‘Jingle Ville’ all the way!

11 December 2024

Lower Drayton Farm, at Penkridge winter wonderland

Families are being transported to a magical winter wonderland straight from the pages of a festive storybook at a Staffordshire farm. 

Lower Drayton Farm, at Penkridge, is expected to welcome 8,000 guests to experience its new Jingle Ville festive adventure in the run up to Christmas Day.

Jingle Ville opened to visitors on 2 December and saw Staffordshire NFU members Richard and Ray Bower transform a former grain store at the 770 acre farm into a magical Christmas town.

Children receive their own Jingle Ville passport before being escorted by elves on a seasonal double decker bus to the festive town to meet Mrs Claus and watch a seasonal film to find out if Farmer Ray can help save Christmas.

A host of fun activities then follow including writing a letter to the North Pole, meeting Santa, crafting a keepsake decoration, building a cuddly toy, making reindeer food and more.

Youngsters are also able to head home with a farm grown carrot to leave out for Rudolph on Christmas Eve.

‘A vision we’ve had for a decade’

Richard said: “I am really, really, happy with how it’s going and want to thank everyone for joining us, it’s great to see so many smiles on people’s faces.

“We are flat out now until Christmas, the weekend storms gave the team some work so a big thank you to them and everyone here who is busy at the farm including our cheery elves.

“My wife has also just given birth to a little girl so with that and Jingle Ville it doesn’t get more magical for me.

“Jingle Ville is the realisation of a vision that we’ve had for well over a decade – it brings to life the magical Christmas adventure we have always wanted our visitors to experience.
"For me it’s not just been about building a winter wonderland in a barn, but bringing together an amazing team – including elves, Santa, Mrs Claus and other characters who help make this a truly fun, immersive experience for families.”

Ticket holders also enjoy access all day to the farm’s multi award-winning play barn and farm attraction – A Magical Christmas Adventure For The Whole Family!

“We will all enjoy Christmas here on the farm,” Richard added.

“We are though, as always, looking ahead including preparing for our après-ski party in January, then lambing in February which people love and then there’s the farming ‘day job’ of course – so there’s a lot going on!”