Families leave 3-day Welsh festival billed as 'unforgettable' after 20 minutes claiming it was a 'shambles'

North Wales Live

28-05-2025

A Welsh family fun festival has come under criticisim from locals. Residents claimed the 'High Octane Family Fest Weekender' at Ffos Las Racecourse in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, fell short of its promises. Disgruntled attendees took to social media to voice their disappointment, with some advising others not to attend and sharing photos of the event.
Several visitors reported leaving after just "20 minutes max", with one man labelling the event a "total rip-off" and a "shambles".
Robyn Morgan, who attended the festival with her family on Saturday, May 24, described the event as "absolutely shocking". She warned others: "please don't waste your money, we lasted 15 minutes."
She claimed that the event did not live up to its description, even when the weather improved. According to Robyn, the attractions were limited: "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."
She said that while balloon baskets were present, no balloons were being inflated. A character was walking around, but there was no music or atmosphere," reports Wales Online.
She said: "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."
Another attendee on Saturday, who has asked to remain anonymous, told WalesOnline: "I have just returned from the event today at Ffos Las advertising motorbikes, medieval jousting, giant funfair." She said: "it was not as advertised."
She also claimed: "There were three men on BMX bikes - who were pretty good in all honesty - a hot air balloon that didn't go up, five very expensive fairground rides (tea cups, fun house, trampolines, a spinning thing, and two toddler rides).
"There was one burger van and a sweet van," which she said were "overpriced", no bar and no live music, she claimed.
"I got super-early bird tickets at £13.45, but some people have paid £30/ticket. I have asked for a refund of my tickets for tomorrow."
The event was on across the bank holiday weekend, May 24-26, between 10am and 8pm each day.
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.
High Octane Events has not responded to a request for a comment. It advertised the event by describing it as "unforgettable."
A post on its social media last week said: "This time next week we'll be putting the finishing touches on a wonderful weekend of hot air ballooning, live music, fairground rides, motorbike shows and more!"