Lap it up - this is a magical Christmas experience

WHEN it was first announced that hit Christmas attraction LaplandUK was going to be opening its magical portal in the North West for the first time ever this year, it’s fair to say it sent parents into a frenzy.

- BY DIANNE BOURNE

‘The original Ascot version has been visited by thousands of families over the past 19 years, and as a mum myself I’ve seen the rave reviews and photos pictured year on year from those lucky enough to bag a ticket.

It was perhaps little sur prise, then, that when tickets went on sale for both Ascot and the new ‘Manchester’ site earlier this year they swiftly all sold out - even with what is a rather eye-watering price tag of between £65 to £155 per person (both adults and children pay the same price for entry) depending on the date you go.

Since opening last week in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield (yep, it’s not actually in Manchester), it’s fair to say it’s been a bit of a baptism of fire for organisers though.

On the first preview days some slightly negative reviews started to appear on Lapland Manchester fan groups set up on Facebook, to the point where moderators took to suspending comments.

Then on Friday night Storm Claudia hit - and part way through the day the event had to be pulled due to the wind and rain with families evacuated from the site.

So it was with a small degree of trepidation that I headed along on Sunday on a pre-planned press visit with my two children, aged 10 and 5, wondering quite what was in store for us.

‘Thankfully the storm had by this point passed, and it was a lovely tranquil, if rather cold, morning when we headed to the attraction. One of the main differences of the Cheshire site to Ascot is that it is all under cover rather than with open woodland areas, but the first thing I'd say is you still definitely need your winter coats on.

We found it really chilly on both the walk over and through a lot of the walkways inside, where I think the temperature is purposefully set to be cold to give the ambiance of a real-life snowy Lapland.

Once inside though, you cannot fail to be swept away by the festive magic that unfolds.