Burnley Council seeks 'fair price' ice cream vendors for Towneley Park after TikTok rant
It's after an 8-year-old's video criticised £9 ice-creams at the historic stately home
Last updated 4th Sep 2025
A local authority is seeking new ‘fair price‘ operators for its ice cream vans at a historic stately home and park after a viral TikTok rant by a local child about the cost of its sweet treats.
Burnley Council has invited tenders for its ice-cream concessions in Towneley Park.
They are for two vans – one near the riverside play area and one at the historic hall’s car park.
Announcing the competition to run the concessions after March 2026 the council’s culture boss Cllr Jack Launer said aby future operator must offer ‘fair prices’.
In May 2024 Marnie Green went viral with a TikTok post in which she launched a passionate rant about the price of ice cream at the park,.
She and her twin, then both aged eight, can be seen in the social media video.
Marnie condemns the cost of the ice creams, which were two for £9, and goes on to slam the ice cream vendor for not accepting cash.
She then goes on to say you can buy an ice cream for £1 or £2 from the ice cream van that visits her street.
Their aunt Karis Lambert posted the video with the caption: “The cost of living crisis is really taking its toll on Marnie”.
Cllr Launer said: “While the concession has generally worked well, families have told the council that some prices feel too high and that price lists were not easy to read.
“The council has already told the operator to make prices clearer for customers.
“We’ve listened to local people and understand their concerns.
“Families visiting Towneley should be able to see prices clearly and feel they are getting good value.
“That’s why we are making sure any future operator offers fair prices, clear information, and a high-quality service.”
Burnley Council will soon invite new businesses to apply for the next ice cream concession, which will begin in April 2026.
Applications will be judged on both the amount of rent offered and the quality of service, including fair pricing, well-kept vans, staff training, and environmental measures such as reducing waste.
Money raised from the concession helps to support the upkeep of Towneley and other local parks.
Towneley Hall is a Grade I heritage-listed building which has recently undergone a major renovation.
Dating from 1380 it is surrounded by 445 acres of landscaped parkland