Families were left fuming at the underwhelming experience (Picture: Pen News)

Children were left in tears after a visit to a ‘shambles’ Christmas festival.

Refunds have been issued following the Enchanted event at Balgone Estate in East Lothian, Scotland.

Parents and children trudged through mud to see various underwhelming festive attractions.

The event had promised a winter extravaganza as a festive family treat.

But it was slated by those who had shelled out money for tickets to the event.

Parents took to social media to complain about the mud at the site and added that children were left in tears after being confronted by a handless Santa.

A visit to see a real-life Santa came with an extra cost of £15 per child, leaving families fuming.

Guests also claimed a ‘maze’ at the site was nothing more than hay bales while several areas had been turned into a ‘quagmire’ while a carnival was held in a ‘wheat shed’.

A Santa Claus with no hands had disappointed visitors (Picture: Pen News)

Muddy conditions added to the underwhelming conditions (Picture: Pen News/Kymmi Craighead)

And a light trail advertised as an ‘enchanted journey’ was dubbed a ‘half-lit muddy trail around a lake with half the lights missing’.

It has now emerged organisers Enchanted Festivals have pulled the plug on the event after the wave of criticism.

Those who had booked tickets will be given automatic refunds.

A statement released by Enchanted Festivals said: ‘We are sad to announce the cancellation of Enchanted Balgone following disappointing feedback from some visitors.

Full refunds have been issued to those who attended the event (Picture: Pen News)

‘Our vision was to create a family-friendly Christmas experience in a stunning rural setting and while much of the event was wonderful, there were some shortfalls that we do not feel confident that we can address before the event this weekend.

‘We would like to thank those who have attended and apologise to customers who will be disappointed by the cancellation, please be assured it was a difficult decision.

‘Refunds will be issued automatically. Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.’

The Balgone estate, which had no part in organising the event, expressed regret the event had failed to match expectations.

Alex Humphreys said ‘We, as an estate, are not responsible for the health and safety and coordination of this event.

‘The organisation has been conducted by Enchanted Festivals, a subsidiary of Foodies Festivals. The estate is simply the host space for the event managed by said third party.

‘We understand the disappointment shown by members of the public and have tried our best to reply in an appropriate manner by making sure customers know we don’t hold the responsibility of the event, we are simply just the host space for an event.

‘We share the disappointment as we can see the event didn’t live up to expectations.’

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Parents and children trudged through mud to see various underwhelming festive attractions.