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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
David Meikle & Abigail O'Leary

Christmas winter wonderland closed down after fake Santa with no hands left kids in tears

A Christmas winter wonderland has closed down after it was slammed by visitors, with many parents saying their children were terrified of a fake Santa without hands.

The Enchanted event at Balgone Estate in East Lothian promised to offer a festive extravaganza for the whole family.

But many parents said the event was completely underwhelming, with muddy trails lit up with half-broken lights, rides that they claimed were overpriced and too short, and a Santa figure without hands.

Parents took to social media to condemn the event and conditions at the site, saying many youngsters were left in tears after being confronted by a handless Santa surrounded by palm trees.

A visit to see a real life Santa was an extra £15 per child leaving parents furious, reports Edinburgh Live.

Parents said their children were traumatised by a Santa with no hands (Credit: Pen News)
Visitors complained they were forced to trudge through walkways made of mud (Credit: Pen News)

They also complained about rides that cost extra, were overpriced, and deemed too short.

Guests claimed a 'maze' at the site was nothing more than hay bales, while several areas had been turned into a 'quagmire', while a carnival was held in a 'wheat shed'.

And a light trail advertised as an 'enchanted journey' was dubbed a 'half-lit muddy trail around a lake with half the lights missing'.

It has now emerged organiser Enchanted Festivals has pulled the plug on the event after coming in for a barrage of criticism.

Those who had booked tickets will be given automatic refunds.

Parents said the whole event was underwhelming (Credit: Pen News)

One parent, who paid £25 for his family of three to visit, said one of his children had burst into tears at the event.

A statement released by Enchanted Festivals said: "We are sad to announce the cancellation of Enchanted Balgone following disappointing feedback from some visitors.

"Our vision was to create a family-friendly Christmas experience in a stunning rural setting and while much of the event was wonderful, there were some shortfalls that we do not feel confident that we can address before the event this weekend.

"We would like to thank those who have attended and apologise to customers who will be disappointed by the cancellation, please be assured it was a difficult decision.

Parents were also furious at having to pay £15 extra per child for a visit to Santa (Credit: Pen News)

"Refunds will be issued automatically. Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones."

Edinburgh-based Foodies Festivals, which was behind the event, has also been approached for comment.

The Balgone estate, which had no part in organising the event, expressed regret the event had failed to match expectations.

Alex Humphreys said "We, as an estate, are not responsible for the health and safety and coordination of this event.

The Balgone estate, which had no part in organising the event, expressed regret the event had failed to match expectations (Credit: Pen News)

"The organisation has been conducted by Enchanted Festivals, a subsidiary of Foodies Festivals. The estate is simply the host space for the event managed by said third party.

"We understand the disappointment shown by members of the public and have tried our best to reply in an appropriate manner by making sure customers know we don't hold the responsibility of the event, we are simply just the host space for an event.

"We share the disappointment as we can see the event didn't live up to expectations."

The Mirror has also approached Foodies Festival for a comment.

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