Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has sparked anger from families hoping to visit his Peak District farm this Christmas after revealing “ridiculous” cost of tickets. Kelvin, 39, and his wife Liz opened Santa’s Village at the weekend as they welcomed their first festive visitors in Wincle, between Leek and Congleton.
Some of the star’s celebrity pals, including ex-Corrie actor Shayne Ward and actress wife Sophie Austin were among those to attend.
But ordinary families hoping to visit have called the tickets too expensive, with children’s tickets (aged from 12 months to 12 years_ costing a huge £48 to £54.
Adult tickets are priced from £24 to £28 depending on which date you choose in December.
The experience includes making reindoor food to leave out on Christmas Eve, as well as meeting the farm animals and playing in mini-Land Rovers and giant snow globes. Children will also get to meet Father Christmas and secure their place on the nice list.
Families can book tickets to attend the event on selected dates in December on the Santa’s Village website. But some have been left furious at the cost of tickets, reports StokeonTrentLive. 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.”
