This socially distanced Christmas festival has a drive-in panto, outdoor market and real reindeer

This summer, they successfully hosted the UK’s first socially distanced festival.

And now, the creators of Gisburne Park pop-up are determined to bring some Christmas cheer to 2020 with a special festive edition.

The socially distanced festive pop-up will take place over a thousand acres at the stunning Gisburne Park, in the heart of the Lancashire countryside. 

At the heart of the event is a large traditional outdoor market home to craft stalls, food vendors and pockets of interactive socially distanced Christmas entertainment for all ages.

As well as the UK’s largest drive-in pantomime, the event also boasts a COVID-safe outdoor Santa’s Grotto with live reindeer and Santa’s helpers. 

There will be a total of eight shows of Aladdin taking place the first and the third weekend in December, between 4th and 20th.

A large outdoor open sided barn will be home to a selection of festive food stalls and street food trucks – and although table service is no longer allowed, there will be access to an app ordering system allowing people to enjoy their festive treats as a takeaway while experiencing some classic Christmas entertainment.

And there will be live reindeer, too.

“We are very excited to have two reindeer as part of our family here at Gisburne Park Estate,” says owner of the estate, Amber Hindley.

“After the year everyone has had we wanted to bring as much joy to not only our pop-up guests but the guests staying at Ribblesdale Park holiday park.

“Unfortunately, we have had to close the park due to Tier 3, so this really is something for us all to look forward to.

“They really are magical creatures and we know the children will love them.”

A beautiful Tipi village set up by Betty’s Tipi for Santa’s Grotto, all with raised sides, will operate in 30-minute slots and include access to the Grotto, a Santa’s letter, reindeer petting, small Christmas gifts and a socially distanced visit with the man himself.

“Christmas isn’t cancelled!” said Robyn Isherwood, director of Gisburne Park pop-up.

“Despite every hurdle thrown our way this year, we managed to save summer and welcomed over 30,000 people, all socially distanced safely through our doors for an incredible summer of events.

“In light of the recent government Tier 3 announcement, we are working around the clock to ensure Christmas will happen.

“It’s been a really tough year, particularly after a hard month of lockdown so we are determined to bring some normality back to people’s lives and give them something to look forward to. 

“Although we are in Tier 3, Gisburne Park is classed as an Outdoor Visitor Attraction with an Outdoor Market, and we are ensuring every safety measure required is in place.”

The ticketed only event officially opens its doors on 5th December, priced £6 for adults and £3 for children with further charges for some of the other activities such as Santa’s Grotto and the Drive-in Pantomime. The event will run every weekend up until Christmas with plans to add on additional dates in the week leading up to Christmas Day. For more information and bookings, visit gisburneparkpopup.com.