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- The Winter Wonderland is at Summerhill Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex
A garden centre has been branded ‘silly’ after opening the doors of its Winter Wonderland display in August.
Staff at Summerhill Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex, have put up trees, bright lights and tinsel this week – despite temperatures forecast to reach 32C on Monday.
The popular centre is opening the doors of its Winter Wonderland over the August Bank Holiday weekend, bosses said.
They claimed they have been receiving enquiries since June, with one customer even claiming they will be travelling down from Scotland to get their hands on festive decorations.
But the move has divided opinion on Facebook – with some criticising the early start to Christmas.
One said: ‘August? You’re being silly now. Imagine if you’re a child and go and see Christmas displays in two weeks’ time.
‘Far too early. The tots will think Father Christmas has forgotten their presents.’
Summerhill Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex, which is opening its Winter Wonderland in August
A sign at the centre reads: ‘Summerhill Christmas Department Opens August Bank Holiday Weekend’
Christmas decorations at Summerhill Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex
Festive nutcrackers on display at the garden centre in Essex, which is opening its garden centre in August
Others have welcomed the move and said they will be heading to the garden centre to start feeling festive on August 24.
Another user said: ‘My happy place. So excited, you guys have the best displays.
‘Christmas is the BEST time of year and should definitely start end of August.’
A Summerhill spokesperson said: ‘It is a labour of love and we are incredibly proud of what we achieve every year.
‘The sheer scale of the department and displays means we have to start preparations early.
‘As stock comes in over the coming weeks we will continually build the displays with it reaching its peak in October.
Festive fairy lights on display at the garden centre in Essex
Staff at the garden centre spent time putting up trees, bright lights and tinsel this week
Summerhill Garden Centre is often the first place in Essex to showcase a festive display and sell decorations
‘Such is its popularity, some ranges can come and go long before December.
‘There is a lot of demand for Christmas, and many customers have said they find it helpful that they can spread the cost over the months.’
Summerhill Garden Centre is often the first place in Essex to showcase a festive display and sell decorations.
Leader of Basildon Council Gavin Callaghan said: ‘I know not everyone loves Christmas, but I really think Summerhill is a jewel in our borough’s crown.
‘I must go ten times a year to look through the decorations.’
