News

Children left disappointed over ‘shambolic’ Christmas event

Published

11 years ago

December 9, 2014

Tom Sinclair

The ‘Frozen party’ before the event opened

HUNDREDS of angry Pembrokeshire parents have taken to social media tonight (Dec 9) to complain about a ‘Disney’ Christmas event which left their children ‘bored, confused and in tears’. Nearly 500 comments from irate customers had amassed on the Facebook page ‘Pembrokeshire-Bay’ within hours of the event taking place.

The event, held at the Begelly Arms, was the first of four advertised by Milford Haven’s Pembrokeshire Mascots – which is run by the same couple who run the Milford Perk American style diner.

The event, which was advertised as a ‘Frozen Christmas Extravaganza’ using a flyer showing characters from the hit Disney cartoon Frozen. The hand-out boasted a ‘Frozen themed disco, party games, professional photographer, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling, buffet and fabulous Frozen candy cart with a treat for every child’. As a finale the firm promised that kids would be able to ‘see Santa on his sleigh with a free gift for all’.

At £10 a ticket the opening night promised to be full of festive fun but things quickly began to unravel.

Frozen party: Parents are questioning if Disney authorised the ‘shambolic’ event

Concerns have also been raised by parents complaining that their children were put ‘at risk’ by overcrowding. Questions are being asked how 140 tickets were sold for a function room which can hold only 100 people.

One mother told The Herald: “Firstly the queues were awful, we waited for over an hour to get in. Once we were inside there was clearly nothing there. We expected a winter wonderland but there were no decorations, no tinsel, nothing. I had not prepared tea for my daughter because there was a buffet advertised, but all that was offered was a 20p pack of crisps and a mini-chocolate bar. The advertised present from Santa was just a 5p lolly.”

Disappointed customer, Jade Bevis, said on Facebook: “Absolutely shocking! It was a complete shambles.”

Georgia Lewis added to the long list of furious customers, saying: “Such a disappointment kids were so excited but u couldn’t move in there or breathe. I asked where the party and the fun was, it was terrible, queues everywhere! Queue to get in for an hour in the rain, and then queue for face painting, so no room for dancing or games.”

She added: “No buffet, no presents, no dancing space, and no bouncy castle – just two very upset girls! Cannot believe it – and all before Christmas too – they should be ashamed of themselves”

The Begelly Arms Hotel denied any wrongdoing saying: “Would like to apologise to everyone that has had to wait to enter the Frozen party in our function suite, but would like to make people aware the party has been organized by Pembrokeshire Mascots not us.”

Gutted at the way the event turned out: Pub manager Peter Adams

Peter Adams, the manager of the Begelly Arms said: “I am gutted by the way the Frozen party was conducted tonight, I have to stress though that we at Begelly Arms, were not involved in the organisation of the event. The organisers were told when they booked the room that we would allow a maximum of 100, but I was told yesterday that they had sold apparently 140 tickets. We had people waiting outside tonight in the rain, it seemed that it was more of a grotto type event than a party, where you had pictures taken and they were letting people in a few at a time.”

Mr Adams added: “We rented the room out in good faith to the organisers, who assured us that the event was well organised. Clearly it was not, as apparently parents were not supposed to accompany their children. There were mistakes made, and at one time the room was really too full. The Begelly Arms would like to thank all the people who have contacted us with their support and not blaming us for the chaos during this evening.”

The management of the company behind the event – Pembrokeshire Mascots – posted on social media saying: “I understand there are posts on here regarding our Frozen Party this evening. It’s very easy to hear a one sided story. Yes there were queues for the venue which are inevitable wherever you go – we also can’t help the fact it was raining!! We moved the queues as quickly as possible but needed to give the children time with Santa and the mascots. There were indeed queues for both the balloons and face painting which again are inevitable. We have been advising that parents are welcome however when Nan, Granddad, aunties and uncles all come along then then this again can add to the queues and congestion. As for there being no characters or party games, lots of children are having a great time playing games”

The spokesman added: “For every person that has made their concerns known to us then of course we have taken them on board.”

Hardly a buffet: This is what kids got as part of £10 ticket – Pic Bryn Hughes

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12 Comments

Leighton Harries

December 10, 2014 at 8:33 am

Attended the Frozen cockup last night, what an utter shambles. My daughter, along with ALL other children were completly let down by Pembrokeshire Mascots. I asked one of the staff from Pembrokeshire mascots whether they would class a packet of chrisps and a bar of chocolate a BUFFET, there was no drink in my daughters bag may in add, the staff members answer was NOT REALLY NO!!. I know that Begelly arms staff tried there best to get the children in out of the rain, they diverted the queue into the restaurant area and also onto the stairway to try and get as many Children in out of the rain. There is no excuse for the queue because everyone could have been brought into the main room and then had pictures etc taken. I really do suggest that Pembrokeshire Mascots let a proffesional company carry out the party next time. I GUESS ALL THE CHILDREN WHO ATTENDED WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY TO RECIEVE THIER PROMISED GIFT FROM SANTA.
Ian

December 10, 2014 at 10:14 am

feel sorry for the kids, also feel sorry for the Begelly Arms – they rented a room out to a business that was overwhelmed by the number of ppl there – The pub did their best to mitigate a dreadful c*** up
Meryl Ball

December 10, 2014 at 11:04 am

I have posted my comments about last nights debacle! But this comment is regarding the Begelly Arms, and Managers comment, While I realise he was not the organiser of the event, he does have the ultimate responsibility for functions of all types, and therefore must surely accept responsibility for his ‘pubs’ capacity numbers, It most certainly is his place to make sure people are safe within him premises!!Mr.Peter Adams, I wonder what your brewery or owners would have to say about this situation, this whole evening has two very important issues. I hope lessons can be learned from this and thank fully nothing happened to put our families at further risk.
Leighton Harries

December 10, 2014 at 12:33 pm

I disagree with you Meryl Ball, Peter Adams and staff at begelly arms had no idea on how many people Pembrokeshire Mascots had over booked, they specifically stated that no more than 100 tickets could be sold, i feel this company came across as professional organisation within who begelly arms put there trust in. This number was simply overlooked by the money grabbing Pembrokeshire mascots. Begelly arms found themselves in a awkward position, they simply could not remove young children from the building who were expecting to see Santa and recieve a gift.
Kat Cowley

December 10, 2014 at 1:16 pm

I agree Leighton, Pembrokeshire Mascots were the organisers and had control over the amount of tickets sold and managing the crowd. I don’t blame Peter or his family for the 45 minute wait, poor food and poor judgment. At least he showed sympathy for the kids and continually offered his help. I was told by the organiser it was the parents fault as some kids were accompanied by 3 adults, funny as most kids I saw were with one parent and I was one of them. I was also told to wait inside the busy function room until everyone in the qeue was in before I could complain, which felt incredibly unsafe with pushchairs squeezing in and filling up the dancefloor, so much for a disco! Time everyone to do a Lionel and start dancing on the ceiling or not ever purchase a ticket from Pembrokeshire Mascots event ever again.
margaret bendelow

December 10, 2014 at 3:09 pm

perhaps the parents would have been better advised to bring the real meaning of Christmas to their children .. Christ would nothave confused and disappointed.
Kate

December 10, 2014 at 3:27 pm

How long before the owners go bankrupt again.
Sarah

December 10, 2014 at 10:15 pm

Bitten off more than they could chew !! Unfortunate for those who paid the money to see this mess!! But least they have cancelled the other events !!
janet

December 10, 2014 at 11:29 pm

If begelly arms didn\’t know there were going to be at least 240 people there why did they post on their Facebook page the day before the party \”looking forward to seeing the 140 children with their parents.\” Of course they knew. They thought it would be good publicity and that maybe the parents would have a meal while they were there.
tomos

December 10, 2014 at 11:32 pm

Meryl, you sound a little vindictive –

You might like to tell your kids about Christ and forgiveness or are you one of those ppl who don’t believe that religion should get involved with Christmas
suz

December 16, 2014 at 7:18 pm

All I can day is karma has hit them hard…the company is a total shambles at the perk that they ‘run’ also the mascot partys they put on for birthdays ect.. the wife an husband duo are arrogant stuck up an not very nice people at all.. they take people on at the perk let them work for a few weeks and then sack them myself and plenty others have experienced this upset.. and not even so much as a text to say “sorry we can no longer take you on as staff” ignorant, not very professional at all! I feel very sorry for all the disappointed children an adults who paid an was looking forward to there child enjoy this Christmas treat!! They should refund everyone and quit while they are ahead! Absolutely disgusting attitudes on the husband and wife, tut tut tut! Shocking…
Rashad

May 23, 2015 at 2:51 am

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drive.

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

10 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

11 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

11 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.