Organisers apologise over Gunpowder Plod fireworks event

9:00am Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

Organisers apologise over Knavesmire fireworks event Organisers apologise over Knavesmire fireworks event

THE huge fireworks and bonfire event on Knavesmire has been described as an ‘utter fiasco’ by one of thousands of unhappy people who attended the event.

Rat Race Adventure, organisers of The Gunpowder Plod event, which included a 5K run, have apologised and agreed to donate £5000 to a local charity after visitors complained of two hour-long queues at food stalls, a delay of an hour for the start of the fireworks display and a bonfire which had burnt out before many had arrived.

Holly House, of Appleton Roebuck, was one of many people who contacted The Press today to voice their anger. She said she paid £65 for four adults and two young children but had to leave before the fireworks began - describing the night as an “amateurish fiasco”.

She said: “The Rat Race website promised a lot and in reality delivered little, except presumably huge profits for the organisers who had clearly oversold the event way beyond its capacity and facilities they had available.”

Jim Mee, founder of Rat Race Adventure Sports said: “Our priority for an event of this scale is that all visitors are kept safe at all times whilst enjoying the festivities.

"The firework display was delayed for this precise reason as members of the public had entered restricted areas and through the work of our stewards and the assistance of the Police, these areas were eventually cleared.

Related links

“We are deeply disappointed that there were delays with the run and firework display and that a number of families with young children decided to leave before the display started. As a knock on effect of the firework delay people took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat which then led to even further queuing at the catering outlets.”

He said lessons had been learned for the future and pledged £5000, the takings from children’s ticket sales, to the York-based William Rhodes Foundation as a gesture of goodwill.

Runner Helen Hutchinson, 34, of Cawood, who has run in Jane Tomlinson and other races said: “It was poorly organised and it wasn’t the event that was advertised.”

She is seeking a refund for the £20 she paid for the run and fireworks: “If you pay £20 to take part, it should be a professional, well organised event. It was a lot of money. There is no excuse for such a poorly managed event.”

Others who have contacted The Press have told of queues so long for the toilets that people gave up and relieved themselves elsewhere, a lack of ticket checks at the entrance, no stewards supervising cars as they left the parking area at the end, parking areas that were quagmires and cars having to do three-point turns surrounded by pedestrians because an access gate to Knavesmire were locked.

Editor’s Note: Our print deadlines and the hour-long delay caused by people running on to Knavesmire meant that our earlier reports of this event did not cover the criticism that has since emerged. We have now spoken to the organisers who have apologised for the problems that occurred.

Comments(61)

Brabus says...
9:15am Wed 7 Nov 12

Whilst a donation to charity is to be applauded it doesn't get them out of their statutory rights to give people refunds - I'm pleased to say I wasn't there as I saw this coming a mile off but those who were deserve far better treatment than being fobbed off and promised 'it'll be better next time'.

Report this post »

metsaagain says...
9:34am Wed 7 Nov 12

Reflecting on the Press disclaimer at the bottom of this article- it does seem to suggest that meeting a deadline is more important than factual accuracy...

Report this post »

razor08 says...
9:36am Wed 7 Nov 12

But still no apology from 'The Press' for the original story which was just a press release from Rat Race Did the reporter even go to the Knavesmire?

Report this post »

gibarch says...
9:36am Wed 7 Nov 12

Given that the gunpowder plod has a tab on the Press Website and they appear to have written 18 articles promoting it since September it is hardly surprising that they wrote it up as a success.

Shame it took them 7 hours post print deadline to get the true story.

Report this post »

Pete the Brickie says...
9:51am Wed 7 Nov 12

Given the Press and the event's management are still quoting the line that the delays were down to people being in the path of the fireworks rather than the running race starting late it looks like they have little intention of issuing refunds.

If a massive event like this really was being delayed for the reason they quote, putting the comfort, safety and wellbeing of thousands of spectators including young children at risk, why weren't any of the people causing it arrested for public order offences?

Report this post »

Even AndyD says...
9:53am Wed 7 Nov 12

razor08 wrote:
But still no apology from 'The Press' for the original story which was just a press release from Rat Race Did the reporter even go to the Knavesmire?
Well quite. Doesn't the editor's note actually make things worse? Apologising for getting a report wrong is one thing, but admitting it was written before the event actually occurred is just taking the Michael out of readers, isn't it??

Report this post »

magic cat says...
9:58am Wed 7 Nov 12

Take a look at the headline which reporters cannot even get right - Gunpowder POLD!!!

Report this post »

Kevin Turvey says...
10:02am Wed 7 Nov 12

‘Editor’s Note: Our print deadlines and the hour-long delay caused by people running on to Knavesmire meant that our earlier reports of this event did not cover the criticism that has since emerged. We have now spoken to the organisers who have apologised for the problems that occurred. ‘

So between the lines what the Press Editor is saying is that we got caught out publishing a ‘story’ before the event happened!
Here’s a top tip write copy that is based on established historical fact possibly with some witness testimony and/or documentary evidence rather than just copied and pasted Press Releases from advertisers within your own paper.
Incidents like this remove any integrity that the press had left and does lead people to think there are conflicts of interest and you don’t have to admit very embarrassingly afterwards for the school boy error.
Shoddy/poor/incorrec
t/inaccurate so called journalism, an editor’s career is now destroyed.
It should be!

Report this post »

kelly80 says...
10:10am Wed 7 Nov 12

People were stood on the other side of the mire 'for free' they were very much in their right as it's public land. The organisers didn't like it and by all accounts were refusing to start the fireworks until they had moved.
11 food/drink outlets for 10k tickets sold, thats 1k people queuing per stand on average, no wonder there was endless queues!
My apology email stated that the queues started at the food stands after the delay on the fireworks....absolut
e b###ocks, we were queuing at 7pm for almost an hour!
The email also states 'You were thirsty! 12 real ales were definitely enjoyed and we were keen to go for the premium offer here too. However this was a slower bar set-up than serving cans of lager or other simpler offerings' knowing you had sold 10k tickets you would think to offer a 'faster' bar set-up!

I agree that the charity donation is nice of them for the kids tickets and the offer of a half price entry to another run next year for the runners but what about all the other people that didn't enter the run or didn't take kids! Like me....

Report this post »

Buzz Light-year says...
10:27am Wed 7 Nov 12

Even AndyD wrote:
razor08 wrote:
But still no apology from 'The Press' for the original story which was just a press release from Rat Race Did the reporter even go to the Knavesmire?
Well quite. Doesn't the editor's note actually make things worse? Apologising for getting a report wrong is one thing, but admitting it was written before the event actually occurred is just taking the Michael out of readers, isn't it??
"Pre-news"
It's the latest thing.

Report this post »

chunks says...
10:27am Wed 7 Nov 12

You only need to read one of The Press' articles about race days to realise that it is entirely biased and has a clear conflict of interest.

Report this post »

roobarb85 says...
10:32am Wed 7 Nov 12

If I buy something from Tescos, and it's not fit for purpose, I get a refund.

If I buy a new car and there's something wrong, it gets fixed at no cost to me.

If I go to a sporting event that doesn't run as the adverts described, I get my money back unless it's 'force majeur'.

Mud, inept stewarding and lack of organization are not "force majeur".

The Plod event was not fit for purpose, went wrong through no fault of my own and did not run in the way advertised.

Whilst it's very nice that RR have given some money to charity that's irrelevant. This event did not fit its advertised description, so all who paid for a ticket are entitled to a cash refund (or free entry to a subsequent event...but who in their right mind?)

Report this post »

TheTruthHurts says...
10:36am Wed 7 Nov 12

Absolutely appalling reporting by the press.

Report this post »

Yorklies says...
10:53am Wed 7 Nov 12

Organised by Cowboys
Reported by Cowboys
Nothing new there for York and the Press

Report this post »

WayneCarr says...
10:54am Wed 7 Nov 12

kelly80 wrote:
People were stood on the other side of the mire 'for free' they were very much in their right as it's public land. The organisers didn't like it and by all accounts were refusing to start the fireworks until they had moved.
11 food/drink outlets for 10k tickets sold, thats 1k people queuing per stand on average, no wonder there was endless queues!
My apology email stated that the queues started at the food stands after the delay on the fireworks....absolut

e b###ocks, we were queuing at 7pm for almost an hour!
The email also states 'You were thirsty! 12 real ales were definitely enjoyed and we were keen to go for the premium offer here too. However this was a slower bar set-up than serving cans of lager or other simpler offerings' knowing you had sold 10k tickets you would think to offer a 'faster' bar set-up!

I agree that the charity donation is nice of them for the kids tickets and the offer of a half price entry to another run next year for the runners but what about all the other people that didn't enter the run or didn't take kids! Like me....
Yeah got to agree Kelly I'm in the same scenario as you. Queues at the food had nothing to do with the fireworks delay. 10,000 ticket sales means you have to get in fast food outlets and they should have thought of that. Doesn't the website say 'A nice big bonfire' well that wasnt delivered it was a few cinders by the time a majority of people arrived. I would have got more heat and brightness out of my chimenea!!

This is a pretty arrogant interview which showed he does talk utter b###ocks along with a false apology. Absolute rip off event which failed to deliver on numerous counts. What a contrast to the Kaboom event. If by some fluke this is on next year I do hope people boycott it.

Report this post »

whitehorse says...
11:17am Wed 7 Nov 12

Interestingly, I haven't seen any post event reports from Kaboom- how did that event go? Hopefully a lot better, but then I guess after such whole-hearted support of the Plod, it would be a little bit raw to say how well that event went.

Report this post »

Happytoliveinyork says...
11:49am Wed 7 Nov 12

I received the 'apology' email.

The claim the the HUGE queues for food and drink were a result of the delay are utter balderdash. The queues were MASSIVE well before the delays were announced.

They should come clean and say a) they sold too many tickets or b) they cocked up big style on the amount of food & drink concessions.

As someone not taking part in the race, having a few drinks and a bite to eat was one of the key reasons to attend. I left early, no food, no drink - utterly disappointed and would like my money back.

Report this post »

courier46 says...
12:10pm Wed 7 Nov 12

The organization RR that got this farce together in my opinion should keep there sorrys which are just words and do the right thing and give refunds(which will hurt more)and that will ensure they get it right next time Hmmmm maybe.

Report this post »

gerry1962 says...
12:12pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Very strange charity to be donating to - as it only seems to be benefitting one family. And - I really think that Meg, or the Press, need to explain their original article as it was so unlike what was actually happening!

Report this post »

gibarch says...
12:17pm Wed 7 Nov 12

The Yorkshire Post are calling it the Gunpowder Flop

http://www.yorkshire
post.co.uk/news/at-a
-glance/main-section
/gunpowder-treason-a
nd-flop-as-york-bonf
ire-revellers-leave-
in-droves-1-5098393

Report this post »

TheTruthHurts says...
12:21pm Wed 7 Nov 12

So the when are we to expect a half hearted apology from the press?

Report this post »

K.vale says...
12:28pm Wed 7 Nov 12

It wasn;t just the delays and queues that made this event a farce - what about the total chaos on the road round the event, and the stewards bellowing angrily at one another from 50 yards for everyone to hear!

It was chaos at the gates, chaos at the registration tent, there were no lights to find names on the board, runners had to tramp 500yds across the knavesmire just to get to the start line, some of the"amazing pyrotechnics" on the course weren't functioning so looked very much less than amazing.

The fireworks were really good though, and some of the marshalls on the course were really friendly and encouraging.

It was a good idea for an event but I don't know that you could say overall it was a success - maybe I measure success differently to Rat Race - maybe it was very profitable and therefore, to them, a success.

Maybe they should have got the Knavesmire Harriers to clear the affected area - after all - they own the Knavesmire don't they? You'd think so by the way they were throwing their weight around and shouting aggressively at other runners to get out of their way as they lapped them.

Report this post »

MACCA24 says...
12:31pm Wed 7 Nov 12

gerry1962 wrote:
Very strange charity to be donating to - as it only seems to be benefitting one family. And - I really think that Meg, or the Press, need to explain their original article as it was so unlike what was actually happening!
The WillIam Rhodes Appeal is a very worthy cause to help a very poorly child!!!

Report this post »

AngryandFrustrated says...
12:33pm Wed 7 Nov 12

TheTruthHurts wrote:
So the when are we to expect a half hearted apology from the press?
I wouldn't hold your breath! It is absolutely staggering in my view that the Editorial Team have kept silent and not held up their hands to what can only be described as farcical reporting on their part yesterday.

Their silence is even more overwhelming when you consider that in the Yorkshire Post today, their headline/take on the story is "Gunpowder, treason and flop, as York bonfire revellers leave in droves".

I am lucky enough not to have shelled out the extortionate entry fee for Monday evening, so I have no losses. If I had, I would be demanding my money back and making a complaint to Trading Standards if it was not returned. I have no problem if Rat Race want to donate to charity. I would have had a problem if the said donation was at the expense of me getting my money back.

If the Press want to try and redeem their journalistic prowess, I suggest they contact Rat Race and ask the thorny question of when those, who were left disappointed and had to leave before the fireworks began, will be receiving their money back. They should also challenge Rat Race's statement blaming all the queues and delays on the so called intruders. Then again, I suspect that the Press will want to protect their advertising revenue for next year at the expense of good, fair and balanced reporting.

Report this post »

MouseHouse says...
12:33pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Dear Editor,

Given the abysmal quality of your 'reporting' I think this is a resignation matter for you.

All the evidence demonstrates that you -'pre-reported' this event, based on words provided by the organisers. You lost all objectivity, you lowered The Press journalists standards to a humiliating nadir. You are well paid, not to be a journalist but to provide leadership. That includes taking the awards for the good things, but also putting your hand up and accepting responsibility when things go wrong. Your reporting of the
Gunpowder Plod has been dreadful. Resign.

Report this post »

Buzz Light-year says...
12:49pm Wed 7 Nov 12

The Rat Race website has a changing banner which shows affiliated companies' logos.

Yep you guessed it, The Press masthead is there.

I'd say Rat Race haven't come out of this very well but The Press looks a *lot* worse.

Well and truly caught out and no mistake.
Bang to rights.
How much will the readership trust what they write in future?

Report this post »

Madasanibbotson says...
12:50pm Wed 7 Nov 12

HEADLINE

Mulberry Hall and Designer Outlet report boxing day 2012 busiest days trading for years.

Report this post »

WayneCarr says...
12:51pm Wed 7 Nov 12

MACCA24 wrote:
gerry1962 wrote:
Very strange charity to be donating to - as it only seems to be benefitting one family. And - I really think that Meg, or the Press, need to explain their original article as it was so unlike what was actually happening!
The WillIam Rhodes Appeal is a very worthy cause to help a very poorly child!!!
It is a worthy cause you are correct. But didn't the MD of RR say that Mrs Rhodes was a friend of the wife of one of the directors of RR? So RR do have some connections to give to this appeal. Hmmmm.

Report this post »

roskoboskovic says...
12:53pm Wed 7 Nov 12

presumbly ycc were involved in giving the contract to organise this farce to the company involved.how were they chosen,have they done similar events before or are they novices.come on tell us and please can someone at the press get a grip because even the proof readers are incompetent.

Report this post »

Big Bad Wolf says...
12:57pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Jim Mee eh??

No flies on that reporter!!

Report this post »

York mafia says...
12:59pm Wed 7 Nov 12

whitehorse wrote:
Interestingly, I haven't seen any post event reports from Kaboom- how did that event go? Hopefully a lot better, but then I guess after such whole-hearted support of the Plod, it would be a little bit raw to say how well that event went.
whitehorse given that Kaboom was the first major fire work display in York since the last Knavesmire mess up years ago, I was amazed by how little the press reported about it. But my family and I where at Kaboom and I can report we saw one of the best firework displays I have ever seen, more than enough toilets, proper lighting, food outlets, parking, loads of friendly helpful staff, great funfair. I thought using a park and ride facility was sheer genius loads of buses and cars there to get people in and out quickly and safely. Proper carpark! Defo off next year

Report this post »

MACCA24 says...
1:00pm Wed 7 Nov 12

WayneCarr wrote:
MACCA24 wrote:
gerry1962 wrote: Very strange charity to be donating to - as it only seems to be benefitting one family. And - I really think that Meg, or the Press, need to explain their original article as it was so unlike what was actually happening!
The WillIam Rhodes Appeal is a very worthy cause to help a very poorly child!!!
It is a worthy cause you are correct. But didn't the MD of RR say that Mrs Rhodes was a friend of the wife of one of the directors of RR? So RR do have some connections to give to this appeal. Hmmmm.
Irrelevant!!

Report this post »

WayneCarr says...
1:02pm Wed 7 Nov 12

MACCA24 wrote:
WayneCarr wrote:
MACCA24 wrote:
gerry1962 wrote: Very strange charity to be donating to - as it only seems to be benefitting one family. And - I really think that Meg, or the Press, need to explain their original article as it was so unlike what was actually happening!
The WillIam Rhodes Appeal is a very worthy cause to help a very poorly child!!!
It is a worthy cause you are correct. But didn't the MD of RR say that Mrs Rhodes was a friend of the wife of one of the directors of RR? So RR do have some connections to give to this appeal. Hmmmm.
Irrelevant!!
Very relevant

Report this post »

brownsoundz says...
1:03pm Wed 7 Nov 12

all total shiz. food and beer stalls where rammed from 6.15. the event was totally over sold and the hole place merged into one big que. the place was so dangerously dark with trip hazards all over. staff where agro. kids very upset.
think it was pims o'clock for the reporter.

Report this post »

xtc says...
1:11pm Wed 7 Nov 12

We live in fulford and the noise was horrendously,nice to see the council had an input eh,any noise complaints?and what do you expect in an event organised by Nowt more then a sports shop and not taking on people to work events with experience,hopefully there ll be no more amateur events.

Report this post »

Dr Brian says...
1:27pm Wed 7 Nov 12

York Press made to look worthless again - I remember when they used to print late news in their stop press - anything that happens after 6 pm the day before the press hits the streets now is too late!

Remember the old saying yesterdays newspaper is today's fish and chip paper - the news in today's press is even to late to be worth reading in today's fish and chip paper LOL

Report this post »

mgmwilliams says...
1:39pm Wed 7 Nov 12

A report that is trying to dig the organisers and the paper out of the massive whole that they have made for the themselves through shocking organisation.

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!

(and I want my money back)

Report this post »

yorkonafork says...
1:50pm Wed 7 Nov 12

What they're claiming happened at the free side is rubbish. There were 5 stewards, two in a car telling people one by one by one not to sit on the fence for about an hour. They didn't have a tannoy or anything.
There were only around 200 people that side anyway, some security system if it was going to be that much of an issue!
Plus the main crowd were always a **** side more closer than we were anyway!

Report this post »

MUSHEMINSTERMAN says...
2:12pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Anyone with half a brain to have thought this through would realise trying to register 1500 runners prior to 6.30pm on a work night, funnel them through a narrow entrance onto the racecourse, and walk them over to the other side in the dark would lead to delays. The fact there was absolutely no direction or organisation to the whole registration process leading to people queueing and re-queueing just addded to the frustration. The 'display' around the course was particularly underwhelming to that my colleagues & I had in mind (and had been advertised). Following the race, and with it clear the fireworks would be much delayed, I decided to cut my losses and leave (along with hundreds of others it would seem). A very poor event all round, thank god I had the foresight to anticipate the problems and run in & back from town, wear all the kit I was going to run in, and not bring any 'supporters', pity the organisers didnt carry out a similar assessment.

Report this post »

The Analyst says...
2:54pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I saw people walking to the event at 4:45pm approx, I then went to work the next day and people who had attended the event had said that they had turned up at 7/8pm - clearly suggests a lack of direction and people being confused at what time they should be turning up. In addition, there was cars just abandoned along Knavesmire Road, which struck me as being odd, you certainly don't get that when the races are on - just seems a bit of a shambles all round, fortunately I didn't go, but feel for the people that did!

Report this post »

LoveMyPuppy says...
3:32pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I received the apology email and they stated they were donating " the entire revenue of £5000 generated from sales of kids tickets" to the William Rhodes appeal. Now I'm just guessing here but if there were 10,000 people there, 1,500 of which were doing the run, that leaves 8,500 people not doing the run. If we assume that of the 8,500, each parent took one child, that would make 4,250 children. The prices for under 16s are as follows:
Opening week special (until 3rd September)£10.00
Early bird (until 10th September) £6.00
Standard (until 31st October) £8.00
Latecomer (up to 5th November) £10.00
If we assume that everyone was super organised and purchases their tickets between the 3rd and 10th of September at £6 per child then that would generate £25,500. So they haven't donated the "entire" revenue at all!
All in all the event was a mess. An hour delay for the start of the race which was supposed to be on hard ground and I ended up running over slippery grass and almost falling flat on my face, didn't bother to wait around to warm up with a cup of tea and a chocolate bar as it was quicker to walk to the car and stick the heater on and go home! Absolute sham!

Report this post »

LoveMyPuppy says...
3:33pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I received the apology email and they stated they were donating " the entire revenue of £5000 generated from sales of kids tickets" to the William Rhodes appeal. Now I'm just guessing here but if there were 10,000 people there, 1,500 of which were doing the run, that leaves 8,500 people not doing the run. If we assume that of the 8,500, each parent took one child, that would make 4,250 children. The prices for under 16s are as follows:
Opening week special (until 3rd September)£10.00
Early bird (until 10th September) £6.00
Standard (until 31st October) £8.00
Latecomer (up to 5th November) £10.00
If we assume that everyone was super organised and purchases their tickets between the 3rd and 10th of September at £6 per child then that would generate £25,500. So they haven't donated the "entire" revenue at all!
All in all the event was a mess. An hour delay for the start of the race which was supposed to be on hard ground and I ended up running over slippery grass and almost falling flat on my face, didn't bother to wait around to warm up with a cup of tea and a chocolate bar as it was quicker to walk to the car and stick the heater on and go home! Absolute sham!

Report this post »

yorkborn66 says...
3:40pm Wed 7 Nov 12

LoveMyPuppy wrote:
I received the apology email and they stated they were donating " the entire revenue of £5000 generated from sales of kids tickets" to the William Rhodes appeal. Now I'm just guessing here but if there were 10,000 people there, 1,500 of which were doing the run, that leaves 8,500 people not doing the run. If we assume that of the 8,500, each parent took one child, that would make 4,250 children. The prices for under 16s are as follows:
Opening week special (until 3rd September)£10.00
Early bird (until 10th September) £6.00
Standard (until 31st October) £8.00
Latecomer (up to 5th November) £10.00
If we assume that everyone was super organised and purchases their tickets between the 3rd and 10th of September at £6 per child then that would generate £25,500. So they haven't donated the "entire" revenue at all!
All in all the event was a mess. An hour delay for the start of the race which was supposed to be on hard ground and I ended up running over slippery grass and almost falling flat on my face, didn't bother to wait around to warm up with a cup of tea and a chocolate bar as it was quicker to walk to the car and stick the heater on and go home! Absolute sham!
Good bit of maths, well said LoveMyPuppy.
And the deception goes on!

Report this post »

Therightstuff says...
4:04pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Such a shame that York's Fireworks reputation gets dragged through the mire AGAIN.

I took my family to the fireworks at the York Maze last year and was there again this year. Great fireworks, enormous bonfire, a great atmosphere and well organised. There were queues for the food but 10-15mins max, which you can't complain about.

I really feel for the families caught up in the Gunpowder plod, and just count myself lucky we chose to be at the Maze on bonfire night.

Report this post »

Dukeofpork says...
4:57pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Glad I didn't go from what I've read (had to remain at home to look after our fireworks - terrified dogs) but it seems to me that York Council have now sanctioned two abysmal events in one week. Is this a record? The other is, of course, the lamentable Vic Reeves Illuminations (which I did attend).How does the council select these second rate enterprises? Both of them were far too grandiose when I am sure that the general public would prefer quality and simplicity. Everything is always so over done these days...Take a lesson, Council, from last year's Illuminations and, from all accounts, The Maze's fireworks event.

Report this post »

BKKYorkshireboy says...
5:05pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I’m hoping that someone holds Cllr Crisp (Labour Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism and a direct report of James Alexander) to account. She is accountable for both the Illuminations and Knavesmire Plod events. She was all over local media ahead of the events but now nowhere to be seen!!

Report this post »

Dukeofpork says...
5:14pm Wed 7 Nov 12

When have local or national politicians ever been brought to account except at their next election? As for "Cabinet Member" how much more pretentious can these people be, I wonder?

Report this post »

BKKYorkshireboy says...
5:19pm Wed 7 Nov 12

This is quite amusing - from her LinkedIn profile:

"I am also promoting a fitter and healthier York by encouraging greater participation in sports and active leisure and greater well being from interaction with our wonderful festivals, arts and events calendar."

Report this post »

meme says...
5:25pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Come on everyone they are at least trying to make up for the problems.
They are a new business who presumably hoped to make money from this but now almost certainly wont. Everyone makes mistakes and as far as i can see they are trying to make up for their mistakes and will learn from them
ok it was not the great success it was supposed to be but it was not a complete catastrophy. The fireworks were ok.....late but okay...so give them some credit
I am not paid/alinged to them in anyway!!

Report this post »

Turpinette says...
5:36pm Wed 7 Nov 12

That "public" land isn't public - it belongs to the Freemen of the City of York and that does not mean the citizens of York, it means invested Freemen.

The unfortunate thing with these displays is that if the company does everything right in advance, and has a good track record, nobody knows that it's going to go wrong on the night - that includes the various departments who licence these things. It's not like they can have a dress rehearsal!

Report this post »

WayneCarr says...
5:36pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Well the journo's have walked out at The Press:

http://www.holdthefr
ontpage.co.uk/2012/n
ews/york-journalists
-walk-out-amid-pay-d
ocking-claims/

Report this post »

Eazyspeak says...
7:49pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I thought the display was great and the kids loved it! Then again I was watching for free at the bottom of Cherry Lane because it was obvious it was going to be a farcical rip-off. Although the fireworks were delayed we had minor parking issues but all got away home in a timely fashion! I'll be doing exactly the same next year...

Report this post »

jonbonce says...
8:32pm Wed 7 Nov 12

i am a runner and i took part on Monday night. it was chaotic but im not bothered because it often is at runs one way or another, I went there to have a laugh and laugh I did! I paid £10 for my entry, did a run and got a t-shirt and a medal so good value really as runs go. I feel sorry for the parents with kids and don't blame them one bit for feeling angry. The donation gesture by Rat race goes a long way to apologize in my mind but if it was to turn out that they are not being entirely truthful with the amounts it becomes another matter. As Guy Fawkes himself might once of said..."the plot thickens..."

Report this post »

Kelly Smunt says...
9:05pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Glad I watched for free on the Mire and didn't pay.

Report this post »

LoveMyPuppy says...
10:05pm Wed 7 Nov 12

meme wrote:
Come on everyone they are at least trying to make up for the problems.
They are a new business who presumably hoped to make money from this but now almost certainly wont. Everyone makes mistakes and as far as i can see they are trying to make up for their mistakes and will learn from them
ok it was not the great success it was supposed to be but it was not a complete catastrophy. The fireworks were ok.....late but okay...so give them some credit
I am not paid/alinged to them in anyway!!
Actually no they are not a new business. On the apology email I received it said " Being a large and experienced event organiser, we like to think we get it right..." It also said that they have been running similar events for the past 10 years, I just don't have the time or effort to waste to quote them on that but I'm sure if you google it you will see. A link to something similar to the apology email is on their website.

Report this post »

leemo1971 says...
10:37pm Wed 7 Nov 12

I dont know whats worse,people paying £12 to watch some fireworks or people paying 50p for a paper like the press.........get what you deserve for going......

Report this post »

Amandac says...
11:16pm Wed 7 Nov 12

Ok, I decided not to comment straight away and give myself time to think and I am still angry! & it's a rollover! Up until "luminating York" I had never felt the need to comment....

We attended the gunpowder plod two adults and a toddler, all excited and looking forward to a big fire, treats and lots more.

We arrived at 6pm and struggled through queues, just to get to the children's fairground. We expected this, as the race was late to start but as the evening progressed the crowds got worse.

There were several free activities but again the queues just too much. The story teller tent was a lovely idea and lots of effort had gone into it, sadly due to lots of disappointed and cold children it became a waiting area.

The toilets were filthy and no lighting.

Stewards were shouting at each other.

It was 8.52 pm when the fireworks started, we were offered limited explanation - lots of people leaving and toddlers distress increasing.

Despite reports of people running into the area, there did not appear to be any arrests?

It was clear that the race started late and had an impact.

There were not enough stalls.

There were too many people.

Upon leaving, not only was I cross but I was also concerned for public safety as cars started to drive through the masses of crowds leaving!

I am not a complainer, but my experience of the last two council events in which we tried to support were a complete let down and waste of money.

These were two special events for our little boy Halloween and bonfire night - but also York 800. I wish I had stayed loyal to the Maize on this occasion!! I am pleased that the organisers have apologised for the plod. However, little has been said about the lights!!

Report this post »

ChristineBriggs says...
12:00am Thu 8 Nov 12

I had a brilliant night. It was a few years ago.

Report this post »

Horst says...
9:47am Thu 8 Nov 12

Something was wrong Monday morning. I tried to claim an couples ticket I'd won but their on line site
Would not let you put the code in. And you get that feeling something is not right when they won't answer the number they have given you to call. Changed from my normal venue for this. Will def stick to the village bonfire next time.

Report this post »

heworth.28 says...
10:15am Thu 8 Nov 12

Sadly the farcical coverage by the Press is what happens when big companies like Newsquest take over local papers, asset-strip them and run them as generators of ad revenue first, good quality reporting last

Report this post »

jonbonce says...
8:28pm Fri 9 Nov 12

After a few days reflecting on it, do you know what.... Well done Rat race people, its was nearly very good,better luck next year, let me know when and I'll be buying a ticket. Abraham lincoln once said something that would have fitted in here...

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree