By Iveren McCallion
Q Radio's been told that Newry Mourne and Down district council has priced some local businesses out of this year's Festival of Flight after bumping up stall charges by a whopping 300%.
It is understood that last year businesses were asked to fork out £50 for a stall, this year the price has jumped to £200.
For some small niche firms hoping to display products and provide an historic or specialised experience rather than make sales, the fee is exorbitant.
In a statement he council said the festival now attracts over 100,000 spectators which presents "value for money" to businesses involved who otherwise would struggle for access to so many visitors.
But a spokesman from Mourne Militaria, who have been involved since the festival began, said, "I am totally sickened by this council and their lack of interest in small local businesses that don't fit into their little PC square box."
He told us they couldn't take part this year:
Children in long-term workless households highest for more than a decade
Northern Ireland Secretary to return to Hillsborough for Drumcree talks
Murder of pregnant mother of two ‘one of worst cases of domestic violence’
DUP hails ‘breakthrough’ on Drumcree parade as Sinn Féin condemns decision
Jeffrey Donaldson sex crime convictions ‘obliterate’ achievements, court told
Comments
Add a comment