A BARRAGE of complaints from disappointed customers has prompted Blenheim Palace to publicly apologise for its Chinese New Year party.

The stately Woodstock venue admitted its oriental event this weekend, pitched as a vibrant celebration packed with street food stalls and performances, fell short of its usual standards.

The entry price for adults was £26.

An influx of critical comments were left on Blenheim's Facebook and Twitter pages, and organisers have reportedly handed refunds to some members of the dissatisfied paying public.

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Event-goer Erik Nielsen branded the event 'abysmal', writing on the Facebook page: "I've had bigger events in my back garden."

Justin Webber said the celebrations were a 'complete embarrassment', commenting on Facebook: "Really disappointed. Not even close to the level of event that we've come to expect from Blenheim.

"Poorly organised, poor food and poor show. Never mind the cancelled food stalls, even the bits that were under Blenheim's control were terribly put together."

Helen Mariner wrote: "One noodle van for thousands of people was very poor and the palace decorations were a big let down too.

"This was a very half hearted effort for what could have been an incredible, vibrant experience." 

Admission to the event was the price of normal entry (£26 for an adult), or people with annual passes went free.

Karen Stratford commented on the page: "It should have been incredible; a blaze of colour and smells from the multiple food stalls.

"The lanterns looked no better than something you would find in Poundland.

"Such a shame and a wasted opportunity.

"We love Blenheim and want to support you in your events."

Other customers said they queued for up to 40 minutes to get into the car park. 

Chris Keable labelled the event a 'farce', commenting: "Blenheim Palace should be ashamed of this pathetic event which the advertising totally misrepresented."

Commenting on Blenheim's official Facebook page, Sandie Redman said her family was 'bitterly disappointed'.

One event-goer said the day was an 'absolute joke', while others on Twitter described it as 'shambolic' and 'utterly insulting'.

Blenheim Palace posted: "We are very sorry for everyone’s disappointment today.

"This was our first year delivering this event and were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors and were let down by several food vendors first thing this morning.

"We will be reviewing how we can make big improvements for next year knowing there is so much interest.

"We hope everyone will use their annual passes to return and receive our usually high quality visitor experience at one of our many other events.

"Many thanks for your understanding."

Several people said they expected better, having enjoyed other events at Blenheim.

Commenting on the apology, Alex Salter said he agreed with complaints about staff being 'overwhelmed' and the 'awful' food offering, but his children had a 'great time' regardless.

He added: "I would have been upset had I paid, but with the pass we still had a good day just not the one we expected.

"Chin up and blow it out of the water next time."

A minority of commenters said they had secured refunds for the event, but it is unclear if Blenheim is offering refunds to all who attended.