The Laboratory

Normally around this time of year we all enjoy the schadenfreude of people who paid £20 a head to visit a "Santa Wonderland", usually near Lymington, only to find muddy tracks, sparse strings of fairy lights in a tree, and a drunk Santa in his grotto that's really a shed. The best (or worst) of these was back in 2008, when "Lapland New Forest" so outraged punters that the owners were jailed for 13 months ( https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12783389 ). Charlie Brooker wrote lovingly about this (contains swears from the outset):  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/dec/08/lapland-new-forest-christmas Even when the event is big and successful, the papers can't help having a pop. Just look at "Winter Wonderland", the annual big-ticket event in Hyde Park. Daily Mail 2022: "Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is slammed for its 'rip-off' prices - including £8 for candyfloss and £7 for a potato on a STICK" Daily Mail 2023: ...

"Enchanted Balgone", a Christmas-themed event run by Enchanted Festivals, had been running at North Berwick in Scotland since the start of December. But like all the best "Winter Wonderland" events that make it into the media, it didn't *quite* live up to the promises. A spokesperson for Enchanted Festivals said: "We are sad to announce the cancellation of Enchanted Balgone following disappointing feedback from some visitors on social media. While much of the event was wonderful, there were some shortfalls that we do not feel confident that we can address. Refunds will be issued automatically. Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones." One disappointed parent said, "My two year old started crying but we have another event planned which we know will be fine. We're very lucky - for other families this must have been their big event and I know some could little afford it." Another dad said he spent £100 on the event with his wife and ...