Parents' fury over three-day 'high octane' family festival they say offered 'less entertainment than a morgue'
Complaints and refund demands have poured in to organisers of the 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran, south-west Wales.
Some attendees said they lasted only 15 or 20 minutes before heading back to their cars and heading home - with one dubbing the event a 'total rip-off' and a 'shambles'.
The Northumberland-based company behind the event have issued a request for further feedback online, while blaming bad weather.
But many disappointed festival-goers say they are unhappy with the response, while urging those potentially turning up at future events to think again.
Criticisms included prices for not only entry but what attractions there were, a shortage of rides and only scant food and drink vans available for refreshments.
Robyn Morgan, who went with her family last Saturday, has condemned the event as 'absolutely shocking'.
She wrote on social media: 'Please don't waste your money - we lasted 15 minutes.'
Disappointed visitors have shared pictures online of what faced them when attending
She described the festival as being 'not as described, even today when the weather is nicer'.
She outlined what appeared to be on offer as 'one ramp for the BMX bikes', adding: 'Teacups, trampolines, one ride and a crazy maze. One burger van, one sweet stall, one ice cream van, and you can see it all stood in one place.
'Balloon baskets were there but not inflating balloons, a character stitch walking round, no music, no atmosphere.'
Ms Morgan added: 'Such a waste of time and wouldn't really keep the kids entertained. They shouldn't be able to get away with advertising this and certainly shouldn't be charging for tickets.
'I've seen more entertainment at a morgue. It is absolutely shocking.'
Another attendee on Saturday, who has asked to remain anonymous, told WalesOnline: 'I have just returned from the event today at Ffos Las advertising motorbikes, medieval jousting, giant funfair. It was not as advertised.
'There were three men on BMX bikes - who were pretty good in all honesty - a hot air balloon that didn't go up, five very expensive fairground rides.'
She described the 'one burger van and a sweet van' as 'overpriced', while also highlighting the apparent absence of a bar and live music.
She added: 'I got super-early bird tickets at £13.45, but some people have paid £30/ticket. I have asked for a refund of my tickets.'
The event was held on three days across the bank holiday weekend between 10am and 8pm.
Tickets were being sold on Friday in a 'flash sale' for £3 each but adult attendees who bought their tickets earlier in advance are said to have paid between £13 and £30.
High Octane Events advertised the festival beforehand as 'unforgettable'.
A post on the firm's social media last week said: 'This time next week we'll be putting the finishing touches on a wonderful weekend of hot air ballooning, live music, fairground rides, motorbike shows and more!'
High Octane Events has since followed up on Facebook with a statement seeming to address the backlash after the event went ahead.
The message stated: 'Thank you for joining us this weekend. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ffos Las event this weekend! We truly appreciate your support and energy, it means everything to the High Octane Events team.
'Unfortunately, the poor weather impacted our schedule and some parts of the show didn't go ahead as planned.
The Facebook statement from the company has attracted more criticism in people's replies
'We completely understand that this may have been disappointing for some of you, and we want to sincerely apologise if the experience fell short of expectations.
'If you were unhappy with any part of the event, please don't hesitate to message us directly - we're here to listen and make things right wherever we can.
'Thank you again for being part of the High Octane Events community. We're already working hard to make the next one even better!'
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