Cost of living affecting Christmas show bookings - claim

The rise in the cost of living is making people think twice about booking Christmas shows, the organiser of the largest Christmas show in England has said.

George Cushing, the associate producer of Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk, said customers were booking later this year or once they had been paid.

Each year, the annual show, near Fakenham, Norfolk sells more than 100,000 tickets.

The cost of living crisis has seen a rise in the cost of energy bills, food prices and mortgage repayments.

"It's not just us who put up prices," Mr Cushing said.

"We have done it ever so slightly, but it's the hotels they [customers] stay at, it’s the meal they have before the show, the coach companies especially.

"45% of our audience come by coach and some of those tickets have gone up £300 each. That's out of our control," he added.

Tickets to watch the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, which began in 1977, cost between £40 and £50.

The theatre director at Sheringham Little Theatre, Debbie Thompson, said she had also seen late bookings.

"People seem to be booking the same week they're coming," she added. "But I am confident it will be OK."

Kevin Rooney, from the Watlington Players, near King's Lynn said amateur performances offered audience members value for money.

Tickets to watch Sword in the Stone at Watlington Village Hall, which starts in January, cost £10.

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