THE ORGANISATION of a fireworks display will be investigated after the spectacle was described as a 'complete shambles' by queuing families who were turned away for safety reasons due to huge crowds.

Sherborne Castle Firework Extravaganza, which is one of the biggest in the South West, has been widely criticised by ticket holders on social media after people were unable to enter the castle’s grounds, despite booking in advance.

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 on Saturday, November 6.

Advanced tickets sold out ahead of the event, but people were also told they could purchase tickets on the gate - sparking congestion around the site’s entrance.

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.

Dorset Echo: Stock image of fireworksStock image of fireworks

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.

Sherborne Castle has now responded to criticism from guests and admitted that the event attracted ‘many more people than in previous years’.

A spokesman said demand for tickets ‘far exceeded availability’ and the site’s gates had to be shut for safety reasons after reaching full capacity.

As a result of the problems raised by ticket holders, an investigation is being carried out into the organisation of the Firework Extravaganza.

A spokesman said: "Due to a number of significant firework display events not going ahead this year, the Sherborne Castle Firework Extravaganza on Saturday evening attracted many more people than in previous years.

"Pre-booked tickets had been sold out ahead of the event and although there were tickets available at the entrance on the day, the demand far exceeded availability. Once we had reached capacity, the gates had to be closed for safety reasons.

"We recognise this must have been extremely disappointing for people, especially those who had pre-booked, but the decision was made to ensure the health and safety of everyone at the event.

"The organisation of the Firework Extravaganza is now being reviewed with our event partners for next year.”

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.”

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