Refund struggle after 'atrocious' Christmas drone show

Angry attendees of an "atrocious" Christmas show in West Sussex have told the BBC they are struggling to get refunds.

They say organisers have instead offered them free tickets to a repeat performance on another night - in Kent.

Visitors to the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Drone Show in Ardingly on Sunday complained drones did not fly properly, food and rides were "overpriced", and that they got stuck for hours in the car park - a muddy field - when trying to leave.

Organisers Lumina Sky Theatre apologised and said some drones at the South of England Showground experienced "technical difficulties".

The company added that food stalls and fairground attractions were run by third parties, who were responsible for prices.

"We sincerely apologise to customers whose enjoyment of the show was affected by these issues," a spokesperson said.

Kerrie Niblett, from Burgess Hill, told BBC Radio Sussex she had been declined a refund.

She added Lumina Sky Theatre had offered her six free tickets to another show in Maidstone but said there was "not a chance" she would accept them.

"I'll never go again - even for free," she added.

Ms Niblett said she didn't even stay to watch the drone show, which cost £15.99 a ticket plus booking fees. Parking was also £7.

"The technical issues weren't even the worst of it," she said.

"It was the poor preparation and event management. They just failed."

Lumina Sky Theatre told the BBC it had spent months creating a "spectacular" Christmas show.

"We are incredibly disappointed that we were unable to deliver the entire show to the high standards we adhere to," it added.

Danni Hilder, from Eastbourne, said the drone show was "atrocious".

"There was no Christmas atmosphere," she said, adding that the only festive decorations were a tree and inflatable reindeer.

"We have emailed and phoned the organisers... repeatedly over the week," she said.

"They've not responded at all. It has been impossible to try and get a refund."

A Facebook page for those seeking a full refund from Lumina Sky Theatre has been joined by some 1,400 people.

Chris Evans, who created the support page, said he believed organisers had "very blatantly" mis-sold the show.

Lumina Sky Theatre's website said the show would have a "mesmerising swarm of 600 drones", but one visitor said they could only count about 50.

"It's overpromising and underdelivering," Mr Evans added.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook,X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.