29 February 2024 , 19:37
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Thousands of people have signed a petition to reopen a "failed" Willy Wonka experience which shut amid outrage from visitors.
The attraction - which has been labelled "shambolic" and reportedly cost up to £35-a-head - was closed down last weekend after police were called by furious parents. They demanded refunds after visiting, describing lacklustre set designs in a near-empty warehouse in Glasgow.
But, a petition has emerged calling for the event to reopen after it stormed to internet fame, with some even calling it a "beloved" event. Organiser Dylan Roberts said: "I, along with countless others, have been deeply affected by the closure of the Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience.
"This unique attraction has brought joy and wonder to thousands of visitors since its opening. It is more than just a tourist spot; it's a place where dreams come alive and imaginations run wild. The public demand for its reopening is overwhelming."
Parents were fuming with the "lacklustre" characters and displays (Jenny Fogarty / SWNS)
Hundreds of refunds have been given after parents forked out at least £35 for a ticket (TMX / SWNS)The "experience" shot into the spotlight when a gobsmacked mum posted a video of the site online for others to see. In the clip, she pans the camera around to show a handful of props, including a bar of Wonka chocolate, a blue pipe, candy sticks and a solitary Oompa Loompa behind a pop-up table. Her son, other kids and their parents can be seen looking around bemused as they realise they just splashed out £35 for the privilege.
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The mum can be heard saying: "I'm not joking, paid £40 a ticket for this." She points the camera to the walls, where large sheets covered with Wonka-like settings are hanging. She explains that the organisers set them up for families to take photos in front of them. "What a waste of money," she added.
Lead Willy Wonka actor Paul Connell hit out at the running of the attraction (TWITTER)As the video ends, a group of workers dressed in non-theatrical clothing are seen spooning treats from metal baking trays. The lead actor, who is seen throughout the video, has since spoken out and lifted the lid on the "shambolic" event, which brought some kids to tears.
Paul Connell, who played Willy Wonka, revealed he was given just hours to learn a 15-page script - made of up "AI generated gibberish" - before people started arriving. He was later forced to "hide" as visitors vented their anger at the organisers.
In total, 3,048 people have signed the petition at the time of writing calling for it to return. It is being hosted on Change.org and calls for action by Glasgow City Council.
House of Illuminati, who ran the attraction, have apologised to parents (Jenny Fogarty / SWNS)
Police were called to the venue by angered customers (Jenny Fogarty / SWNS)The authority distanced itself from the event this afternoon (Thurs), with a spokesperson saying: "We had nothing to do with this event. The Willy Wonka Experience was a private event and was not held at a council venue."
The event was cancelled by organisers House of Illuminati midway through Saturday following complaints from parents. Writing on their social media page on Wednesday, the group said they would not be holding any events in the foreseeable future.
They said: "I am truly sorry for any upset and disappointment caused at the weekend. Refunds have been issued and will continue to do so. This was an event gone wrong, The House of Illuminati will NOT be holding any other events in the foreseeable future."