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Father Christmas World in Tunbridge Wells relaunched after talks with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Troubled attraction Father Christmas World is back on... after last-minute talks between the council and the site.

A scaled-down version of the venue, which was previously refused permission by Tunbridge Wells council, is to go ahead later this year.

It will open on November 27 and run until Christmas Eve, according to an announcement on its website - with tickets at a much-reduced price.

New plans for Father Christmas World were due to be submitted to the council. Stock picture
New plans for Father Christmas World were due to be submitted to the council. Stock picture

Owners were originally criticised for marketing their tickets at £65 each - now they will be sold for between £25 and £35.

The relaunch comes after the Salomons Estate site had its planning permission refused at the end of September - despite it having already sold tickets to potential guests.

Planning chiefs unanimously voted for the application to be refused for a number of reasons, including the impact on the road network, and the effect if would have on the High Weald area and the Green Belt.

Organisers were then forced to offer refunds to all those families who had already bought tickets.

Father Christmas World 2015 was due to open, but plans have been scrapped
Father Christmas World 2015 was due to open, but plans have been scrapped



Now, an announcement on the attraction's site is saying: "We are delighted to announce revised plans to ensure Father Christmas World will still go ahead this year at Salomons Estate.

"After consultations with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council we have created a range of family activities to help celebrate Christmas festivities and the heritage of Salomons Estate itself."

Commercial director Nick Moore said: “Since the original planning application was turned down we have been working closely with planning experts to find a way of keeping our promise of giving Tunbridge Wells a Christmas to remember.

“Since the original planning application was turned down we have been working closely with planning experts to find a way of keeping our promise of giving Tunbridge Wells a Christmas to remember" - Nick Moore...

"Our ideas have been fully discussed with the Council’s planning officers.

"We have listened carefully to the advice offered, have revised our plans and are now delighted to announce that the people of the town, particularly the children, will be able to enjoy a magical experience this year at Salomons Estate ‎in keeping with the heritage and history of the estate.

"The revised plan highlights the attraction of Salomons Estate itself as part of our local heritage and celebrates the incredible achievements of the Salomons family.

“In line with Sir David Salomons ethos and ground breaking designs we are using existing structures and no invasive work is being carried out in the grounds.

"This is obviously great news for the thousands of people who have supported the idea of a Father Christmas World. Hopefully everyone can now work together to make this a Christmas to remember, for all the right reasons, right across Tunbridge Wells."

The Christmas-themed park will offer a range of activities, including a Tinsel Train, an Elf Village, a grotto, children's workshop, an ice rink and life-like polar bears and Charlie the Talking Dog and other animatronics.

Organisers Markerstudy Leisure are warning of limited availability for tickets.


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