A highly anticipated Christmas drone show promising a magical aerial display of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been branded a complete disaster by furious families, with some comparing it to a cheap 'Temu experience'.
A Festive Promise Turns Sour
The event, held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, advertised a 'mesmerising swarm' of 600 LED drones that would illuminate the night sky with festive characters. Attendees, including many young children, paid up to £40 for VIP tickets, expecting a spectacular show.
Instead, they were met with technical failures. The drones malfunctioned, leaving crowds squinting at barely visible shapes in the sky. Krissi Binder, who brought her two daughters, told Metro: "It was definitely more of a Temu experience than a VIP one." Her VIP package, which promised food tokens and glowsticks, only offered three marshmallows or plain nachos.
Chaos and Disappointment On The Ground
The problems extended far beyond the failed aerial display. Attendees reported chaotic scenes with non-functioning automatic parking readers causing huge queues. Advertised attractions like a Santa's grotto and Christmas market were absent.
Food stall prices were described as extortionate, with some charging £16 for meals, £10 for chips, and £5 for hot chocolate, and refusing card payments. The departure was no better, with a "stampede of people" slipping in mud and pitch darkness, causing distress for those with wheelchairs and buggies.
Ellie Merritt, who attended after seeing a sponsored Instagram ad, said: "From arriving at the event, you could tell it was badly run." Jack Lambert, who took his four-month-old baby and 10-year-old son, called it a "complete let down".
Apologies and Denied Refunds
Following the event on December 1, 2025, organisers Lumina Drones issued a lengthy apology. A spokesperson cited "technical difficulties" affecting some drones and blamed adverse weather for muddy car park conditions. They stated that food stalls and fairground attractions were run by third-party partners.
Despite the apology, many customers have reported being denied refunds. The company has urged ticket holders to contact them via email as they investigate the cause of the failure, which they are discussing with drone manufacturers in France.
For families like Krissi Binder's, the damage is done. "All in all, it was a disaster," she said, "and now we have to find the money to book something new and recapture that Christmas magic."
