The organiser behind the much-derided Willy Wonka Experience has apologised and revealed he will no longer be going ahead with a ‘dream wedding’ funded by ticket sales from the event.
Last week, social media was flooded with photos and videos of what had been marketed as an immersive Roald Dahl experience only to turn out as little more than a half-decorated warehouse filled with budget props and depressed-looking actors.
Amid a significant backlash from customers, organiser Billy Coull, who runs the event company House of Illuminati behind the project, has since said he takes full responsibility for the furore.
He also revealed he has moved out of his family home and cancelled his upcoming destination wedding, according to The Sunday Times.
Coull said: ‘I am truly sorry, it is important for me to add the organisation and decisions surrounding this event were solely my responsibility. I want to make clear anyone who was hired externally or offered their help are not affiliated with me or the company.
‘Regarding a personal matter, there will be no wedding, and no wedding was funded by ticket sales.’
It followed on from earlier estimations that the firm would have cashed in just short of £30,000 had the event not been so derided online.
Coull went on: ‘Firstly, I want to extend my sincerest apologies to each and every one of you who was looking forward to this event. I understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused, and for that, I am truly sorry. It’s important for me to clarify that the organisation and decisions surrounding this event were solely my responsibility.
‘I want to make it clear that anyone who was hired externally or offered their help, are not affiliated with me or the company, any use of faces can cause serious harm to those who did not have any involvement in the making of this event.
‘All 850 Transactions will continue to be refunded has been posted to ensure transparency and to demonstrate my commitment to making this right for everyone affected.
‘I ask for a bit of time to process everything that has happened. My intention is to learn from this experience. Your support and understanding during this time mean the world to me.’
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