Firm behind Magical Journey Christmas attraction folds

The company behind a Christmas attraction backed by celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has folded.

Magical Journeys hit the headlines when its "winter spectacle" closed down after just a day following complaints it was unfinished, had "rubbish presents" and "chav elves".

Ticket prices of £22.50 for a 90-minute visit at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield were also criticised with many branding it a "rip-off".

The attraction reopened to the public a few days later but the firm were forced to issue hundreds of refunds to unsatisfied customers.

It also closed a week earlier than scheduled to the frustration of many families who had already bought tickets.

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Creditors are owed in the region of £875,000 following the early closure in December.

Craig Povey, who has been appointed joint liquidator, said the directors of Magical Journeys Limited had "faced a number of significant challenges" over the attraction including poor weather and "higher-than-anticipated costs."

He added: "When anticipated investment failed to materialise, they had no option but to close the attraction early.

"Following our appointment as liquidators, we are in the process of reviewing creditors' claims and investigating if there are any assets which can be realised for the benefit of creditors."