A family empire built on thrills and spectacle is now fractured by a bitter feud. Joseph Manning Snr, 65, finds himself locked in a legal battle with his two sons, Joseph Junior and Clayton, over the future of a business once synonymous with funfairs across England.
The dispute isn’t simply about money; it’s a clash of generations and broken promises. The sons allege their father systematically undermined their authority after relinquishing control of Mannings Organisation Ltd and Mannings Amusements Ltd, companies reportedly worth £10 million. They claim he engaged in a pattern of harassment and interference, jeopardizing their operations.
Court testimony painted a disturbing picture of escalating conflict. Accusations flew, detailing a violent confrontation in July where Clayton allegedly suffered a broken nose from a headbutt, and Joseph Junior sustained a split brow. These incidents, the sons argued, demanded immediate legal intervention.
The alleged disruption extended beyond physical altercations. Joseph Snr is accused of threatening to sabotage key equipment destined for Winter Wonderland, even going so far as to trespass on event grounds and illegally establish catering stalls. The brothers presented evidence of an anonymous letter sent to Royal Parks, attempting to block their Winter Wonderland contract.
However, Joseph Snr vehemently denies all accusations of wrongdoing. His defense centers on a claim of self-protection, asserting that his sons were the initial aggressors during the July incident. He maintains his presence at the Winter Wonderland event was sanctioned by the Showmen’s Guild, a necessary step to safeguard his rights.
A shocking counter-claim emerged: that Clayton strangled his father during the altercation, a man already battling cancer. The defense barrister suggested the injunction application was a calculated move to imprison Joseph Snr, a desperate attempt to gain leverage in the ongoing dispute.
At the heart of the conflict lies a decades-old understanding. The sons claim they were raised with the unwavering belief they would inherit the family business. Their sisters, Shannon and Chanel, were reportedly destined for different paths – Chanel pursuing fashion under Vivienne Westwood, and Shannon’s future tied to her eventual husband.
This perceived agreement, the sons argue, forms the basis of a legal claim known as ‘proprietary estoppel’ – a promise relied upon to one’s detriment. They believe it would be fundamentally unfair for their parents to now alter their wills and disinherit them.
Joseph Snr counters that his sons have already been generously provided for, possessing shares in the companies valued at up to £7 million. He points to Joseph Junior’s extravagant car collection – an Aston Martin, E-type Jaguar, and Hummer – as evidence of his past generosity, claiming he personally financed the £1 million collection.
The court now holds the fate of the Manning family business in its hands. Deputy Judge Kinnier has reserved judgment on whether to extend a temporary injunction, currently preventing Joseph Snr from intimidating staff or interfering with Winterland and Winter Wonderland events. The future of a legacy hangs in the balance, overshadowed by accusations, counter-claims, and a deeply fractured family.
