Current:Home > ScamsWilly Wonka experience in Glasgow that went viral, caused mayhem is set to debut in the US -AssetLink
Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow that went viral, caused mayhem is set to debut in the US
View
Date:2025-04-15 03:27:42
Second time's the charm? Remember the Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow, Scotland that went viral earlier this year, with its sad Oompa Loompa becoming a meme? It's making a comeback.
Despite the backlash and mockery, the now-infamous event is returning, and this time in Los Angeles, California, according to an event page that popped up on Eventbrite.
"Yes, this is a real event," reads the first thing on the event page, set up by the House of Illuminati LA.
"Get ready to step into a realm of pure imagination as the highly acclaimed 'Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA' makes its debut in the United States, courtesy of House of Illuminati LA," the event description reads. "Following its groundbreaking success in Glasgow, this fantastical event promises an immersive journey into the whimsical world of 'Willy' Wonka."
'Fiasco':Willy Wonka experience in Scotland creates sour taste for ticket buyers
Features of previous event in Glasgow to be recreated
The "sad" Oompa Loompa, Kirsty Paterson, who instantly became a meme, will also be participating in the event on April 28 with an "exclusive absurdist Q&A and fan photo opportunity," according to the organizers.
Other features of the Glasgow event, such as the setting, will also be replicated with the event planned to be held in "a nondescript warehouse nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles." The exact location has not been specified.
Tickets are priced at $44 and are non-refundable. However, the proceeds of the event will be donated to an unnamed mental health charity, say the organizers.
In another nod to the previous event, attendees will get 2 complimentary jellybeans "to kickstart the sweetness".
Meanwhile, other "enchanting attractions" include local music and comedy performances, an "immersive" silent film screening complemented by live music and local vendors selling sweet treat. The organizers have also teased the possibility of "renowned comedians" to be attending the event, "promising an evening filled with laughter and unexpected twists."
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 for photobooth and mingling, followed by the Q&A session with Paterson at 6:30 p.m. Around 9 p.m., the event will transition into "Willy's Rave" with a D.J., who will be "keeping the energy going until 4 a.m.," the next morning.
"Prepare to be transported to a realm where imagination knows no bounds and every moment is infused with wonder," the event page adds.
Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow was dubbed a 'fiasco'
In February, earlier this year, a Willy Wonka-themed event in Scotland went viral after ticket-buyers went to an event marketed as a place "where dreams come to life," only to find a sparsely decorated warehouse with a pair of women with green wigs – apparently the Oompa Loompas – and an actor portraying Willy Wonka, who looked more like an Oompa Loompa than Wonka.
Attendees, many of whom were children, were enraged and upset with the organizers, a U.K. event company called House of Illuminati, demanding a refund. The police even showed up at the event to calm the irate crowd and shut down the event, that had promised chocolate fountains, performances by Oompa Loompas and "a celebration of chocolate in all its delightful forms."
One of the event attendees, Stuart Sinclair, who attended the event with his children said called the event "an absolute con," saying that his kids only received "two jelly babies and a quarter of a can of bars limeade," and that the whole experience took only 2 minutes. One of actor's, who participated in the event, called it a "fiasco" and said that he and the other actors "were furious."
"We’d been conned, as well, and it did turn quite scary at one point because people were angry," he said.
The company organizing the event later apologized for the event, releasing a statement that read: "Unfortunately, last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realize we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead."
Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Dreading October? Los Angeles Dodgers close in on their postseason wall
- NHL star's death shocks the US. He's one of hundreds of bicyclists killed by vehicles every year.
- Chocolate’s future could hinge on success of growing cocoa not just in the tropics, but in the lab
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Judge blocks Ohio law banning foreign nationals from donating to ballot campaigns
- Summer camp lets kids be kids as vilifying immigration debate roils at home
- New York Fashion Week 2024: A guide to the schedule, dates, more
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- 1 dead, 2 hospitalized after fights lead to shooting in Clairton, Pennsylvania: Police
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- College Football Misery Index: Florida football program's problems go beyond Billy Napier
- Horoscopes Today, August 31, 2024
- ‘We all failed you.’ Heartbreak at funeral for Israeli-American hostage in Jerusalem
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Penn State-West Virginia weather updates: Weather delay called after lightning at season opener
- 2024 fantasy football sleepers: Best value picks for latest ADP plays
- Disney-DirecTV dispute: ESPN and other channels go dark on pay TV system
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
Score 50% Off Ariana Grande’s R.E.M. Beauty Lip Liner and $8.50 Ulta Deals from Tarte, Kopari & More
How long does it take for the pill to work? A doctor breaks down your birth control FAQs.
Chocolate’s future could hinge on success of growing cocoa not just in the tropics, but in the lab
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Brittany Cartwright Explains Why She Filed for Divorce From Jax Taylor
Trump issues statement from Gold Star families defending Arlington Cemetery visit and ripping Harris
NASCAR Darlington summer 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Cook Out Southern 500