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VIP Winter Wonderland opening night at Baytree Garden Centre, Weston raises £500 for Royal British Legion with bookings now open for Santa’s Grotto and festive market




A garden centre opened its winter wonderland to VIP guests who enjoyed a magical evening - with proceeds being donated to charity.

Visitors enjoyed the opening night of the popular festival seasonal shopping area at Baytree Garden Centre in Weston on Friday night (November 15) which features a market square, Santa’s grotto and a ride in Santa’s enchanted elevator.

The opening night raised £500 for the Royal British Legion with entertainment from Rock Choir and the Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding - and the snowy paradise is now open for the public to book online.

Cameron Whitworth and Bob Tointon at Baytree Garden Centre Winter Wonderland. PHOTOS: CHRIS LOWNDES
Cameron Whitworth and Bob Tointon at Baytree Garden Centre Winter Wonderland. PHOTOS: CHRIS LOWNDES

Baytree’s Cameron Whitworth said: “The weekend was fabulous.

“It is nice and jolly and we hope that people will get into the spirit.

“We have a stage for singers and musicians to perform live.”

Rock Choir performed at the opening
Rock Choir performed at the opening

The wonderland experience has been running for more than 20 years and this year the Christmas market has been expanded.

It features trees, cabins and 15 artisan stalls ‘with everything from chocolate to moonshine, loads of festive food, decorations, toys, jewellery.’

Mr Whitworth said: “It is another string to our bow that we want to build on.

Kevin Wilkins and Jack (11) enjoy the festive displays
Kevin Wilkins and Jack (11) enjoy the festive displays

“The decorations and lights are fabulous.

“We have had a very good response to it.”

The site is 26,000 sq ft of undercover area with more than 300 real Christmas trees taken from the centre’s sustainable tree fields.

Rafe Hawkins (3) meets a friendly reindeer
Rafe Hawkins (3) meets a friendly reindeer

More than 100 pieces of animatronic figures are used and it takes months to construct the wonderland.

Adding to the atmosphere are the smells and tastes of fresh roasted chestnuts and German sausages - and sounds from live carols being performed.

Children can enjoy fairground rides, a festive display and visit Santa Claus in his grotto until Christmas Eve.

Staff will be fully in the festive spirit
Staff will be fully in the festive spirit

Along with hundreds of snow covered trees, a toy workshop, Santa’s magic sleigh, polar bears and huskies, Yetis and the Christmas Goose there are many more surprises.

Bookings are now open:

Timeslots are every 15 minutes:

Between 10am and 4.45pm on Monday to Friday (Christmas Eve last admittance is 4pm)
Between 9am and 4.45pm on Saturday & Sunday

Shoppers will find plenty of festive decorations
Shoppers will find plenty of festive decorations

Also, for the first three Thursdays in December opening time is extended until 8pm
NB The garden centre and restaurant are not open until 10am on Sundays.

The Winter Wonderland is accessed by a separate entrance and exit.

Visit https://baytreewinterwonderland.com/about-us for further information.

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