A local trader has hit out at the organisers of a popular Christmas Lights event for outsourcing its food and drinks offerings. The Christmas Lights and Dunham Massey are visited by scores of families every year with a chance to try some local food and drink while you're there.
However, one of these businesses, Dunham Apple Barn, has revealed that they are not being involved with the event this year, with the organisers instead choosing to bring people in from further afield to provide refreshments. They say this will result in 'large coordinators overcharging' for 'average fayre (food/drink)' which they describe as 'disappointing.'
Dunham Apple Barn said in a post: "For the past four years Dunham Massey National Trust Christmas Lights refreshments have included local Dunham offers. As a ‘backbone business’ in the village, the Dunham Massey National Trust have been helpful in supporting its tenant businesses.
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"However, we wanted to let you know that this year the event is wholly subcontracted out by them. In other words, this event is going the way of many of the other events held at our favourite countryside venues across our county, with large coordinators bringing in their own food and drink and overcharging for average fayre, which we think is disappointing. (A head office decision, not your local Dunham NT management.)
"In a small victory, we are of course delighted that Little Red Pizza Co and Little Heath Farm Shop will be part of the event this year and we encourage everyone to enjoy their high quality pizza and BBQ over other options if you plan on eating there. However, all bar offerings have been taken in house by the event management company and there is no local choice.
"If you’re hoping to enjoy a hot mulled Dunham apple juice or cider as you enjoy the trail, then you will be disappointed (as are we). In fact, this year you won’t be able to purchase a refreshment while you’re in the trail, only in the (smaller than usual) concessions area before or afterwards.
"Maybe consider dropping into one of the Dunham businesses instead for a pre/post Lights winter warmer to support local? We’ll be open to offer you a warm welcome."
The after-dark illuminated festive trail is aimed at all ages and is returning to the historic National Trust venue from tomorrow to January 2. The event's organisers, Raymond Gubbay Ltd, told the M.E.N that three of the six food traders are local to Dunham Massey (Little Heath Farm, Cyprus Kouzina, and Little Red Pizza).
A spokesman said: "We have six food traders onsite at Dunham Massey. Five of them are the same as last year. We have one new operator. We are now operating the bars ourselves, internally.”
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