Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, has apologised and refunded people for an ‘abysmal’ party to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The embarrassing announcement comes hours after Gary Oldman won the best actor gong at the BAFTAS for his portrayal of wartime leader Sir Winston in the Darkest Hour movie.
The stately home in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, admitted that the oriental event at the weekend, pitched as a vibrant celebration packed with street food stalls and performances, ‘fell short’ of its usual standards.
A barrage of complaints and critical comments were left on Blenheim’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and organisers have reportedly handed refunds to some members of the dissatisfied paying public.
Disappointed visitors were upset with the food provision in particular at the Oxford-based stately home (right). Left: Chinese New Year celebrations in London
The palace had enthused in a pre-show blurb ‘For the first time, join our Chinese New Year celebrations at @BlenheimPalace tomorrow’ with Lion dancing, music, Kung Fu demonstrations, food stalls and traditional decorations!’
But people weren’t impressed – one visitor, Erik Nielsen, branded it ‘abysmal’, writing on the Facebook page ‘I’ve had bigger events in my back garden.’
Karen Stratford said ‘It should have been incredible; a blaze of colour and smells from the multiple food stalls.
‘The lanterns looked no better than something you would find in Poundland.
Admission to the event was the price of normal entry (£26 for an adult), or people with annual passes went free
‘Such a shame and a wasted opportunity.
‘We love Blenheim and want to support you in your events.’
David Montrose posted ‘No idea what parties you’ve been to, but 1 noodle van, 2 tatty dragons, 3 bored-looking musicians, 3 martial artists? Not your best work.’
Justin Webber said the celebrations were a ‘complete embarrassment’, commenting on Facebook ‘Really disappointed. Not even close to the level of event that we’ve come to expect from Blenheim.
‘Poorly organised, poor food and poor show. Never mind the cancelled food stalls, even the bits that were under Blenheim’s control were terribly put together.’
The stately home in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, admitted that the oriental event at the weekend, pitched as a vibrant celebration packed with street food stalls and performances, ‘fell short’ of its usual standards
But people weren’t impressed – one visitor, Erik Nielsen, branded it ‘abysmal’, writing on the Facebook page ‘I’ve had bigger events in my back garden’
Helen Mariner wrote ‘One noodle van for thousands of people was very poor and the palace decorations were a big let down too.
‘This was a very half hearted effort for what could have been an incredible, vibrant experience.’
Ben Dales tweeted ‘Oh dear @BlenheimPalace your website said there would be a range of street food vendors but to just have one burger style van with 45 minute queues means I’m getting takeaway tonight! Poor traffic management, poor parking, poor facilities!’
Chris Wright said ‘Huge crowds, huge atmosphere (of disappointment)’
Admission to the event was the price of normal entry (£26 for an adult), or people with annual passes went free.
Some people said they queued for up to 40 minutes to get into the car park.
Simone (@S-Alice-C said ‘Second event I’ve attended 1st country file live and was stuck in traffic for hours now this shambles NEVER AGAIN!’
Chris Keable labelled the event a ‘farce’, commenting ‘Blenheim Palace should be ashamed of this pathetic event which the advertising totally misrepresented.’
Commenting on Blenheim’s official Facebook page, Sandie Redman said her family was ‘bitterly disappointed’.
Ginny Dormon said ‘I will never want to trust you again after the promise of a lovely day yesterday…after paying £49 to come and enjoy Chinese New Year which you advertised and didn’t deliver??’
Another person said the day was an ‘absolute joke’, while others on Twitter described it as ‘shambolic’ and ‘utterly insulting’.
Bo@WhatBoDid tweeted ‘@BlenheimPalace Many families paid c.£100 for a poorly organised, shambolic event. You need to start thinking about refunds!’
Blenheim Palace posted ‘We are very sorry for everyone’s disappointment today. ‘This was our first year delivering this event and were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors and were let down by several food vendors first thing this morning’
Karen Lillian said ‘Really not good. I thought it would be incredible and exciting; a blaze of colour and culture. I heard a number of adults apologising to their youngsters as they were so disappointed.
‘I think the toddlers liked it but then ALL toddlers enjoy running around in open spaces!’
Sarah Montrose said ‘I feel sorry for the families who took their kids along to proudly show off their heritage. Must have been utterly insulting. Saw so many folks leaving early rather than make a day of it.’
Blenheim Palace posted ‘We are very sorry for everyone’s disappointment today.
‘This was our first year delivering this event and were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors and were let down by several food vendors first thing this morning.
‘We will be reviewing how we can make big improvements for next year knowing there is so much interest.
‘We hope everyone will use their annual passes to return and receive our usually high quality visitor experience at one of our many other events.
‘Many thanks for your understanding.’
But Ginny Dormon responded ‘And that’s the excuse for the dreadful experience we had really be looking forward and the four of us paying £98..00 you should be ashamed.
‘You were overwhelmed because people thought the event would be amazing as you advised. We spoke to many people who all said the same. Really disgraceful. Your staff were dismissive and couldn’t have cared. I shall be following this up.’
However some people defended the event – Alex Salter said he agreed with complaints about staff being ‘overwhelmed’ and the ‘awful’ food offering, but his children had a ‘great time’ regardless.
He added ‘I would have been upset had I paid, but with the pass we still had a good day just not the one we expected.
‘Chin up and blow it out of the water next time.’
MailOnline has contacted Blenheim Palace for comment.