WINTER Wonderland bosses have defended their festive event in Colchester after receiving complaints from disgruntled punters.

The festive fun-land was launched in Castle Park on Friday, including an open-air ice rink, fairground rides and stalls.

But it has been met with a mixed reaction.

Some people have hit out at the condition of the ice surface, the “sheds” set up for traders and the lack of rides.

Darren Thorne, of Colchester, visited the wonderland with his family.

He said: “We paid a lot of money for six of us to go skating.

“You expect to get a bit damp at any ice rink but there was a lot of water on the surface. It was more like a paddling pool.

“The sheds were all locked up and there wasn’t much else going on. It was shocking really.

“The children had all been looking forward to it but we all came away disappointed when it should have been a really enjoyable experience.”

Gazette:

The event’s Facebook page has been flooded with comments – positive and negative.

Winter Wonderland bosses say the vast majority of punters had a great time over the opening weekend, but have vowed to keep improving.

Organiser Ben Payne said: “We had a really fantastic weekend with more than 1,100 tickets sold and lots of people using the rides.

“I know there has been some disappointment but I think the majority of people have had a great time.

“We have had a few people ask for refunds, but not many at all and we try to work with them to make sure they can book to come back and have a better experience.

“It is the first time this has been done here and there is a learning curve.

“We can do all the technical preparations but there are some things you can’t predict until everything is actually set up.

“We are learning, listening to all of the feedback – good and bad – and constantly working to revise and improve what we have on offer.”

The rink was forced to close on Monday afternoon due to the poor weather conditions.

Mr Payne added: “All the outdoor rinks set up at this time of year up and down the land have the same problems.

“The weather is against us at the moment. It is warm, wet and windy, which is the worst combination.

“But we are clear on our own regulations. We know there has been water on the surface but that is completely safe.

“If for any reason it is unsafe we will make the decision to close it, as we have been forced to do this afternoon.”