Kidz Fest 2016: Parents Demand Refunds From Family Fun Day After Branding The Event 'Absolute Con'

Police were called to the event in Essex.

Parents are demanding refunds for tickets to a family event in Essex due to disappointment about the attractions. 

Mums and dads who bought tickets to Kidz Fest paid £16 per ticket (or £36 for a family of four), but many were unhappy they had to pay extra on the day for some “rides”.

They also complained about the limited number of attractions, which included a play castle made of cardboard boxes. 

Essex Police was called on Saturday 6 August in response to a number of complaints. 

Parents have since set up a Facebook group called Kidz Fest Refund 2016 to share advice on how tto get refunds on their tickets. 

“Well done to all us mums and dads for speaking up and having our voices heard,” one mother wrote on the group’s page.

“Hopefully nothing like this will ever happen again! And hopefully everyone receives their refund.”

One mother wrote on Twitter: “I bought from you #kidzfest tickets and it was an absolute con! Everyone was fuming!”

Another mum called the event “chaos”.

Tomo Kembery, who works for Studio Club Inc (trading as Winter Fest) who organised the festival, apologised to those who had bought tickets.

“Studio Club Inc has offered refunds to customers of Kidz Fest who were unhappy with the event as a gesture of good will,” he wrote on the Facebook group. 

“This is by no means an admission of any liability of wrong doings.

“We feel the event was as advertised with a clear indication of what was included in the ticket price. At the bottom of the advertisement text on our website, we clearly listed what activities would be at an extra charge.

“If this was unclear to you, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

An Essex Police spokesman said, according to the Evening Standard: “Officers attended to prevent breach of the peace and offered words of advice to attendees.”

10 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Family Holidays
Get Off The Beaten Track(01 of10)
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“We’re seeing a trend in families seeking out more authentic travel experiences that will inspire rather than distract their children,” says Tom. “There are plenty of unexpected destinations that are kid-friendly without being completely kid-focused that offer incredible experiences that will excite kids and grown-ups of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin himself and visit the Galapagos Islands—perfect for any budding zoologist. Heading to Australia? Try going walkabout with Aboriginal tribes in Australia. Or if you fancy a safari then why not meet the young Massai and learn of their ‘rites of passage’— even in our well-travelled world, there are still opportunities to find truly unique experiences, as long as you know where to look.” (credit:Alamy)
Find A Helping Hand(02 of10)
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“Sometimes just getting your family out of the door can feel like an impossible task, let alone planning an entire holiday. This is where travel specialists come in,” says Tom. “For example we make sure that every single visa, airport transfer, flight and hotel is booked and ready to go so that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.” (credit:Alamy)
Be Prepared – And Do Your Research(03 of10)
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“The new generation of family traveller is not boxed in by perceived limitations, but even the most intrepid traveller needs to do their research”, warns Tom. “Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and you don’t want to arrive in your destination to find yourself stuck in the monsoon season or in the middle of an unwanted national holiday.” (credit:Alamy)
Get Physical(04 of10)
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“Nothing brings a family closer than a thrilling physical challenge and in our internet age we’re seeing an increasing number of parents eager to get to get their children to ditch the computer games and explore the great outdoors. From jungle trekking in Borneo to hiking the cracks and boulders of Yosemite National Park, there are plenty of exhilarating trips to choose from these days.” (credit:Alamy)
Learn Something New(05 of10)
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“For a trip that your children will truly cherish forever, why not try giving them a new perspective or introduce them to a new sport?” suggests Tom. “Experiences that can ignite new passions and hobbies.” (credit:Alamy)
Go Wild(06 of10)
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“A safari is a classic option for that big family adventure but if you truly want to capture their imagination then give them a safari holiday with a twist. Swap your traditional 4x4 for a quad bike and skid across the plains of South Africa or grab a canoe and see the Big Five in action from the water in the magnificent Selinda Spillway in Botswana—there’s nothing better than ending the day hotly debating your favourite wildlife encounters of the day.” (credit:Alamy)
Find A Good Crèche(07 of10)
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“There’s no need to wait until children are walking and talking to take that trip of a lifetime—there are plenty of resorts and hotels that offer spectacular kids club facilities to keep the younger travellers entertained and give you a well-deserved rest.” (credit:Alamy)
On The Road(08 of10)
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“One of my favourite choices of holiday for 2013 is the quintessential road trip. For kids that are happy in a car, America’s West Coast offers the ideal combination of adventure and incredible scenery. From behind the bars of San Francisco’s Alcatraz to the majesty of Big Sur, the constant change in scenery is sure to keep the whole family entertained. You can even make the obligatory day trip to Disneyland and be back sipping cocktails in Santa Monica by sundown.” (credit:Alamy)
Something For The Weekend(09 of10)
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“You don’t have to travel half way across the world to create a family holiday that will stick in the memory bank—a quick trip or city break can offer just as many rare and memorable experiences for even the most discerning (and tiny) travellers”, suggests Tom. “ For something more exotic, a quick flight to Marrakech gives kids a chance to revel in the chaos of the souk, ride camels, and try their first tagines. “ (credit:Alamy)
Time To Yourself(10 of10)
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“As parents look to enrich and inspire their children’s lives with travel, they too often forget to include time to themselves in their busy schedule. A holiday should be just that and it’s important to give yourself some downtime while the kids are entertaining themselves. Indulge in a spa treatment or try an evening of wining and dining in a gourmet restaurant.” (credit:Alamy)

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