Chris Nicholas Terms & Conditions
and General Information.
1. The Contract
These Terms and Conditions, together with the written Booking Confirmation issued by the Company, form a legally binding agreement between:
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The Company: Chris Nicholas (professional Santa Claus performer), and, where applicable, Elf Made Events Ltd.
and
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The Client: The individual or organisation named on the invoice and/or booking confirmation
By proceeding with a booking, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
The Client must be 18 years of age or older at the time of booking.
For clarity, a booking is only confirmed in writing once payment has been received. Please refer to Section 6 (Fees and Payment).
2. Enquiries and Booking Process
Following an enquiry, and subject to availability, the Company will provide:
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A tailored quotation
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Details of the service
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Availability information
A quotation or availability confirmation does not constitute a booking, and the requested date and time will not be held unless confirmed in writing.
Due to exceptionally high demand, particularly during the Christmas period, the Company is unable to “pencil in” or reserve dates informally. This is necessary because holding dates without commitment can result in significant lost business.
Availability may change rapidly (often within hours), particularly during October to December. Therefore, all availability provided is accurate only at the time it is sent and is subject to change without further notice until payment is received.
Bookings are confirmed only when:
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The Client has submitted all required details; and
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Payment (deposit or full fee) has been received; and
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A written Booking Confirmation has been issued
Until this point, the requested date and time remain available to other clients.
Priority is always given to confirmed bookings over enquiries or provisional discussions.
Arrival Times and Venue
Following receipt of full payment (or any agreed deposit), a Booking Confirmation will be issued confirming the agreed event date, venue address, approximate arrival time and performance duration.
The arrival time stated on the Booking Confirmation is the agreed approximate commencement time for the performance. Unless expressly agreed in writing prior to the event, The Company is under no obligation to arrive, commence the performance, or make itself available before the agreed arrival time. Clients should therefore ensure that guests are informed of the booked performance time and that the event is planned accordingly. Requests made on the day of the event for an earlier arrival or earlier commencement cannot normally be accommodated and do not form part of the booking.
Clients acknowledge that The Company may have other bookings before or after the event and therefore cannot guarantee to alter agreed arrival times or performance schedules at short notice. Any request to amend the booked arrival time or performance schedule must be agreed in writing in advance and remains entirely at The Company's discretion and subject to availability.
Whilst every reasonable effort will be made by The Company to arrive and commence the performance at the scheduled time, all times stated on the Booking Confirmation are approximate only and should not be regarded as guaranteed. Unforeseen circumstances beyond The Company's reasonable control, including (but not limited to) adverse weather conditions, exceptional traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or delays caused by earlier bookings, may occasionally affect arrival times.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, clients should allow a 30-minute window after the stated arrival time. For example, where a Booking Confirmation specifies a start time of 1:00pm, The Company may arrive and commence the performance at any time between 1:00pm and 1:30pm, without this constituting a breach of contract.
Should The Company anticipate a delay exceeding 30 minutes, every reasonable effort will be made to notify the client at the earliest opportunity using the details provided by The Client and provide an updated estimated arrival time.
Venue
Unless expressly agreed in writing prior to the event, each booking is valid for one venue only, being the venue address specified on the Booking Confirmation. The booking does not permit attendance at, travel to, or performances at multiple addresses or locations during the same booking.
For the avoidance of doubt, The Company reserves the right to refuse any request made before or during the event to attend additional locations, travel to another address, or materially alter the agreed booking without prior written agreement. Any such request shall not form part of the original booking and, if accepted, will constitute a separate booking, subject to a separate quotation, additional fees and availability.
The Company shall not be liable for any loss, disappointment, additional expense or refund arising from the refusal of any request to commence earlier than the agreed booking time, attend additional venues or addresses, or otherwise alter the agreed booking.
3. Communication Policy
Initial enquiries are typically handled by a member of the Company’s team. Once a booking is confirmed, Chris Nicholas may communicate directly with the Client regarding event-specific details.
To ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency, the Company maintains a strict policy requiring that all pricing, availability, and service details be provided in writing (via email only). This avoids misunderstandings and ensures a clear written record
The Company will not respond to inappropriate or offensive communications or to individuals suspected of being under 18 or vulnerable.
4. Professional Positioning and Neutrality
Chris Nicholas maintains a long-standing professional policy of not participating in events directly affiliated with political or religious organisations, campaigns, or advocacy.
This policy exists to:
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Preserve neutrality as a performer
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Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all audiences
This is a universal policy and does not necessarily reflect any specific belief or viewpoint of the Company.
5. Nature of Services and Our Provision
Chris Nicholas is a solo independent specialist performer and professional Santa Claus entertainer.
The Company is NOT a Santa Claus agency and, unless expressly agreed in writing, does not provide any other Santa Claus performer. The Client is booking Chris Nicholas personally.
Bookings for Chris Nicholas do not automatically include additional services, such as:
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Reindeer
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Additional performers
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Event production
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Props and Scenery (such as a Christmas Grotto)
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Santa Sleigh
These may be provided separately by Elf Made Events Ltd (at additional cost), which operates under its own Terms and Conditions.
6. Fees and Payment
Due to the seasonal and high-demand nature of the business:
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A deposit or full fee is required to secure a booking
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In many cases (particularly peak dates, non-local bookings, or bookings within 90 days), full payment is required upfront
This policy exists because once a date is reserved, other enquiries must be declined, and the Company incurs a direct loss if the booking does not proceed.
Provisional Booking Window
Once a client expresses their desire to proceed with a booking, they will be emailed a link and instructions to complete a short online booking form to provide their event details on the Company's website. Once the company receives this form, it will be considered a provisional booking, and the client will then be emailed details (often this is a unique link) to view and make payment for their booking.
A provisional booking will typically be held for:
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48 hours (standard)
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24 hours (November and December)
If payment is not received within this period, the slot may be released.
Non-Refundable Policy
All payments are non-refundable, except where the Company is unable to fulfil the booking (e.g., due to illness).
This reflects the fact that:
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Time slots are exclusive
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When a client confirms a booking, the Company declines any other potential bookings for the same time slot.
Where the Company is unable to deliver a specific element of a booking, any refund shall be strictly limited to the proportion of the Fee attributable to the affected service only, and shall not extend to any other elements of the booking which remain deliverable.
For example, where a booking includes multiple services (including, but not limited to, a personal appearance by Chris Nicholas and/or additional services provided via Elf Made Events Ltd), and only one element is unable to be fulfilled, the refund shall apply solely to that individual service, with all other services remaining payable in full.
The Client acknowledges that each component of a booking may be priced, scheduled, and resourced independently, and that the unavailability of one element does not invalidate the remainder of the contract.
Except as expressly stated above, the Company shall have no further liability for any indirect or consequential loss arising from the partial non-performance of the Engagement.
Outstanding Balances
Any remaining balance must be paid within 10 working days unless agreed otherwise.
The Company reserves the right to refuse future bookings where previous invoices remain unpaid in connection with the same or affiliated Client.
7. Variable Pricing Structure
The Company operates a flexible pricing model that reflects the bespoke nature of each booking.
Fees may vary depending on:
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Date and demand
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Duration
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Travel distance and time
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Complexity of the engagement
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Administrative requirements
Peak periods (particularly November and December weekends and the week of Christmas; 15th to 25th December) may be charged at higher rates due to significantly increased demand.
8. Flexible Booking Option
Where offered, the flexible booking option allows Clients to receive a reduced fee in exchange for flexibility on date and time.
This works by:
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Scheduling the booking alongside existing commitments in the same area
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Optimising travel and logistics
The Company will provide at least one availability offer (minimum 30 days in advance).
Each offer remains valid for 24 hours only.
Additional offers may be provided, but are not guaranteed.
9. Overtime and Scheduling
Once a client has reviewed the details and paid for their booking, they will receive a written Booking Confirmation. The Booking Confirmation will clearly state:
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Start time
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Duration
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Finish time
If the Client specifically requests extra time, including on the day of the event, beyond what is stated in their Booking Confirmation, and if overtime is necessary due to any overruns caused by the event or for any reason beyond any fault of the Company, this will be charged at:
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£500 per hour, or
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£250 per 30 minutes
Overtime is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
The Client is responsible for ensuring the event runs to schedule in relation to the Company's services booking.
Undertime
If a client requires the Company’s services for a shorter duration than originally booked, no refund shall be provided, as the full time period has been reserved and committed accordingly.
10. Administrative and Compliance Requirements
Each booking includes up to two (2) hours of standard administration, covering:
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Emails and communication
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Booking processing
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Standard documentation
Some organisations require complex compliance processes (e.g. onboarding platforms, repeated document uploads, training portals). These can significantly exceed normal expectations. The Client must disclose any such requirements before booking.
Excessive Requirements
Where administrative demands exceed standard expectations, additional administrative time will be charged at £120 per hour (30-minute increments)
Charges apply only after written notification.
The Company reserves the right to decline or withdraw from bookings where requirements are excessive or impractical.
11. Performance Conditions and Requirements for Santa Chris Nicholas LIVE Show Appearance
For live performance bookings (e.g. stage shows), the Client must provide:
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Professional sound and lighting equipment
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Qualified sound technicians
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A clear staging/performance area with good audience visibility
This is essential because:
Chris Nicholas is a professional vocalist and performer. Unsuitable technical conditions can compromise performance quality and undermine the audience's enjoyment.
For clarity, a qualified sound engineer—a trained professional with demonstrable experience supporting live vocal performances, particularly for professional singers, and responsible for managing, balancing, and optimising sound to ensure clarity, quality, and consistency throughout the performance—is often required for live vocal engagements.
A DJ is not necessarily a qualified sound engineer, as their role differs significantly and typically centres on the playback and mixing of pre-recorded music rather than the technical support required for live vocal performance.
If conditions are not suitable, the Company reserves the right to:
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Modify the performance, such as substituting a vocal singing or stage performance for a meet-and-greet format, or
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Decline to perform
No refund will be issued in such cases.
In certain circumstances, the Company may be able to provide a qualified sound engineer and appropriate sound equipment. Should the Client require this service, they must notify the Company at the earliest possible opportunity. Availability is subject to scheduling and may incur additional fees, which will be confirmed in advance.
12. Outdoor, Public, and Abroad Engagements
Outdoor performances are subject to weather conditions.
Due to the specialist costume and makeup of Santa Chris Nicholas:
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The Client must provide suitable shelter or an indoor alternative in the event of adverse weather conditions. If such provisions are not available, the Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:
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Modify the performance format, including (but not limited to) substituting a meet-and-greet with a vocal or stage-based performance conducted under full shelter; or
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Decline to perform where conditions are deemed unsuitable, unsafe, or likely to compromise the quality or integrity of the performance.
For public events:
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The Client must provide appropriate staffing and security to escort and remain with Santa Chris Nicholas at all times.
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The Company is not responsible for event promotion or audience attendance at any public or private event.
Bookings Outside of the UK Mainland
Quotes for engagements taking place outside the UK mainland will, where applicable, include all associated travel and logistical costs, including, but not limited to, transport, accommodation, baggage, and related expenses.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all travel arrangements will be organised and booked by the Company.
Due to the fluctuating nature of travel costs, any quotation provided at the enquiry stage is provisional. A final confirmed quote will be issued at the point of booking.
In consideration of the Company’s wider schedule, particularly where other client engagements are arranged immediately before or after international travel, the Company reserves the right to cancel any booking outside of the UK mainland where circumstances arise that may cause, or are likely to cause, disruption to travel.
This includes (but is not limited to):
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Adverse weather conditions
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Terrorist activity or security alerts
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Airport, rail, or seaport closures
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Civil unrest
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Volcanic ash clouds
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Actions caused by protestors
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Acts of God or other events beyond the Company’s control
This right of cancellation may be exercised at any time, including on the day of the Engagement, where proceeding would reasonably risk disruption to the Company’s ability to fulfil its wider contractual commitments.
In such circumstances, the Client will be offered either:
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An alternative booking date (subject to availability); or
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A full refund
Street Marketing and Street Appearances
The Company does not undertake appearances as a “street performer” and will not act as a street tout or promotional operative for any organisation.
The services provided are strictly performance-based engagements and do not include street marketing, leaflet distribution, or any form of public solicitation.
13. Behaviour and Safety
A safe, respectful environment is required at all times.
The Company operates a zero-tolerance policy toward:
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Abuse
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Aggression
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Unsafe conduct
This shall include both verbal and physical. This is also applicable to any children present.
If such behaviour occurs (including by any person under the age of 18), the Company may terminate the Engagement immediately without refund.
This policy exists to protect:
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The performer
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The team
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The integrity of the experience
Smoke-free environment.
The Client shall ensure that a completely smoke-free environment is maintained at all times during the Engagement. This requirement applies to all venues, including private residential properties.
Smoking must not take place in any area where the Performer is required to be present, either immediately prior to or during the Engagement. The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate the Engagement without refund where this requirement is not met.
14. Gifts
The Company does not supply gifts (such as Christmas presents).
All gifts must be provided by the Client.
15. Cancellation
Client cancellations are non-refundable, reflecting the loss of reserved time and declined enquiries.
Where significant notice is given, the Company may consider a discretionary refund.
If the Company cancels due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued.
COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Policy
Where legislation or government restrictions explicitly prohibit the Company from attending the booking location (for example, a legally enforced lockdown affecting the event postcode), the Client may be offered a refund at the Company’s discretion.
In such cases, a 10% administration fee (inclusive of VAT where applicable) will be retained to cover costs incurred.
If the Client elects to cancel the Engagement due to:
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illness within their household or event group;
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a requirement to self-isolate; or
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concerns relating to COVID-19 or any other infectious or contagious disease;
Such cancellation shall be treated as a Client cancellation, and no refund shall be payable.
This policy reflects the fact that the agreed booking time is reserved exclusively for the Client. Once confirmed, the Company declines all other enquiries for that time slot and commits resources accordingly, including (where applicable) third-party suppliers. As such, the Client remains liable for the full Fee in the event of cancellation under these circumstances.
16. Force Majeure
The Company is not liable for failure to perform due to events beyond its control, including but not limited to:
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Severe weather
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Travel disruption
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Pandemics
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Civil unrest
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Protestors' actions
17. Data Protection and Confidentiality
All personal data is handled in accordance with UK data protection laws.
Clients agree not to publicly disclose booking details (including fees).
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Certificates
As DBS certificates contain confidential personal information, the Company must first verify that any request originates from a genuine client. Accordingly, copies of relevant DBS certificates will only be provided after a booking has been confirmed and full payment has been received, thereby validating the legitimacy of the request.
For reassurance, the Company confirms that, at the time of issue, the DBS certificates held by Chris Nicholas and any relevant personnel assigned to your booking are clear, with no criminal convictions or other relevant information disclosed by the DBS.
Any DBS certificate supplied by the Company is provided solely to verify safeguarding compliance in connection with the client's booking. By accepting a copy, the client agrees to keep it confidential and must not copy, publish, distribute or disclose any personal information it contains to any third party, except where required by law or with the Company's prior written consent. The document must be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
18. Photography and Filming
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The Company may capture limited, non-intrusive media for promotional purposes at all events where its services have been booked, but no identifiable images of children will be used.
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Clients may opt out of this with prior written notice.
19. Copyright and Use of Material from The Company's website and Featuring Chris Nicholas.
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The Company takes the protection of its copyright very seriously. Except as expressly permitted in this notice, no person, including the Client, must NOT copy, edit, or modify any material on the Company's website, including videos, photos, audio recordings, and text, unless prior written consent has been obtained.
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Any unauthorised use of materials featuring Santa Chris Nicholas and wider use of images belonging to the company and its affiliated licensors is strictly prohibited. If any individual uses the Company's copyrighted materials in violation of the terms set forth in this notice, the Company may pursue legal action against them, seeking monetary damages and/or an injunction to prevent further use of those materials. Additionally, the individual may be ordered to cover legal costs.
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Chris Nicholas and the Company's licensors own and control all copyright and intellectual property rights associated with the Company's website and its materials. All rights are reserved. The Client may only use the Company's website for personal and business purposes. Any other use, including republishing materials from the Company's website (including on other websites), selling, renting, sub-licensing materials, exploiting the materials for commercial purposes, or redistributing content, requires explicit permission as outlined in this notice.
Individuals must not:
(a) Use the Company's website in any way that causes or may cause damage to the website or negatively impact its performance, availability, or accessibility;
(b) Use the Company's website in any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful manner, or in connection with any unlawful or harmful activity;
(c) Use the Company's website to copy, store, host, transmit, send, publish, or distribute any material that contains, or is linked to, spyware, computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms, keystroke loggers, rootkits, or other malicious software; or
(d) Conduct any systematic or automated data collection activities (including scraping, data mining, data extraction, or data harvesting) on the Company's website without express written consent.
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Individuals or organisations may also request permission to use copyrighted materials from the Company's website by contacting the Company via email or post, using the contact details in the same section. Such requests may be subject to licensing agreements.
20. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
21. Acceptance
By confirming a booking, the Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms in full.
Thank you for your interest in Chris Nicholas!
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