Police called to Willy Wonka event after refunds demanded

The event was cancelled half way through its first day due to complaints

Police were called to an event described as a "Willy Wonka Experience" in Glasgow as angry families demanded refunds.

The event was advertised as a "journey filled with wondrous creations and enchanting surprises at every turn".

But one visitor told BBC Scotland News that it was little more than "an abandoned, empty warehouse".

It was cancelled by organisers House of Illuminati mid-way through Saturday following complaints from parents.

They have said full refunds will be given to everyone who bought tickets, reported to have cost up to £35.

Eva Stewart, of East Kilbride, said she saw children crying with disappointment at the event which was scheduled to run on Saturday and Sunday.

Eva said it took her five minutes to walk through the whole event. Organisers had said it would last between 45 minutes and an hour

The 19-year-old attended the event at Box Hub Warehouse in Whiteinch with a group of friends after getting hold of discounted tickets.

"It was basically advertised as this big massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets," she said.

"But when we got there, it was practically an abandoned, empty warehouse, with hardly anything in it."

A post from organisers, House of Illuminati, in January described the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed event as where "dreams become reality".

A Facebook group has been set up by people left disappointed after buying tickets for the experience.

Eva said the event was originally advertised as a big experience with optical illusions, chocolate fountains and sweets

Eva said she spoke to people who had travelled from Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and even Newcastle to attend.

She also spoke to actors who were hired for the event, who said they had been learning scripts for months and were told on the day to abandon them and improvise.

Eva said she has heard "absolutely nothing" from the company and that she was "not very hopeful" she would get her money back.

Yulia and her daughter Lydia were unable to get into the event before it was cancelled

Yulia Burns paid £36 for two tickets for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Lydia, but left the venue frustrated.

"She (Lydia) loves the book and she was really looking forward to getting there," Yulia said.

"When we arrived just a few people with kids were near the door. Everyone said that the event is cancelled, but there wasn't any notice at the door or on the website."

She said there was no communication and tickets were still available to buy for the event.

"We were just staying talking with people, others arriving and arriving and the crowd became angrier.

"We left the place and got back home, never had a chance to get inside," said Yulia.

Yulia said crowds outside the venue got angrier after receiving no answers about refunds

In a post on Facebook, a House of Illuminati spokesperson said: "Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry.

"Unfortunately, at the last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realise we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead.

They added that they "fully apologise" and would be giving "full refunds to each and every person that purchased tickets."

"We planned a fabulous event and it just did not take shape as planned and for that we are truly sorry," they added.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers were called to the event and advice was given.

'A lot of customer complaints'

Matthew Waterfield, operations manager at the Box Hub venue, where the event took place, said he was contacted by House of Illuminati in regards to running an "immersive family chocolate experience event" suited for young families and children.

"People arrived on Saturday and they didn't seem to be too happy. The event organisers were experiencing a lot of customer complaints. Off the back of this they decided to cancel the event."

He emphasised that BoxHub were not responsible for any of the promotions or advertisments of the event - they simply hired out the space.

Glasgow City Council said its Trading Standards department had received one complaint about the event.

In terms of getting a refund, they said people should contact the event organiser in the first instance.

"If they experience further issues, they should contact Advice Direct Scotland on 08081 646000 or www.consumeradvice.scot," they added.