A Suffolk town council has apologised after families were left with a 'disappointing' alternative to a fireworks display.

The Framlingham Sound & Light Spectacular, held on Friday, November 4 at Framlingham Castle, left some attendees disgruntled and asking for refunds.

Though referred to as a "magical masterpiece" in one news report, many took to Facebook after the event claiming it was not family-friendly, poorly organised and did not run as advertised.

Ex-Framlingham Town Councillor Penny Wraight, 67, attended the committee meetings in which the light show was originally discussed as an alternative, environmentally friendly choice.

East Anglian Daily Times:

"It was just a disaster," said Mrs Wraight.

"Most people left before it had even finished. The art from local high schools was nice, but none of the residents were consulted at all."

Mrs Wraight called for the council to "apologise" claiming that many people either had or would be requesting refunds.

Framlingham resident Jenny Hogg was left "disappointed" by the event.

Miss Hogg said many attendees were left asking "is this it?" and added: "The music was very loud and it was too dark.

"It just wasn't family-friendly from the start and my one-and-a-half-year-old wasn't happy."

"It was really awful."

 

Miss Hogg's sentiments were echoed by many disgruntled residents on Facebook who added that they too would be asking for a refund, saying they believe the light show did not run as advertised.

Town councillors held a meeting to discuss the event yesterday evening. Following the meeting council chiefs said: "Following the Sound & Light event on Friday, November 4, a news release was posted on Saturday to say Framlingham Town Council would be evaluating the event, and we want to add to that it’s clear that for some attending, the event was not what they were hoping for.

"We apologise for any disappointment.

"This year, the Council wanted to try something different. We wanted a more environmentally-friendly event that would be less upsetting to pets and other animals, and would avoid pollution.

"We wanted more community involvement and participation, and to use the atmospheric location of the Castle. A light show allowed direct participation by young people including children from local schools who contributed their artwork to the display.

"The show was intentionally an art spectacular rather than a traditional firework display. However, while we believe there is a place for this type of art event, it’s not what was expected by some for Bonfire Night.

"Clearly for some we got this wrong.

"We’ll listen to feedback in considering next year’s event, and we shall again invite help in the planning and organising."