The creator of a “shambolic” Willy Wonka-inspired experience has apologised and blamed “technical issues” after furious parents complained about the quality of the event.
Billy Coull is the director of “immersive” events company House of Illuminati, which promised ticket goers to Willy’s Chocolate Experience an “enchanting” day out where “dreams come to life”.
However, visitors were instead confronted with a “mini-maze of random props, a candy station that dispersed one jelly bean, and a terrifying character that scared kids to tears”.
An emotional Mr Coull said he was “truly and utterly sorry” and added that “technical issues” were behind the event’s shortcomings.
SuppliedHe told STV News: “I’m really shocked that the event had fallen short of the expectations of people on paper.
“My vision of the artistic rendition of a well known book didn’t come to fruition. For that I am absolutely truly and utterly sorry.
Watch
‘Willy Wonka’ chocolate experience boss’ tearful apology
“There was every intention to hold the event, from the pictures, despite not being in the best light hopefully you’ll be able to see that there was every intention to hold the event.
“Unfortunately there was unforeseen circumstances and the event didn’t come to light.
Watch
Parents left with ‘bad taste’ after ‘shambles’ Willy Wonka experience
“These issues were technological in nature.
“We had ordered a holographic paper that didn’t arrive on time. The holographic technology in itself is absolutely fabulous technology and unfortunately there was a delay in postage.”
Organisers cancelled the experience hours into it opening after they were met with a furious reaction by customers, and police officers were called to the venue.
Box Hub said House of Illuminati was responsible for the “incredibly underwhelming” event “in its entirety”.
Mr Coull went on to confirm that full refunds would be given to all attendees, which could take up to ten days, and also said that actors from the event will be paid.
He added: “Once again I apologise to everyone for the sheer and utter disappointment. I’m deeply disappointed.
“As far as I’m aware at the moment numerous people have already received there refunds, and full refunds will be given across the time frame.”
@stvnews Police called to 'Willy Wonka' chocolate experience as families 'furious'. #willywonka #wonka #wonkaexperience #glasgow #houseofilluminati #stv #stvnews #news ♬ original sound – STV News
Jack Proctor who took his family to Willy’s Chocolate Experience said his two children “are devoted Wonka fans”.
“However, upon arrival, our hopes quickly soured as we witnessed disheartened families exiting the venue,” he told STV News.
STV News“The sight of a makeshift golden gate marked ‘factory’ only heightened our scepticism.
“Our fears were confirmed as we stepped inside to find a disorganised mini-maze of randomly placed oversized props, a lacklustre candy station that dispersed one jelly bean per child, and a terrifying chrome-masked character that scared many of the kids to tears.
“The actors did their best to salvage the unsalvageable event, but we swiftly departed as security announced the event’s cancellation to a queuing crowd of irate families.”
Another dad, Kyle Marnion, said the event left a “bad taste” and likened the event to “frozen food going straight in the oven then reheated again and again”.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
