COUNTLESS families who had wanted to enjoy Crowle bonfire display were left disappointed and angered as traffic jams meant they completely missed the event.

Attendees slammed a 'lack of organisation' after many were left sat in gridlocked traffic for up to an hour and a half last night.

Masses of visitors who had brought pre-paid tickets told of how they got 'nowhere near' Boden's Field where the display was taking place, with local residents having to help divert congestion.

There were even reports of a car being 'pushed into a ditch' as a lack of parking facilities led to many people blocking roads and pathways in the village.

Rich Bradley and his family were one of many that were left disappointed after getting caught up in the backlogs.

He was part of a larger group of four separate families, with ten children between them.

They each paid £13.50 for family tickets from 'Event Brite' and say they set off in plenty of time for the display.

But before they could get anywhere near to the entrance, they were told by stewards that the event had already reached full capacity.

"I’ve never seen anything like it in Worcester," he said.

"The problem was that unbeknown to us, the organisers had advertised the event as 'pay on the gate' when it should’ve been a ticket-only event, given the location. It was absolute chaos.

"There were hundreds upon hundreds of cars blocking the lanes from every direction.

"We couldn’t get anywhere near the entrance and were told by stewards that the event had reached full capacity, even though so many families had purchased tickets and were sat trapped in their cars for hours, unable to park up anywhere, and unable even to turn around.

"Like so many other families, our children missed out on seeing the fireworks and were left very upset."

Helen Broadfield and her family also got stuck in the standstills.

"It was absolute chaos at the Crowle Bonfire last night," she said.

"Roads were gridlocked throughout the village and many visitors couldn’t get in despite having pre-paid tickets.

"There wasn't any access for emergency vehicles if they were needed. A real lack of organisation and too many tickets sold for a venue situated in a small village.

"No one was directing traffic and there was no signage, we called the police as we were so concerned about safety.

"There were so many people moving around the dark roads with their children, it had the makings of a Covid banquet, and I’m surprised no one was hit by traffic."

The cancellations of other local shows is thought to have led to masses of additional spectators opting for the Crowle display instead.

Posting on social media, one woman claimed that organisers informed her "1000 more people turned up than expected".

However, attendees insisted that if the event was exclusive to those who had purchased tickets beforehand, then traffic jams may have been avoided.

Clare Ratkovic said: "I’ve never experienced such a poorly organised display. Cars everywhere, complete gridlock, far too many tickets sold, there should not have been tickets on the gate available.

"We had to park on the outskirts and walk in, we missed the fireworks despite leaving with plenty of time.

"Thank goodness an emergency vehicle wasn’t needed as they’d never have gotten through.

"Disappointed children, and not just mine. Completely incompetent planning, I’ll be requesting a refund!"

Julie Phillips Haines said: "Utter carnage - traffic chaos meant many families couldn't get near the event on the field, children were crying as they were left disappointed.

"Perhaps if they did it as a ticketed event only and not let people just walk in or pay on the gate it might of been an enjoyable evening.

"I for one had prepaid tickets for my family and got nowhere near the field.

"Cars were parked anywhere and everywhere. Total standstill for many families and dangerous with all the traffic.

"Waste of money."

Despite masses of disgruntled families, some did manage to enjoy the display. 

Mel Jones Brown said: "We got there at 6, got in fine and the bonfire and fireworks were fab, we loved it.

"Thank you to the volunteers from scouts and school that organised it. Not an easy job.

"There was gridlocked traffic on the way out, but we predicted that and parked further away.

"Maybe put some signs up and advertise one way system on Facebook next time?

"Can’t expect the organisers to marshal parking throughout the whole village, but maybe some tips could be put on Facebook leading up to the event."

Worcester News has contacted event organisers for comment, but they have yet to respond.