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FABULOUSLY FESTIVE AT HURTWOOD PARK

Maddy Cole and Tina Buckell at Fabulously Festive (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Published on 1st December 2024

A new event called Fabulously Festive has transformed Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club in Ewhurst into a winter wonderland. Held for the first time, highlights include an ice rink, an Après Ski Bar serving mulled wine, and Father Christmas in his grotto.

Fabulously Festive is the brainchild of two local couples, Wesley and Maddy Cole and their friends Duncan and Tina Buckell. Maddy said: ‘We each have three children and have tried to keep the magic of Christmas alive each year by visiting various winter wonderlands and grottoes. As our children have got older, it has become harder for them to buy into the festivities, so we decided to create our own experience!’ 

‘We didn’t want our experience to be overly commercialised. We once took the children to Lapland, where the focus is on creating an authentic experience. Attractions are rustic and wintry, without being excessively commercial, and we learned a great deal from that. Sometimes, Christmas events can throw too much at children and lose authenticity, so we have tried to present them with an experience where they can feel the magic.’  

FESTIVE SCENES

The two couples set up a company, Absolutely Fabulous Events, with each member of the team employing their own skills to help realise their collective vision. Maddy specialises in business-to-business (B2B) events, while Tina is the creative force. Wesley works in finance and with Duncan’s construction experience, they had all the expertise required to bring Fabulously Festive to life. When it came to the venue, all agreed that Hurtwood Park was the perfect setting. 

Maddy said: ‘When I was a teenager, I would hack around the grounds, riding polo ponies with my sister. I have great memories of riding in beautiful open spaces, so I knew it was a fantastic venue. Duncan and Tina married there and had developed a relationship with Jayne Jones, Events Manager at Hurtwood Park. We approached Jayne with our idea and she has been incredibly supportive, allowing us to create the Christmas Village.’ 

‘Because of the clay soil, we constructed new walkways, which was costly but it was important for the visitor experience. Other venues have been hampered by mud after rainfall, so we’ve done everything in our power to avoid that by laying down walkways with wood-chip that can be reinforced. We want everyone to come to Fabulously Festive, including those with wheelchairs or buggies.

‘Initially, the Parish Council expressed some concerns, but once they knew we were local people trying to do something positive for the community, they were greatly supportive. We have  also worked with Cranleigh Traders and Surrey Hill Enterprises to bring local small businesses into our Market.’

Father Christmas in his magical grotto (©AAH/Alan Wright)

BEAUTIFUL BEARD! 

The highlight of the event is the magical journey to meet Father Christmas. Children follow a snowy path lined with Christmas trees to the grotto, where they help elves with a special task and receive a gift. From the outset, finding the perfect Father Christmas was key, explains Tina. 

‘Last year, I took my children to a Christmas experience that is hugely popular and does many things well. However, my little boy told me that he knew it wasn’t the real Father Christmas as he could see the string on his beard. So, I’ve obsessed over finding the real thing ever since! When parents visit the grotto, they’re trusting us with the hopes and dreams of the their children and small details make a big difference. That is why we’ve done everything to offer a magical experience. Our Father Christmas has been amazing and even grown-ups feel overawed in his presence. He inspires the team around him, encouraging elves and other characters to create magical memories.’ 

FLASH MOBS

The organisers have also recruited a talented team of performers to add seasonal sparkle. Some have experience as ballerinas, hip-hop dancers, singers and actors, helping to sprinkle magic across the site. As well as being an experienced actor, previously starring as Fairy at The Capitol pantomime, Tania Whatley (below in white hat) plays Mother Christmas. She said: ‘With help from Snowflake the Elf and my puppets, I read stories to children and we also sing songs like Jingle Bells. Maddy and Tina have also presented me with a beautiful Fabulously Festive  storybook with 20 festive tales, including Father Christmas Needs a Wee, so we have lots of fun!’

Having recently graduated from university, Hannah Davies runs the Darling Dolly Gift Shop. Dolly join in with impromptu performances (visitors may encounter flash mob dances) and also runs a shop full of stocking fillers. Darling Dolly is friends with Sweet Mallow, who can be found at the gingerbread station. Sweet Mellow said: ‘There are many different things for children to do and the gingerbread station is just one of them, decorating their treats with icing and lots of Smarties and Jelly Tots. I also teach them our secret ‘Elf Wave’ and a dance routine so they always leave smiling!’

Daisy Darling's Gift Shop (©AAH/Alan Wright)

NIGHT SOUNDS

The Christmas Village also includes traditional market stalls, an ice-skating rink and a cosy Après Ski Bar that serves up live music throughout Fabulously Festive, which runs until 5 January 2025. November’s acts included Swing Noir and MI Soul, with many more lined up for December, including Melissa Bel, Take Two and Electric Feel. A series of one-off events will also be held at Hurtwood Park, including wreath-making workshops.  

If Fabulously Festive proves a success, it is hoped that further events can be organised, perhaps celebrating Easter and Halloween.Maddy said: ‘Because of negative headlines that other Christmas-themed events have attracted in the past, the public are wary about spending their hard-earned money on a family experience unless they can see what they’re getting. However, we’ve been blown away by the early ticket sales and really appreciate that support. We opened on 16 November as we wanted a softer launch, giving us a little time to resolve any issues before more people arrive in December. However, the feedback has been very positive.’ 

‘One of the great things about Fabulously Festive is that a lot is included in the entry price. With the Father Christmas Experience, you can visit the grotto and while there is a small additional cost for the ice rink, children can visit the Reindeer Food Kitchen and write to Father Christmas at the Elf-run Post Office. We also have the Après-Ski Bar with live acts into the evening. It adds a different dynamic and we hope couples and friends will come along just to soak up the atmosphere, as the site looks beautiful after dark.’ 

WORDS: Ben Morris / PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: For more details, visit www.fabulouslyfestive.co.uk