Christmas Spectacular
Christmas Spectacular

 Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 tickets available to book now. 

8 + Advisory age

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Entertainment doesn’t get much bigger than this!

8 +Advisory age

 


Escape back into the world of Thursford this Christmas

 

Our Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites. With a cast of 130 this is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! 

 

Our 2024 show will run from 8th November – 23rd December  2.00pm & 7.00pm. 
       Prices start at £43 (Weekday evenings)
Suitable for ages 8+

TEA & TOUR 2024

With last year’s backstage tours selling out, the team are once again inviting guests to step behind the curtain and uncover the secrets of one of Europe’s biggest Christmas shows. From getting up close with over 2000 costumes to looking inside performers dressing rooms to uncovering how the show operates for over six solid weeks, there’ll be a lot to discover. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own questions to discover everything about the show and more.

The tour ends with a delicious home-made afternoon tea.

BACKSTAGE TOURS SOLD OUT FOR 2024

Email [email protected] for information on private tours of 20+ people

ACTS FROM 2023

2023 was our biggest and most immersive show yet following the installation of a new state-of-the-art sound system, enhancing the whole experience like never before!

With new costumes, new routines, a new host and new speciality acts, 2023 was another successful year for the show.

LLOYD HOLLETT – THE COMEDY WORDSMITH

With over 32 years experience and a unique style of comedy not to be missed, Lloyd is this year’s compère and comedian.

EXTREME MOUNTAIN BIKER

UK & Europe’s number one extreme mountain bike demonstration, led by multi-trials champion, Danny Butler. Bringing amazing stunts and tricks to the stage!

ROLLER SKATING ACROBATS

With 33 years experience, and over 16,000 shows worldwide, Sven and Jan continue to amaze with their world-class roller skating acrobatic act.

PROFESSIONAL JUGGLING DUO

Leif Hellmuth & Pat Fabio have travelled the world for over 25 years with their unique classical juggling. Including an act that will surprise you!

8 + Advisory age 

Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has attracted over 5.8 million visitors to date and is the largest Christmas show in the country.

It is set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 120 professional singers, dancers and musicians – most of whom are straight out of the West End. The three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour (adult) and variety. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols. Please note the finale of the show includes a fly over of white doves across the auditorium. 

Word of this amazing show has spread and it is now generally recognised as being the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe. Up to fifty coaches per day travel from all over the country and many of our patrons have visited year on year, turning the trip into a mini holiday staying in the county’s hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages.

Shows will run from 8th November – 23rd December 2024.

You can book tickets online or through the box office on 01328 878 477 Monday-Friday 9:00am -4:00pm.

Essential carers, Defence Discount card holders and those requiring a wheelchair space may call the Box Office on 01328 878477 Monday-Friday 9:00am -4:00pm.

Anyone wishing to book for an essential carer please check our Access Statement for eligibility criteria : https://www.thursford.com/access-statement/ 

Parties of 20 or more people are able to reserve their own tickets online or through the box office, a non-transferable, non-refundable £2.00 deposit per ticket will be required at time of booking as well as any other relevant charges applicable to the booking.

Phone bookings are available through the Box Office on 01328 878477 Monday-Friday 9:00am -4:00pm.

 

How to book instructions

Tickets for the 2024 show can be purchased online through our website.

We accept telephone bookings through the Box Office on 01328 878477. We no longer issue booking forms or accept written applications.

 

Parties of 20 or more people are able to reserve tickets online or through the Box Office. A non-transferable, non-refundable £2.00 deposit per ticket will be required at time of booking as well as any other relevant charges applicable to the booking.

Armed Forces Covenant Thursford Enterprises are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, as such we offer regulars, reservists, veterans and military families the following: A 10% discount on The Christmas Spectacular, Enchanted Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey. Please note this discount applies to full priced tickets only, only one discount can be applied per booking (discounted tickets or tickets that qualify for a complimentary carer will not be further discounted ).

Eligibility: The discounted tickets for all events must be booked via the Box Office on 01328 878477, our phonelines are open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00. The discount is available for card holders and their immediate family.

If the tickets are booked on line, we are sorry, but we cannot add the discount.

To confirm eligibility for the 10% discount, Thursford will need to receive a copy of the Defence Discount Service card at the time of booking (Christmas Spectacular, Santa’s Magical Journey & the Enchanted Journey of Light)

 

Wheelchairs and companion seats can only be booked through the booking office on 01328 878477. Please note that we do not provide wheelchairs for our events.

At time of booking an essential carer may be eligible for a carers ticket subject to availability (one carer per person).  This can only be booked by calling the Box Office, to ensure that we can offer this facility to those who need it, eligibility criteria will apply:

Before requesting, please check the following list:

    • Attendance Allowance
    • Carer’s Allowance
    • PIPs/DLA at the higher / enhanced mobility rate
    • Blind Person’s Registration
    • Armed Forces Independence Payment
    • CredAbility’s Access Card with +1 symbol

You will need to scan a copy or take a photograph of the documentation  and send it to [email protected], Please note, we do not retain this information on file and it will have to be submitted each year.

We are sorry but we cannot apply essential carer discounts retrospectively, please ensure to call the Box Office to book.

Please note where tickets are priced at different bands the carer ticket will be deducted against the cheaper ticket/s.

We have an advisory age limit of 8 years old for children as the show contains adult humour and is 3 hours in length. Children aged 4 years or under will not be permitted into the auditorium.

Please take the time to read our terms and conditions.

Click HERE to view 2024 seating plan.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR SHOW 2024 PRICES

We have held our prices for the 2024 season!

8th November – 23rd December 2024 2.00pm & 7.00pm

Prices start from £43 (Weekday evenings)

Essential carer & tickets booked under the Armed Forces Covenant are only available to book from the Box Office on 01328878477

SEATING TYPES

 

DELUXE SEATING (A-M)
CENTRE RAISED SEATING (R-XB)
RAISED SEATING (KK-TT/ZQ-ZZ)
STANDARD SEATING (N-Q0 (AA-JJ/ZA-ZO)

WEEK DAY EVENINGS

 


£50.00 (Party rate £48.00)
£49.00 (Party rate £47.00)
£46.00 (Party rate £44.00)
£43.00 (Party rate £41.00)

WEEK DAY AFTERNOONS

 


£54.00 (Party rate £52.00)
£53.00 (Party rate £51.00)
£50.00 (Party rate £48.00)
£47.00 (Party rate £45.00)

WEEKENDS, INCLUDING FRIDAY EVENINGS


£57.00 (Party rate £55.00)
£56.00 (Party rate £54.00)
£53.00 (Party rate £51.00)
£50.00 (Party rate £48.00)

Tickets are subject to an additional £ 2 transaction fee
per transaction where applicable.

Group non refundable deposit tickets £2.00 per ticket

**Tickets on the 22nd & 23rd December 2024 are in the weekend price bracket**

Please note once tickets are purchased they are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Armed Forces Covenant

Thursford Enterprises are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, as such we offer regulars, reservists, veterans and their immediate military families the following:

A 10% discount on The Christmas Spectacular, Enchanted Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey. Please note the discount applies to full priced tickets (discounted tickets or tickets that qualify for a complimentary carer will not be further discounted).

Eligibility: The discounted tickets for all events must be booked via the Box Office on 01328 878477, our phonelines are open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00.

If the tickets are booked on line, we are sorry, but we cannot add the discount.

To confirm eligibility for the 10% discount, Thursford will need to receive a copy of the Defence Discount Service card at the time of booking (Christmas Spectacular, Santa’s Magical Journey & the Enchanted Journey of Light)

Please note the 10% discount will not apply on discounted /special offer tickets.

In the event of cancellation

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, in the event the service person is posted at short notice either overseas or to an area outside the service provision we will refund the tickets if necessary. This is providing we are informed as soon as you are notified of any change of circumstances (so that we have an opportunity to resell the tickets).

Prior to giving any refund we will need evidence of the posting and will accept the original call up letter with any sensitive information blocked out.

N.B By ‘Immediate’ we mean card holder, their partner and children. 

 

AUDITORIUM

The Christmas Spectacular takes place inside and the auditorium does become quite warm during the performance.

Dress as you see fit, but you may like to bring a coat for the walk to and from the car park and if attending the Enchanted Journey of Light, which takes place both in and outside.

CARERS

Essential Carer Tickets are only available to book from the Box Office on 01328 878477 as we require evidence of eligibility. These are as follows:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • PIPs/DLA at the higher / enhanced mobility rate
  • Blind Person’s Registration
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • CredAbility’s Access Card with +1 symbol

We cannot apply carer discounts retrospectively.

Please note where tickets are priced at different bands the carer ticket will be deducted against the cheaper ticket/s.

CHILDREN

Important: Children under the age of 5 are not permitted entry to the Christmas Spectacular as the Spectacular is designed for an adult audience and may contain adult humour. If tickets are booked and entry is refused Thursford will not refund the price of the tickets.

We have an advisory age limit of 8 years old for the show, due to its longevity and adult content.

Thursford’s Events for Children Thursford does have two other events that are suitable for children these are Santa’s Magical Journey and the Enchanted Journey of Light, both go on sale late June / early July. Please check our website for details or sign up for alerts.

 

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE

The performance lasts 3 hours and has a 25-minute interval.

Show times are as follows:

  • 2pm – 5pm (14:00 – 17:00)
  • 7pm – 10pm (19:00 – 22:00)

All visitors must be seated 5 minutes before the performance at 1:55 (13:55) and 6:55 (18:55).

Latecomers will not be able to enter until a suitable break in the performance.

Aisles As the cast use the aisles during the performance, all obstacles will be removed during the performance.

Interval Drinks Can be ordered and paid for at the bar in the auditorium before the performance, for collection during the interval

Strobe Lights & Vapour Mist As each year’s performance varies, please call the office on 01328 878477 to check.

 

 

COACH OPERATORS

Coach Companies whilst Thursford does not operate coach tours we do have a link on our website to some travel companies who operate excursions to Thursford, please note it is not a definitive list: https://www.thursford.com/coach-operators/ . If you would like to book with a coach company, you will need to contact them directly.

Confidentiality We are unable to give out any information regarding your booking if you have booked via a coach company. This is because the coach companies are also our customers, and we are bound to confidentiality.

 

DINING

We have the Garden Pavilion restaurant, Barn café and 6 gift shops on site, all of which can be accessed with or without a ticket during our opening hours. Located in the auditorium, our Carousel tea bar and Licensed bar are available to patrons of the show only.

Table Bookings We do not take any bookings for our restaurant or café, both are served on a first-come first-served basis.

Table Availability Even though our café and restaurant are not bookable, we are used to a high turnover of guests; 95% are working to a timed ticket so most people move along pretty quickly so they can also visit the shops before the performance starts.

Dietary requirements We cater for gluten free, nut allergies, vegan etc. Please phone the Box Office on 01328 878477 to find out more.

Bringing Food & Drink. You may bring your own food and drink but it may not be eaten in our dining areas / restaurants. If you wish to bring your own food and drink on site, this will need to be consumed in your seats in the auditorium.

Mince Pies & Mulled Wine are always sold at Thursford.

Strictly no alcohol is to be brought on site.

 

DIRECTIONS

We are well sign posted; one mile off the A148, halfway between Fakenham and Holt, take the turn off at the Crawfish Inn and follow the brown attraction signs for the Thursford Collection

During the Christmas Spectacular run we also display AA road signs

If you are using a form of GPS, then please use the postcode to find us:

Thursford Collection
Thursford
Fakenham
Norfolk
NR21 0AS.

what3words location /// guards.settle.enchanted

 

ENCHANTED JOURNEY OF LIGHT

Spectacular Tickets & entry to the Enchanted Journey of Light (EJOL): Your Christmas Spectacular ticket entitles you to entrance to the show only.

Special Offer As a special offer to Spectacular customers, we you may enter Fantasy Land and The Enchanted Journey of Light, prior to the performance you are attending at a reduced show-goers rate of £10.00 per person.

This is offer is subject to availability and as such cannot be pre-booked.  You will need to present your show ticket at the entrance and pay on entry.

If you would like guaranteed entry and a specific time slot you will need to book online (tickets go on sale in late June / early July, please check our website for details nearer the time).

Entry Times Entry for this offer is between 12 noon – 1pm for those attending the matinee and 5 – 6pm for those attending the 7pm performance.

If those attending the matinee performance want to visit EJOL after the matinee they will need to pay the full, advertised rate and book in advance.

Please note that on matinee only days, visitors will not be able to visit EJOL after the performance as it will be closed.

 

MOBILITY SCOOTERS, WHEELCHAIRS & WALKING AIDS

You are very welcome to bring these with you, but if you need to remain in your wheelchair you will need to book a wheelchair space at time of booking, please book over the phone on 01328 878477 as they are not available to book on the website.

Storage If you can transfer into a seat, please ask an Usher to show you where the wheelchair can be stored during the performance. We cannot permit items to be left in the aisles during the performance.

Wheelchair Hire – sorry we do not hire out wheelchairs.

 

OPENING TIMES COMPLEX

The complex opens at 12 noon, except when Santa’s Magical Journey is operating (weekends in late November & December and Christmas week) when the complex opens at 10am

Shops open at 12 noon, except on Sant’s Magical Journey dates when they open at 10am.

 

PARKING

There is a large, free car park on site.

Opening times: the carpark opens at 11:30am except on days when Santa’s Magical Journey is running when it opens at 9:30am

Distance to auditorium entrance: it’s roughly a 5-minute walk. The closest side of the car park is 600 yards from the auditorium entrance.

Disabled parking: We have a limited number of disabled parking spaces. Please show your Blue Badge to the car park attendant as you enter, and you will be directed to the best available parking space.

Exiting We do not manage cars exiting the car park after the last performance of the day, it takes roughly 30 minutes for the car park to clear.

 

PAYMENT

Debit or Credit cards Our preferred payment method is by debit or credit card, so where possible please pay by one of these methods. However, we do accept cash and change will always be given. Please note we do not accept American Express.

Payment Bookings below 20 tickets are only secured once full payment has been received on the day of booking, as we do not hold tickets without payment (except for those wishing to book an essential carer ). For bookings of 20+ these are secured either by a payment of a £2 per person non-refundable deposit (or when paid in full if booked prior to the deposit go live date). Group bookings must be paid in full 8 weeks prior to the performance booked or the tickets will be released for resale and the deposit retained.

 

 

SEATS

Seats Our best seats are the Deluxe followed by the Centre Raised; these do sell out quickly so make sure to book early.

Chair sizes:

Standard seat size width is 39cm (Centre raised, Left & Right raised and Flat)

Deluxe seat size width is 43cm, deluxe seats also have a 6cm wide arm rest.

Wider seats – we do have two chairs of 68cm width.  The wider chairs can only be booked on request via the Box Office and are limited to the following locations on the Flat:  O40 (Centre Flat), HH1 (Right Flat), ZK16, ZH19 & ZF17 (Left Flat).

Steps The first step is 6 inches off the ground, the subsequent are no more than 4 inches in height.

Columns & Pillars We do not sell seats with an obstructed view as the stage is so long and all of it is in use. There are columns and pillars dotted throughout the auditorium in front of rows M – XB and MM – TT. They are narrow so you should have a good view from anywhere in the auditorium.

 

ONLINE / WEB ACCOUNT

Passwords: Your password should be made up of letters and numbers and whilst there is no requirement to include a symbol, the following are accepted:  @ $ ! – % _* # ? &

Logging On If you are an existing user click on the blue figure in the top right-hand corner, enter your e mail address and password.

New Customers If you are a new customer select your tickets etc and then enter your details in the boxes and at the bottom of the page, click on Register

Exiting Customer Login Because we use a third-party ticket service provider, to be able to log into your account you need to select the option to ‘book’ again. This will bring you to the page where you can then log in and access your account and previous bookings.

Forgotten Password Click on this link to reset your password https://tickets.thursford.com/WEBPAGES/EntaWebLogon/PasswordRequest.aspx

The New Password Ignore the convoluted code and enter a new password twice, click Continue, enter the new password again and then click on Log in.

 

SHOPPING & SHOPS – Opening & Closing Times 

Opening Times Shops open at 12 noon, except when Santa’s Magical Journey is operating when they open at 10am.

Closing Times Shops will close after the interval of the last show of the day. On a one performance day they will close at 3:45 (15:45) and on a two-performance day they will close at 8:45pm (20:45)

Spectacular DVD We are sorry, but we do not have a DVD of the show and there are no plans to create one.

Spectacular CD CDs are on sale in our shops and online: https://shop.thursford.com/

Online Shop If you have forgotten to buy a programme or a CD with a compilation of Thursford Spectacular music please follow the link to our online shop:  https://shop.thursford.com/

 

STEAM MUSEUM & STEAM ENGINES

Steam Engines Some Steam engines will be on display or at least visible, however during the Spectacular run most are moved into storage as the museum is transformed into the auditorium where the show takes place.

Steam Museum The Steam Museum opens in April until the end of August: https://www.thursford.com/steam-museum/

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

We know it is tedious but please do read our Terms & Conditions, this is a requirement in order to confirm  your booking.

 

TICKETS

Direct Bookings Booking directly with Thursford, you can either:  book through our website or call the Box Office on 01328 878477.

Essential Carer Tickets are only available to book from the Box Office as we require evidence of eligibility. These are as follows:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • PIPs/DLA at the higher / enhanced mobility rate
  • Blind Person’s Registration
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • CredAbility’s Access Card with +1 symbol

Tickets not received Tickets are hard copy and are posted, second class mail. If you have not received your tickets (outside of 7 days of the performance booked) please call the Box Office. You must have tickets to enter the auditorium.

Care of Box Office Inside seven days of the performance tickets are held Care of Box Office (COBO). Please give yourself an extra 15 minutes on the day to come and see us at the Box Office. You will need to bring your confirmation email and a form of ID (driver’s license or passport) and we will be able to print them off again for you.

Lost Tickets If your Spectacular tickets have not arrived, please call the Box Office on 01328 878477, providing you can confirm various details in the booking we will reprint them. There is a £1 per ticket reprint fee for each lost or mislaid ticket.

 

XCOVER

Refund protection provided by ‘XCover’ covers the cost of your tickets so you can apply for a refund should you be unable to attend the event. Please read the Terms & Conditions as all claims will require evidence to support the claim e.g. a Doctor’s note.

The cover has a 14 day cooling off period from the date of booking , if you decide it is not for you please e mail Thursford within 14 days and we will refund the premium.

Refund protection will not pay out if you change your mind or you do not have a Doctor or hospital note.

Refund protection cannot be added retrospectively. Please read the Terms & Conditions, supporting evidence is required for all claims.

For details and how to make a claim  – https://www.xcover.com/en/pds/booking-refund-protection-uk

We offer refund protection as we do not carry the cost of tickets over to the following year.

Christmas Spectacular ticket holders can enter the Enchanted Journey of Light at a discounted rate for entry before the performance they are attending  (between 12-1pm for the matinee and between 5-6pm for the evening performance.)

 

This special rate for Christmas Spectacular customers cannot be pre-booked and is payable at the entrance of the Fantasy Land building on the day only, on presentation of Spectacular ticket/s.

 

This offer is also available for Spectacular ticket holders from the 8th November , which is before the ‘bookable’ event is available to those who do not hold Christmas Spectacular tickets.

 

If you would like to take advantage of this offer please do not try to book on line or check availability for the dates you are attending the Spectacular as it is offered outside of the ‘bookable’ event.  

 

Please be aware the offer is subject to availability and entry is not guaranteed.

 

Preferred entry dates and times can only be guaranteed if tickets are purchased at the full price on dates that are advertised on our website (please check the website for details). 

 

Please note, the Christmas Spectacular tickets do not include automatic entry to Santa’s Magical Journey or the Enchanted Journey of Light.

THURSFORD COLLECTION

Equality and Diversity Policy

 

The Thursford Collection is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole workforce. It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace.

Our aim is to ensure that all employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society. Each employee will be respected and valued and able to give their best as a result.

This policy reinforces our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all in our employment and not provide less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All employees, no matter whether they are part-time, full-time, or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. When the Thursford Collection selects candidates for employment, promotion, training, or any other benefit, it will be on the basis of their aptitude and ability.

All employees will be given help and encouragement to develop their full potential and utilise their unique talents. Therefore, the skills and resources of our organisation will be fully utilised and we will maximise the efficiency of our whole workforce.

Our commitments:

  • To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognised and valued.
  • To create a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee.
  • To not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and to discipline those that breach this policy.
  • To make training, development, and progression opportunities available to all staff.
  • To promote equality in the workplace, which the Thursford Collection believes is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
  • To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures.
  • To encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
  • To regularly review all our employment practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times.

 

The Thursford Collection will inform all employees that an equality and diversity policy is in operation and that they are obligated to comply with its requirements and promote fairness in the workplace.

 

The policy will also be drawn to the attention of the Trustees, funding agencies, stakeholders, customers, learners, and job applicants.

 

The Thursford Collection equality and diversity policy is fully supported by senior management.

Please click the link to view our terms and conditions

Terms and conditions

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2023

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