The operators of an insanely crappy Christmas themepark in Hampshire, England have finally been convicted of various fraud charges. They charged £30 a head to visit an empty field with a painting of a nativity scene, a small snack bar, and a few Christmas lights hanging from nearby trees:
In bold, the website stated: “The attention to detail of our theme park will truly wow you.”
It also boasted: “As our show is being staged for the first time, our website can only begin to hint at our wonderland.”
People travelled from as far as Wales and the Midlands to visit the theme park at Matchams Leisure Park, near Ringwood, Hampshire.
The “bustling Christmas market” merely comprised two food stalls selling German sausages and a choice of turkey or pork baguettes (with stuffing).
The ice rink was faulty, which the Mears brothers blamed on sabotage, and the “magical tunnel of light” amounted to some fairy lights strung across trees.
Within days of Lapland New Forest opening, thousands of people complained to Dorset trading standards officers, generating coverage in national newspapers and on television including reports of fights between disgruntled customers and staff.
Lapland theme park brothers convicted of misleading customers
(via Danny’s Land)