Balloon festival promises to improve after complaints

The Dorset Balloon and Music Festival was held on Saturday and Sunday

The organisers of a balloon festival have promised to take criticism on board after attendees complained about long queues, high prices and poor toilet facilities.

Dorset Balloon & Music Festival was held in Dorchester on Saturday and Sunday.

Whilst organisers said they received "thousands" of positive reviews, some attendees said they queued for up to two hours to get in, and others criticised the fact no balloons were launched during the day.

In a statement, the organisers said they would make improvements if the festival was to return next year.

The event was in its first year and was attended by thousands of people, organisers said.

Many of the complaints posted on the Dorset Balloon & Music Festival Facebook page revolved around traffic management.

One attendee said it took them two hours to travel to the festival - a journey that they said would ordinarily take 20 minutes.

Members of the public also complained about the lack of activities during the day, before the first balloons were launched in the evening.

However, other attendees said the traffic and toilet queues were manageable, and praised the event's musical tribute acts, balloon displays and the variety of food available.

'Constructive criticism'

In a post on Facebook, the organisers said they "value and appreciate all feedback, whether positive or negative".

"While we received thousands of positive reviews, we also take on board the constructive criticism to enhance future events," they added

They said that, should the event return next year, they would have more toilets, more activities, relaxed food rules and improved car parking.