyed the video please subscribe (it’s FREE): youTube.com/@RogEdwardsTV?sub_confirmation=1

[@NapoleonDynamites]

Quote of the video "There was a load of comedians there in the summer" see the price of the food and you find they are still there! 😀 Joking aside. Years ago myself and a mate had a hotdog mobile stall. Basically a bike you could move around and sell hotdogs. 80p a dog or 2 for £1.50 We went around to Sunday markets with it and paid around £15/25 a day to sell at any given market. We decided the Edinburgh Festival would be a good earner. We were quoted £1500 a week. So if we did pay it to get any return we would have to start charging around £4 each! It's the council's of these towns and cities that are the ones cashing in on tourists and not always the market seller.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thats a really interesting perspective on the running costs. I guess the rip of prices start with the council. 🤔

[@IanMcKennaLondon]

It does look fun Roger but as you say the prices are a rip-off. Compare that with what you would pay for street food from cart in New York and NYC (just identified as the most expensive city in the world to live in) looks cheap!

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks Ian. Do they have a similar event in New York? I guess the Christmas markets are a European thing.

[@Imightbewrongbutsomightyou]

An increasing theme for Christmas over the years, Expense and exploitation. No way is it OK to justify £4,50 for half pint, £8 for mac and cheese lol Why can't Scotland and the rest of the UK have a tradition that doesnt require German sausage and beer. The UK can compete for quality traditional food and UK beer can easily compete with German beer...let's have a Scottish Christmas Market a Welsh, English & Irish Christmas Market, all unique to the region.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Thanks for your comments, Jason. Totally agree with you. Each event should be unique to the area and help to showcase local businesses. Cheers! 😀

[@sandersson2813]

They lack any authenticity. It's supposed to be European charm, bit it's so fake and contrived.

[@RogEdwardsTV]

They draw the crowds which I why I think they couldget the best of both if they rethought the format and did away with the tat and rip-off prices. Thanks for commenting!