AN increase in ticket prices has been blamed for slightly smaller numbers at this year’s Llandudno Christmas Fayre.

Despite the decrease in numbers event organiser Barry Mortlock said the event had gone really well and the fayre was “just about perfect”, revealing the ticket price of £4.50 was here to stay.

But Mr Mortlock said there would be no more price increases on tickets over the next few years, just simply staying as is to cover the costs of the event.

He said: “We believe we have created an event that we can be proud of.

“It looks good for the town as well.

“I stood there looking at the event everyday and thought to myself there is not much more we can tweak, I am proud of what we have created.

“It was a really really good event, and we put out questionnaires throughout the course of the weekend and we got back some really positive feedback.”

The event proved popular as queues formed down Mostyn Street to get in and around the Arriva Bus Santa’s grotto to get in.

The wide variety of stalls, entertainment and exhibitions was on show across the four days in and around Trinity Square, a new look set up for the fayre in recent years, showcasing a range of locally based businesses and talent.

Llandudno hospitality association chairperson, Berin Jones, said it was great to see Llandudno so busy over the weekend with the fayre bringing in extra visitors to the area.

Mr Jones said: “This event is seen as the starting point where the town starts turning itself on for Christmas.

“It is always lovely here at Christmas time and the Fayre kicks off the festive season.

“It was a good busy weekend though, and the weather helped make that happen.”

Readers took to social media to give their verdict on the Christmas Fayre and its new entrance fee price.

Marion Kennedy, on the Pioneer Facebook last week, said: “Not paying £4.50 per person entry price. Disgraceful." 

While Cat Rogers, on the Llandudno Christmas Fayre’s Facebook page, wrote: “This event is organised every year by private organisers and every year they surpass themselves and make it bigger and better, no one’s pockets are being lined by the entrance fee.

“The entrance fee goes back into everything you see in the fair, church fees, entertainment, wages, electric, cost of cabins and marquee’s not to mention the business and people it brings to our beautiful town, helps out local shops and hotels.

“If you have a problem with the cost maybe you should bring it up with the council for not providing a free fayre and stop moaning and bad mouthing people who work tirelessly to start off Christmas in our little town.”