Angry visitors to a BBC Countryfile Christmas show in a Wiltshire park have called it a “rip off”, with nothing to do and a “miserable Santa”.
Wildlife fans splashed out £80 for Christmas in the Park were they were eager to see Countryfile stars like Matt Baker, Sean Fletcher and John Craven while they were promised activities including crafts and baking workshops.
But visitors claimed that they hardly saw the presenters of the BBC show and some left after an hour because they were bored.
One person said that his disabled son needed to be carried as his wheelchair couldn’t get through the mud.
Another customer claimed that even Father Christmas was fed up with the event.
Helena Townley told The Sun : “The summer shows are great but this one was just awful.
“There was no festive atmosphere whatsoever, there was no carol singing, no reindeer and the only Father Christmas I saw looked miserable as he was covered in mud.
“The stars of the show are supposed to be here but I’ve not seen them in the main marquee.”
Many others had similar experiences and people who had come longer distances were the most frustrated.
A person wrote on Facebook : “We have travelled 4 hours and stayed 2 nights locally for this, but we did it all in 2 hours. No animals, no Christmas feel (not even a grotto), very few stalls and hardly any activities for children. If you haven't bought tickets yet, don't bother.”
Still some people enjoyed the day out with with Brian Turner, President of Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, saying: "What a weekend!
"The weather didn't help but a massive thank you to all the chefs who came on the Christmas Kitchen & Merry Baking stages.
"Fantastic, professional performances, great fun to be with you all, and a few Countryfile presenters popped in too!"
The event was billed as an opportunity for people to meet their "favourite Countryfile presenters" for the festive event where they could take part in activities and workshops.
It also claimed to have "delicious food and drink" and "fun for all the family".
A spokesperson for BBC Studios told The Mirror: “Countryfile Christmas in the Park’s ticket prices were in line with other similar events in the UK and attracted over 13000 visitors - but due to the outdoor nature of the event, rainfall did cause some areas of the park to be muddy underfoot.
"We advised visitors to bring appropriate footwear however we apologise to anybody who found the terrain difficult.”
