Halloween festival compared to viral ‘Willy Wonka Experience’ as visitors ‘disappointed’ | UK | News
A family Halloween festival in Cardiff has been criticized as “depressing” by visitors; some compared it to last year’s viral Willy Wonka Experience, which left children crying and prompting a police report. The Cardiff Halloween Festival was not as universally condemned as its Glasgow equivalent, but critics did not shy away from slamming the event, with some paying £53.50 for a family ticket plus a £6 booking fee.
Facebook comments on the seasonal celebration, which runs until October 31 in Cardiff Bay, included reflections that it was like “visiting Chernobyl”. “After paying a hefty entrance fee, we were shocked to find that almost everything inside costs extra,” said one ticket holder. “Tents not open, no Halloween atmosphere, very few props,” another added. “We left after 15 minutes.” Brych Rees, 35, said he had attended the same event at various locations in recent years but found this year’s iteration “really disappointing”.
He told the BBC that his group paid £60 for entry and found “really sparse” decorations that “lacked a complete atmosphere”.
The 35-year-old added that he was offered a 30% refund after complaining that the event’s attractions included a “very depressing tent maze” and a handful of entertainers who “looked depressed themselves”.
“Serious and urgent improvements are needed in Cardiff’s response to the Willy Wonka Experience if organizers are to retain any form of patronage,” he said.
Kirstie Bevan also suggested the festival amounts to Willy Wonka Experience 2.0, an immersive, far from magical event that has gone viral for its light-hearted decor, treats and quirky characters.
“It reminded me of the Willy Wonka Experience in Scotland,” the Neath native said, describing the overall experience as “very moving”.
According to the event’s website, daytime tickets cost £14.50 for adults, £13.50 for children, plus a £1.50 booking fee, rising by a further £1 for the popular twilight slot.
Festival organizers said in a statement on Instagram that they were “really sorry” for not meeting expectations.
“Our team has spent months preparing this event with passion, long hours and creativity, so we are all heartbroken to know that some families did not feel the magic they expected,” a spokesperson said.
“Severe weather conditions in the 24 hours before opening meant that some of our areas were not fully prepared as they should have been, or were relocated without the correct messaging to communicate their new location. “Although many of our included activities and live shows were open, some areas were not and we fully understand the disappointment this causes for families who arrive expecting a full adventure.
“Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly both on-site and behind the scenes to improve the experience. We’ve completed these areas, strengthened the atmosphere on the island, and overhauled our operations so we can deliver the fun, family-friendly Halloween event people look forward to throughout the rest of the week.”
A spokesman also said organizers were “listening carefully to all feedback”. BBCand “we are encouraged by the many families who have contacted us directly to share how much they enjoyed their visit and their improvements since Saturday.”
“The majority of visitors since then have had a positive experience, and we are delighted to see children and parents creating magical Halloween memories together all over the island,” they said.
