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."
Look at the vibrance! You really captured the spirit of the Chinese New Year!
— David Montrose (@MontroseCreate) February 17, 2018
No idea what parties you've been to, but 1 noodle van, 2 tatty dragons, 3 bored-looking musicians, 3 martial artists?
Not your best work. pic.twitter.com/pbujrcqpbW
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."
Oh dear @BlenheimPalace your website said there would be a range of street food vendors but to just have one burger style van with 45 minute queues means I’m getting takeaway tonight! Poor traffic management, poor parking, poor facilities! pic.twitter.com/FIN3NltmPT
— Ben Dales (@dales_ben) February 17, 2018
Admission to the event was the price of normal entry (£26 for an adult), or people with annual passes went free.
Huge crowds, huge atmosphere (of disappointment) @TheOxfordMail https://t.co/gdODosmQa1
— Chris Wright (@chrisnrg) February 17, 2018
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.
Second event I’ve attended 1st country file live and was stuck in traffic for hours now this shambles NEVER AGAIN!
— Simone (@S_Alice_C) February 17, 2018
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'.
I will never want to trust you again after the promise of a lovely day yesterday... after pay£49 to come and enjoy Chinese New Year which you advertised and didn’t deliver 😢
— ginny dormon (@GdormonGinny) February 18, 2018
One event-goer said the day was an 'absolute joke', while others on Twitter described it as 'shambolic' and 'utterly insulting'.
@BlenheimPalace Many families paid c.£100 for a poorly organised, shambolic event. You need to start thinking about refunds! https://t.co/JxAfOqBYub
— Bo (@WhatBoDid) February 18, 2018
I feel sorry for the families who took their kids along to proudly show off their heritage. Must have been utterly insulting. Saw so many folks leaving early rather than make a day of it.
— Sarah Montrose (@sarahmontrose) February 17, 2018
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.
You where overwhelmed because people thought the event would be amazing as you advised. We spoke to many people who all said the same . Really disgraceful. Your staff where dismissive and couldn’t have cared. I shall be following this up .
— ginny dormon (@GdormonGinny) February 17, 2018
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.
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