Lego event dubbed ‘UK’s biggest brick festival’ called ‘rip off’ by angry parents who compare it to ‘Willy Wonka fiasco’
A LEGO event dubbed the “UK’s biggest brick festival” has been labelled a “rip off” by angry attendees.
Brick Fest Live was held at the NEC in Birmingham from 25th to 27th May, and had been billed as a “jaw-dropping collection of brick creations from across the globe under one roof”.
Organisers stated that it was an event for all the family, which Lego enthusiast and creator Kevin had banked on when booking his tickets to the event.
But as he documented in a video on his Block Party TikTok page, he noted that it was more than a little disappointing.
“This dinosaur area when you first come in is probably the only good thing they’ve got in here,” he said.
“There are some fun builds, and they do look cool.
It’s one of the biggest cons I’ve ever experienced
Lego creator Kevin
“I can certainly see why they put that front and centre as you walk into the event.
“But then you get past that and the disappointment really starts to set in.”
EMPTY SPACES
Kevin turned the camera to show the hall, which had numerous huge bare areas, as he said: “Most of the event is empty space and piles of loose Lego.”
There were a few “big builds” dotted around, such as Marshall’s Fire Truck from Paw Patrol, but they were few and far between.
And while there were a few inflatable things for photo opportunities, that was pretty much it – other than one shop, although that only had sets in it meant for kids.
“It’s just so much empty space and piles of bricks,” he continued.
“I think this event was aimed at kids to come along and play with Lego for a few hours, rather than collectors or enthusiasts coming along and enjoying a normal brick convention.
“If this event was advertised as just being an event for kids to come along and play with Lego, I would get it, but it’s not.
“There’s a massive sign out the front that describes it as the ‘UK’s biggest brick festival’.”
EARLY ARRIVAL
He added that to make things worse, he’d shelled out £80 on two VIP tickets, which gave them access to the event from 9am on Saturday.
“But there’s absolutely no benefit to being here early because there’s nothing to buy,” he said.
“There’s no reason to get in early, as you can see there’s nobody here”.
Concluding his video, he raged: “It is one of the biggest cons I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been coming to conventions for 15 years.
I’d be demanding my money back!
TikTok commenter
“I’ve never seen something so overpriced that offers so little.”
He also revealed that they’d arrived at 9.10am and, at 9.24am, they were ready to go home.
“What a let down, so you bought tickets for all day and you can get round in 20 minutes!” one person commented on the video.
“I would be demanding my money back.”
“I went to the same event in MK – 3 of us went at £29 each, was terrible. Spent 20 mins there,” another added.
“Reminds me of the Willy wonka fiasco,” a third said.
“Exactly same as us, paid VIP, £200 odd, was in there for 20 mins MAX!! Don’t go – rip off!!” someone else commented.
In another video, Kevin revealed that he’d asked for a refund, but had been told he couldn’t have one.
ORGANISERS WEIGH IN
When we contacted Brick Fest Live organisers, they told us in a statement: “Brick Fest Live originated in the US, where it’s been highly successful for nearly a decade.
“In the last month, there have been tens of thousands of guests that have been through this event in Edinburgh and Milton Keynes, with children and families taking part in this interactive, hands on festival.
“Where many have given us positive feedback, we are aware that Brick Fest Live is potentially not delivering for adult level enthusiasts, and there are elements of the show that are not of satisfaction for this sector of customers.
“We’re reading all customer feedback and dealing with comments.
“We’re working quickly to pass customer feedback onto the creators of Brick Fest Live, so that they can take those observations on board, to deliver future events that live up to all customer expectations.”