Chester Zoo waive £2 weekday entry fee to see Frost Fair after 4pm

Dec 10 2008 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Zoo has come to the rescue after a series of disastrous Christmas events took the festive fun out of the season for children across the UK.

It has been a case of bah humbug as Lapland-style events shut the stable doors early. But the award-winning zoo is giving its visitors an early Christmas present.

After 4pm Monday to Friday, visitors will be able to save themselves £2 each with free entry to the area of the zoo occupied by the Frost Fair. This will mean you can soak up the atmosphere of the event and and see the herd of 10 Asian elephants for free.

Once inside the zoo, you can them decide whether or not to make the most of Frost Fair by paying for either a trip through the sparkling grotto to meet Father Christmas or enjoy some family fun on the ice rink.

David Titmuss, Chester Zoo’s commercial director, said: “Thousands of families have paid a small fortune this year for Yuletide events that didn’t happen. Our Christmas present for those families, and indeed all our visitors, is to waive the entry fee and give them free entry to the zoo after 4pm.

“It’s a chance to see the elephants for free and once inside, enjoy the very best festive event for miles around.

“The Frost Fair is a magical experience; from the spectacular ice rink, the carousel, our giant snow globe, Christmas market shops, there is something for everyone. Best of all, we can assure visitors that there isn’t a grotty grotto or sulky Santa to be seen.”

Now in its third year, Frost Fair continues to be one of the biggest Christmas spectacles. The real ice rink has already proved a big with novice and experiences skaters alike donning their skates.

Added David: “We are the only zoo in the UK that has an ice rink. There’s nowhere else that allows visitors to gaze in awe – for free - at a magnificent herd of elephants and minutes later be gliding around the ice, trying their hand on the hoopla stall or tucking into a Winter Pimms and succulent pork roll at Café Tsavo.

“We have had a lot of support from the public this year and letting them see the elephants for free during the week is our way of saying thank you.”

The Frost Fair runs until January 11. For details on booking skating and santa visit www.chesterzoo.org/frostfair