‘This was more like Nightmare on Elm Street than Miracle on 34th Street!’
Castle Combe Christmas market event(Image: Andrew Clifton)
The organisers of a Christmas market in the Cotswolds have been forced to apologise after the event received dozens of complaints that it did not meet expectations. One disgruntled visitor even described it as being more like “Nightmare on Elm Street than Miracle On 34th Street”.
The Christmas market, held on Sunday, November 23 at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire, promised to be “an unforgettable seasonal day out for all the family”, as the grounds of the popular race track would be transformed into a winter wonderland.
Organisers said attendees could enjoy the likes of market stands, funfair rides, a drive-in cinema and much more from 9am to 4pm. However, following the event, many people took to social media to complain that the Christmas market did not feel very festive, saying that it did not seem to be as initially advertised.
Castle Combe Circuit has since shared an apology to its Facebook page, saying that it acknowledges that the event “did not meet expectations for many of you”. It added that it understands the disappointment this caused and sincerely apologised to “everyone who felt let down”.
Andrew Clifton, who lives in Minety near Cirencester, went with his family. He told GloucestershireLive that on arrival at the Christmas market, he knew they “would be leaving in less than 30 minutes”.
He said: “I have been told by friends that Castle Combe is a good day out when it comes to its day job – motorsports, I suggest it stick to that! From start to finish this was more like Nightmare on Elm Street than Miracle on 34th Street!
“Advertised as a winter wonderland with authentic traditional Christmas hut markets, however the reality was more like the outdoor Sunday markets I used to get dragged around as a kid – it made those Sunday markets in the 90s look like Disneyland!
“Once we were parked up we were then led like cattle through the car park to the winter wonderland. On immediate entrance, me and my wife knew us and the kids would be leaving in less than 30 minutes.”
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He criticised the Christmas market stalls for not being entirely value for money and said the classic cars were not very “classic”. He said: “About two stores were decent with actual homemade stuff and not thing that looked like they had bought at B&M in bulk and then added whatever the wanted to the selling price.
“The classic cars were just like a car park of not so classic cars with a string of tinsel on and believe it or not they were the most Christmas looking things! Finally the heavily-advertised petting zoo – I’ve seen more wildlife on offer spread across the country roads! The poor things looked like they wanted to join them.”
Another person wrote on social media: “We bought tickets and drove all the way down, queued to get in, and I was genuinely excited because I love a Christmas market. Since it was a ticketed event, I expected something really good.
“Then my friend, who had already managed to get inside, called to tell us not to bother. It was such a disappointment. I was gutted, especially after paying £9, so we ended up going to the garden centre instead.
“I understand ticketing helps manage crowds, but this event was nothing like it was advertised. Maybe it’ll be better next year.”
Someone else wrote: “It was truly awful. I have never been to such a dire Christmas market. The guy singing gave it his all, bless him. But even the snow machine was shocking!
“Not to mention the lack of stalls, fun fair, and of course food outlets. You could at least have had a mulled wine stall. Hopefully they will just refund the money to our cards, but I highly doubt it.”
A third added: “It was shocking! The advert was so misleading and we were all ripped off for a pile of rubbish! Wasted a day off travelling (and queuing!) to see absolutely nothing!”
Another commented: “It was very very disappointing, it didn’t feel festive at all. Sso many families there and a few rides but nothing festive for them. We were really looking forward to it and it was awful.”
In a post shared on Facebook, a spokesperson for Castle Combe Circuit said: “Thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first Christmas Market event. We truly appreciate the support from all who took the time to attend.
“We also want to acknowledge that the event did not meet expectations for many of you. We understand the disappointment this caused and sincerely apologise to everyone who felt let down.
“Your feedback is important to us, and we are already reviewing the event in detail to ensure any potential future experiences are of the standard you deserve.
“The proceeds from the Christmas Market will be donated to this year’s chosen charity, St Peter’s Hospice. We will share a full update next month, including the total amount raised. Thank you again for your support and understanding.”
However, not everyone was disappointed by the event. One person said: “We enjoyed it! The man singing on stage fully interacted with our two boys who are autistic. He was great, really understanding. Not a bad voice either! We bought cakes and our boys went on the coaster. Hot dog was nice and wasn’t too busy.”
Someone else said: “Can’t really complain for the entry price. My boy loved the ride, the singer/music and seeing the animals.
“Could have been a little more Christmas themed and made use of the quarry for a more streamlined parking but wasn’t a bad first go. Hopefully next year will be ironed out.”
Another commented: “I think it’s great you gave it a go and having been to some of your other events, know you would have done your very best to put on an amazing event. It can’t always go to plan. Good luck with all your events in 2026.”
