AN ‘Ultimate Halloween night’ has come in for a grilling with the event being labelled a rip-off – but others have said it was amazing.

Illuminate The Night, a touring entertainment and event business, staged the six-hour event at Par Market, near St Austell, in Cornwall. The business works with local operators around the South West of England to put on such events.

The entry tickets for what was promoted as ‘the ultimate Halloween night’ were £4 online and £8 on the gate but people had to pay extra for funfair rides.

One visitor said: “I went with two kids. Cost £12 to get in, and then found the bouncy castle was £5 a child, and the other rides £4 a child. After an hour we were skint, the kids had wet socks and were freezing.

“There was no way we could stay until 9 or 10 for the laser display and fireworks, so we paid the entry fee for nothing. Why on earth didn’t they do them earlier, say at 6pm? Otherwise the kids miss out on it all, even though they’ve paid an admission ticket.”

Another visitor posted online saying: “Awful, every ride is overpriced, there’s like three things to do. More food stalls than anything so pointless. Regret going.”

A further post said: “What a load of rubbish, the kids’ bouncy slides are in complete darkness! Didn’t even stay for the fireworks, waste of money.”

Another comment was: “Walked in and walked out. What an absolute joke.”

And a further comment was: “Absolute rip-off. So expensive. Definitely not worth the £50 we paid.”

The event featured entertainment and street food and the main fireworks were at around 8pm and the laser show followed this.

Illuminate the Night responded to criticism by saying online: “We are not about rides. We are mainly about our amazing fireworks and laser show. This is our main attraction, this is what’s included in your ticket price. The rides are an optional extra.”

After the event, Illuminate The Night posted online saying: “What an absolutely incredible night at Illuminate The Night – St Austell! From the spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky to the amazing laser shows, fire performers, characters and buzzing funfair… what an atmosphere! Months of planning, preparation and hard work go into making these events happen, and seeing families enjoying themselves makes it all worthwhile!”

The post had dozens of likes.

People posted online to say it was a fantastic event and an amazing evening.

One person said: “My kids and I enjoyed it. We didn’t spend loads, as don’t have it, but had fun and enjoyed ourselves.”

Another said: “I went last night and we had one of the best nights! Found it absolutely amazing! Rides and food prices were no different than any other fair/event. The entertainment (fireworks, lasers, fire people, kids party and characters) were incredible!”

A third person said: “People are quick to moan but never praise. The fireworks was great.”

Illuminate The Night has been approached for further comment.