Shropshire town council set to vote on reducing charge for Christmas stalls

A council will vote on a recommendation to cut the cost of stalls at its Christmas lights switch-on event.

Shifnal Town Council’s community services committee discussed the issue at its meeting on Monday (September 7).

The committee had considered a report which highlighted concerns that the £100 pitch fee for the event was putting potential stallholders off.

The report included a proposal to cut the fee to between £40 and £60 for general stalls.

Food and drink stall charges would remain at £100 and charity stalls are also free.

At the meeting the committee agreed to recommend a charge of £40 for general stalls.

The recommendation will now go forward for the full council to consider on September 17.

The report for Monday’s meeting had explained that there was concern that the cost could lead to stallholders not taking up places.

It said: “Planning for the 2026 Christmas Lights Switch-On Event continues, with a number of additional services and entertainment now secured.

“However, the response from successful stallholder applicants has raised concerns regarding the current £100 pitch fee.

“One applicant has formally withdrawn due to the cost, while the remaining successful applicants have not yet responded.

“Research undertaken with other local councils and event organisers indicates that the majority charge between £25 and £50 for standard stalls, with Newport charging £75 for an eight-hour event where a three metre x three metre gazebo is provided.

“The committee is therefore asked to consider whether the current £100 fee should be reduced to encourage greater stallholder participation and ensure that a sufficient number of stalls are secured for the event.”