A POPULAR fireworks display in Dorset has been slammed as a 'complete shambles' after families who queued for more than an hour were turned away and unable to watch the spectacle.
The fireworks display at Sherborne Castle is one of the biggest in the South West, which attracts crowds from afar.
But this year’s event, which took place on Saturday, November 6, has attracted fierce criticism on social media after ticket holders were unable to enter the castle’s grounds, with some missing the fireworks.
Gates to the castle for the Firework Extravaganza opened at 4.30pm, with a laser and light show at 7pm and the main fireworks display at 7.30pm.
Advanced tickets sold out ahead of the event, but people were also told they could purchase tickets on the gate.
Ticket holders were advised to ‘arrive in plenty of time’ to ensure they did not miss the entertainment, but volumes of traffic sparked delays around the gates and on nearby roads - meaning some who had bought tickets in advance couldn't get inside.
Some of those criticising the event said there should not have been an option to buy tickets on entry.
Event organiser, Smart Events, cited ‘unprecedented demand’ as the main reason why ticket holders were unable to watch the display and offered refunds to affected guests.
Disappointed mum, Charlotte Williams, said she queued with her family for more than two hours yet still missed the display she had paid £26 to experience.
She shared: “My family sat in traffic for over two hours and we never made it.
“What a complete shambles and total disappointment.
“I would definitely be expecting a refund - £26 is a lot of money.”
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Tom Cornick faced similar problems and described traffic as 'a joke'.
“I left at 5.10pm and parked at 6.40pm and it took one hour and 30 minutes. Needs to be properly thought through for next year as I certainly won’t be going back if things don’t change.
“It should have been limited tickets on a first come first served basis all of which should have been booked in advanced. Way too many people for an event this size.”
One ticket holder questioned why the fireworks display was staged behind tall trees.
He wrote: “Why would anyone put the firework platform behind a massive bunch of trees and an eight-foot chain link fence?
“Unless you were willing to fight for a spot in one small area on very sloping, wet ground - which is not possible with kids or disabled people - it was impossible to get a clear view of the fireworks.
“Bizarre.”
Despite the dozens of negative online reviews, punters described the firework display as ‘amazing’ and ‘awesome’ and some still felt it was 'good value for money'.
A spokesman for Smart Events said: “Due to the unprecedented demand for our display at the castle there are some people that never made it into the event for whatever reason and for that, we are sorry this has happened.
“Over the coming days we will look and review this event and deal with any questions in due course.
“If you want to contact us, please email hello@smarteventsuk.co.uk.”
- Were you at the fireworks? Were you affected? Got a story to share? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @JournoMikeT
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