Family festival at Ffos Las issues statement after visitors brand it a 'shambles'

Wales Online

28-05-2025

Family festival at Ffos Las issues statement after visitors brand it a 'shambles'
One person who attended the High Octane Family Fest Weekender said they had seen 'more entertainment at a morgue'
Some attendees paid upwards of £30 for entry
(Image: Sophie Jenkins )
An events organiser has issued a public apology after facing backlash from a local community who labelled their "unforgettable" family fun festival a "shambles."
Several people posted on social media after attending the "High Octane Family Fest Weekender" at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran writing "do not attend", and posting pictures of the "funfair." Some attendees said they lasted "20 minutes max" before heading back to the car with one man saying that the event was a "total rip-off" and a "shambles".
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The event was advertised to include balloon displays, night glow shows, live music, stunt teams, fairground rides, roaming characters, great food, hot air balloons and monster trucks.
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Robyn Morgan took her family to the event on Saturday, May 24. She said the event was "absolutely shocking" and wrote "please don't waste your money, we lasted 15 minutes."
"There is one ramp for the BMX bikes. Teacups, trampolines, one ride and a crazy maze. One burger van, one sweet stall, one ice cream van, and you can see it all stood in one place.
The event organiser said it would be "unforgettable".
(Image: Supplied )
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"Balloon baskets were there but not inflating balloons, a character stitch walking round, no music, no atmosphere."
"Such a waste of time and wouldn't really keep the kids entertained. They shouldn't be able to get away with advertising this and certainly shouldn't be charging for tickets.
"I've seen more entertainment at a morgue. It is absolutely shocking."
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Robyn's complaints were echoed by over 100 other commenters, and High Octane Events has responded with the following apology.
A spokesperson posted this on their Facebook page: "A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ffos Las event this weekend! We truly appreciate your support and energy, it means everything to the High Octane Events team.
"Unfortunately, the poor weather impacted our schedule and some parts of the show didn't go ahead as planned. We completely understand that this may have been disappointing for some of you, and we want to sincerely apologise if the experience fell short of expectations.
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"If you were unhappy with any part of the event, please don't hesitate to message us directly - we're here to listen and make things right wherever we can.
"Thank you again for being part of the High Octane Events community. We're already working hard to make the next one even better!"
The event was on across the Bank Holiday weekend, May 24-26, between 10am and 8pm each day.
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Tickets were being sold on Friday in a "flash sale" for £3 each but adult attendees who bought their tickets more in advance are believed to have paid between £13 and £30 for entry.
Many attendees responded to their apology asking for a reply to their messages and emails asking for a refund. Lots of these people are still awaiting a response, and are advising each other that the best way to receive compensation would be to claim through the bank, as "they didn't provide what you paid for."
High Octane Events have deleted some of their posts about the event, as well as many of the negative comments they received over the weekend.