Anger as roadworks force balloon festival move

The Nottingham event is one of a number by the same company across England and Wales

People who had booked tickets for a balloon festival in Nottinghamshire have voiced their anger after the venue and dates were changed just weeks before the event.

The Balloon and Beats Festival was due to be hosted at Wollaton Hall on 16-18 May.

But it has now been scheduled to take place 25 miles (40km) away at Thoresby Hall, Ollerton, in June.

Organisers said the change was due to "unforeseen" roadworks and all those with tickets should have been contacted and refunds were available.

Wollaton Hall is also used for the Splendour music festival and other major events

Balloons and Beats combines hot air balloons with music, fairground rides and entertainment and describes itself as "perfect for families, friends and music lovers".

It is due to take place at seven venues in England and Wales during the summer.

Earlier this week ticketholders for the Nottingham event found, either through emails or via social media, both the date and location had changed.

Helen Robinson, 56, from Bilborough, had a family outing planned and is unsure if the new venue is a realistic option, as not everyone can drive.

She said: "It's disgusting as I received an email this morning saying it's been cancelled at Wollaton Park and it's now at Thoresby [Hall] - that's it."

She added: "Yes they have said the tickets can be used at Thoresby but sorry that's not very good in my opinion."

Thoresby Hall, which is 25 miles away from Nottingham, is not as accessible for many ticketholders

Nirav Shah, 39, from Wollaton, said he was "incredibly frustrated" at the change.

"As a wheelchair user, I'm especially disappointed," he added.

"The original location, Wollaton Park, was convenient for me due to its proximity to my home. The new date now means I can't attend at all.

"While I've received a partial refund, it was only issued after I reached out via Facebook and email."

'Tricky' venue

Stuart James, 39, from Rise Park, had to tell his mother, who had bought the tickets, the event had moved as she had not seen any emails.

He said: "We were so looking forward to this as May was the right time for me and my fiancée as we are getting married in July and June is going to be so busy.

"It's a lot of money, especially for a family and now with the cost of living."

In a statement, festival organisers said: "Our operations teams have been successfully working with all other venues, councils etc but sadly Nottingham seems to be particularly tricky to get across the line.

"Sadly our venue agreement fell through due to some traffic/roadworks happening around the venue which were unforeseen.

"We have done our best to move the event; however appreciate this is a stretch for some customers.

"All customers have been emailed and offered a refund for their tickets."

The city council, which owns Wollaton Park, has been approached for comment.