Police called to 'shambles' Willy Wonka experience as angry families demand full refund

You'd expect a gang of Oompa-Loompas to be running amok at a Willy Wonka-inspired experience rather than several policemen, but then again, does anything shock you these days?

The boys in blue descended on the Box Hub venue in Glasgow over the weekend after disgruntled parents branded the £35-a-ticket event as an 'absolute shambles'.

Crowds of kids and families were told to look forward to a 'chocolate fantasy like never before' where 'dreams become reality' ahead of the Roald Dahl-themed showcase, titled 'Willy's Chocolate Experience'.

But attendees have claimed it was more wonky than Wonka, as youngsters were said to be left disappointed at the sorry state of the place.

One visitor said the venue was little more than an 'abandoned, empty warehouse', while others described the event, which was scheduled to take place over Saturday and Sunday, as 'absolutely appalling' and a 'waste of money'.

Organisers have since apologised for the chaos.

Stuart Sinclair, 29, is one of the unhappy customers who travelled two hours from Dundee, with his three children in tow, for a magical day after being enticed by advertisements - only to realise the reality was 'far from that'.

He complained that there were merely a few Wonka-themed props dotted around and a small bouncy castle, despite the organiser, House of Illuminati, promising big things while promoting the experience.

Stuart Sinclair

Willy's Chocolate Experience was supposed to boast a 'visually stunning and intricately designed set' which promised a 'visual feast', as well as interactive adventures, live performances and sweet treats.

Visitors were also expecting to see an enchanted garden with 'giant sweets, vibrant blooms, mysterious-looking sculptures, and magical surprises', but they were less than impressed with the delivery.

Dad Stuart said instead of a Wonka-worthy array of snacks, his children only got a few jelly babies and a quarter of a can of Barr's Limeade, before dubbing it 'an absolute shambles of an event'.

He told Sky News: "I've never seen anything like it. It was definitely an 'experience'."

Another disappointed visitor, Eva Stewart, told the BBC: "It was basically advertised as this big massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets.

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

Stuart Sinclair

After receiving a host of complaints from parents, the organisers were forced to pull the plug midway through the event's first day on Saturday, while promising people that they would receive full refunds.

A spokesperson from Police Scotland said officers were called to the event as it was abandoned and 'advice was given'.

House of Illuminati said in a Facebook post later that evening: "Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry.

"Unfortunately 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.

"We fully apologise for what has happened and will be giving full refunds to each and every person that purchased tickets."

The organiser's said they had planned a 'fabulous' event which 'just did not take shape', adding that refunds could take up to 10 working days.

LADbible has contacted House of Illuminati for further comment.