Christmas market operators look forward to "normal" operation
Christmas market operators in Saxony-Anhalt are positive about the upcoming pre-Christmas period and are hoping for regular operations again after the problems of recent years. "After the cancellation of the 2020 Christmas market, the 2021 Corona Christmas market and the 2022 Christmas market due to the energy crisis, we are finally expecting a normal Christmas market again in 2023," said Paul-Gerhard Stieger from the Magdeburg Christmas market on request.
However, some organizers in Saxony-Anhalt are also reporting problems in the search for seasonal staff. A dispute with Gema over the use of music is also still overshadowing the preparations. The first Christmas markets in the state open before the first Advent weekend in the week beginning November 27.
In terms of staff, the search for showmen and market traders has become more difficult, as it has been everywhere in recent years, said Stieger. At present, however, no restrictions are expected for Magdeburg. In Quedlinburg, contracts were concluded with market operators very early on, so that they have long-term planning security, the city announced. There has also been a kind of placement exchange for seasonal workers for years.
In some cities, including Halle and Magdeburg, there have recently been reports of rising license fees for music at Christmas markets. The organizers of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, for example, reported an increase in Gema costs from 1750 euros before the coronavirus pandemic to more than 101,000 euros now. In Halle, too, the costs have risen from 4800 to 26,000 euros.
Nevertheless, Christmas market visitors will not have to do without music this year. The state capital is currently in talks with Gema; if there is no agreement, license-free music will be used. Quedlinburg has also been relying on this for years.
Despite the difficulties in finding seasonal staff and the ongoing dispute with Gema over music usage, Christmas market operators in Saxony-Anhalt are eager to implement 'customs' like music and festive decorations to ensure a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors, hoping for a successful 'customary' market operation in 2023.
Furthermore, while some cities are experiencing increased licensing fees for music at Christmas markets, others like Quedlinburg have managed to utilize 'customary' placement exchanges for seasonal workers, ensuring a steady workforce throughout the festive period.
Source: www.dpa.com
