Families slam cost of Santa attraction
FORMER Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher has opened up a Santa’s grotto at his Peak District farm for Christmas, but parents have been critical of the “ridiculous” cost of the tickets.
Kelvin, 39, and his wife Liz have welcomed the first visitors to their farm, which is located in Wincle, between Leek and Congleton.
Some of his celebrity fans were among the first visitors, including ex-Corrie actor Shayne Ward and actress wife Sophie Austin with daughter Willow, reports StokeOnTrent Live.
However, many ordinary families have spotted a problem with the experience’s ticket prices. Tickets for children aged between 12 months and 12 years range from £48 to £54.
Meanwhile adults are paying between £24 and £28 depending on the exact date you choose in December. For this, you get to make reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve, meet the farm animals and play in miniLand Rovers and giant snow globes.
Children also get to meet Father Christmas. Families can book tickets to attend the event on selected dates in December on the Santa’s Village website.
StokeonTrentLive readers have taken to social media to share their views on the pricing. Some went as far as to say that it’s only for ‘upper-class Tories’ and celebrities.
Anita Davies said: “It’s far too dear for families, needs to be half the price.”
Kim Edgerton added: “I love the programme but must agree that three adults and two children was too expensive for us too. Such a shame. I do hope it’s a success though.” And Lesley Morrall said: “I love watching the family but it’s a bit too expensive for me. Good luck to you both.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Hodgson added: “I love the family but the price for a family is £140. It’s a bit too expensive. But I still like to watch them on TV for their genuine down to earth farming.”
The Fletchers’ Farm is currently featuring on Sunday morning ITV documentary exploring how first time farmers Kelvin and Liz are getting to grips with their new life. They moved to the farm in 2022 with their four young children.
Their endeavours to create a Santa’s Village will be seen in a new ITV special to be aired on Christmas Eve.
Kelvin said: “Liz and I are excited to welcome everyone to the farm this December. As a family we’ve put our all into making this experience as magical as we can and we hope visitors have the best time. Not only is it a bit of festive fun, but it’s also a chance to come and see a working farm, something some kids may never have done.”
Liz added: “Santa’s Village has been so much fun to put together. If families have half as much fun as we did setting it up when they visit, it’s going to be a blast! The kids have been amazing. Santa has his little helpers; we definitely have our own too.”
Oldham-raised Kelvin made the move from city living to the countryside for his new farming life. It followed his victory on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2019 as the glitterball champion with dance partner Oti Mabuse.
The 120-acre farm is not open to the public day-today, but Kelvin and Liz wanted to host the special Christmas events to allow people to book and experience the place on selected dates through December. It follows on from a successful lambing event they held earlier in the year which was open to the public.
The Fletchers Family Farm Christmas Eve Special is set to go out on December 24 on ITV1.