It is honest to say the spooky-themed occasion has left prospects afraid of returning
Cardiff Bay’s eagerly-anticipated Halloween Pageant is now open having welcomed company for the primary time on Saturday – however some have been scared off the concept of returning as they declare the occasion is one thing of a pumpkin.
The attraction is being held over half-term week as much as and together with Halloween itself on Friday, October 31. Having beforehand been held at Coedarhydyglyn Park, close to Culverhouse Cross exterior Cardiff, the 2025 occasion is being staged in Cardiff Bay – with a ‘ghost ship’ taking households from Mermaid Quay out to the ‘island’ at Alexandra Head.
You possibly can learn our assessment of the occasion’s opening day right here. From celebrity gigs to cosy pubs, discover out What’s On in Wales by signing as much as our publication right here.
Whereas our assessment of the attraction was combined, with loads to love together with the meals on provide, a few of those that visited the occasion on opening day have been much less sort.
One girl who attended on Saturday mentioned it was the “worst occasion” she’s ever been to.
“By no means one to do that however in case you have booked the Halloween Pageant in Cardiff this 12 months on the new location try to get a refund!” she posted on Fb.
“It’s actually the worst occasion I’ve ever been to. After paying almost £90 for the 5 of us, waited 45 minutes to get on the ‘pirate boat’ which was truly only a water taxi, to then enter via what regarded like a Covid jab queue and get inside to pay for completely all the things individually, even £5 per particular person to do arts and crafts, £9 per particular person to stroll spherical a maze in a tent, £9 to bounce per particular person – the checklist goes on.
“Not even positive what the unique £90 was for. Actors dressed up not even acknowledging anybody, wandering aimlessly, and no ambiance. Actually probably the most disappointing occasion I’ve ever been to! Such a disgrace as earlier years have been fab!”
One other girl who paid to attend the occasion along with her baby on Saturday was equally displeased. She mentioned on Fb: “If anybody’s pondering of going to the Cardiff Halloween Pageant, don’t hassle! What an absolute load of c***!
“Costly for completely no purpose! Even with the ‘boat experience’ (that we might have needed to wait an hour for). After spending £84.90 for 2 adults and a toddler to get in and to do ‘all’ actions, you continue to should pay further for issues inside and it isn’t in any respect low-cost!
“However a free pumpkin, which had been all stacked up and smashed to items. I’m actually so, so gutted – there was no Halloween really feel to all of it!”
One father who took his kids to the occasion on Saturday morning mentioned he was left “severely disenchanted”.
He wrote on social media: “On entry to the competition it turned fairly clear rapidly that minimal effort had been made to make the competition Halloween themed – the music was extra Christmas/cringe music.
“I observed that many points of interest weren’t even open and half constructed. I perceive in the present day (Saturday) was the primary day, however that’s no excuse. Folks have paid some huge cash for this. I used to be infuriated that it value £18 for a pizza fries and a fruit shoot equal for my toddler… that is outrageous theft!
“Evidently each attraction was an additional value. Positive you get a free pumpkin, however you may get one within the superstore for a pound!
“One of the best half was the boat again to the automotive park. Please don’t waste your cash. I wish to have my a reimbursement, however I’m dreaming clearly. You’ll be dissatisfied, as had been many different folks on the boat again. Worth for cash – 0/10.”
On Saturday Wales On-line shared its personal article concerning the Halloween Pageant on its Fb web page, but it surely’s honest to say that the put up was inundated with unfavourable feedback from individuals who had attended the occasion and wished to make their feeling recognized.
One particular person mentioned it was “giving Willy Wonka Expertise” vibes, referencing the notorious Glasgow occasion in 2024 that left attendees livid and demanding refunds.
Emma ‘Emerald’ Devine-Davie commented on the Wales On-line Fb put up by saying: “I really feel actually horrible posting this, but it surely was horrible. Been to the final couple of Halloween Festivals they usually have been completely good, so we had been straight on to e-book this 12 months.
“Nonetheless, not good, not sufficient decorations and actually all the things inside must be paid for…and never cheaply!
“The employees nevertheless, are pretty and it have to be a battle for them. In case you have tickets, go and revel in what’s there, however haven’t got excessive expectations and be good to the employees which might be working there. Youngsters get a pumpkin and it is a few hours out.”
Jonathan Higgins was much less forgiving, posting: “Went final evening and it was a complete rip-off! £65 to get in? My avenue decorations are higher. Do not waste your cash, of us! Have a film evening as a substitute and save your money.”
Scarlett Jackson mentioned it was the “worst place” and added “don’t go”.
Becky Luke wrote: “The 2024 occasion was truly nice bar the climate – it is such a disgrace they’ve swapped to one thing that sounds a bit lacklustre.”
Occasion organisers have apologised to those that attended on Saturday and warranted people who issues will enhance over the remainder of the attraction’s week-long run in Cardiff Bay.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Halloween Pageant mentioned: “We’re very sorry that some company didn’t have the expertise we wished for them throughout our opening day.
“Extreme climate within the 24 hours earlier than opening meant some areas had been nonetheless being finalised, and we’re contacting these company immediately affected by this in the present day to make issues proper.
“Whereas lots of our included experiences and stay performances had been out there, some zones weren’t prepared in time. Our staff has been working all through to make sure all the things can open and be absolutely operational for future guests.
“Halloween Island provides a variety of included actions, corresponding to Reside exhibits, Stroll-throughs, The Carnival of Video games, Monster Boogie, the Pumpkin Village (with a free pumpkin for each baby), our tiny pumpkins play space, Storytelling periods and quite a few Picture Alternatives. Non-compulsory add-on experiences are described throughout reserving and on arrival.
“We’re listening intently to suggestions and making enhancements daily. We have now a beautiful staff who care deeply about creating magical recollections for households, and we stay decided to ship the enjoyable, family-friendly Halloween expertise folks count on from us all through the remainder of half time period.”
