[PommieGeezette]

We attended the "UKFest" on Sunday June 8th, and found it to be the biggest waste of money we have ever spent. To charge an entry fee of $18 per person creates a certain level of expectation that, quite frankly, certainly was not met on the day. Having lived in the UK for 30 years of my life, I failed to see any real authenticity or effort in relation to many of the "exhibits". The British style "pub" was simply a large room with two union jack flags on the wall, a sad and lonely karaoke machine to one side, and a hole in the wall to receive over-priced frozen fish and chips and cans of beer. The main hall resembled an elderly citizens club with a complete lack of atmosphere, no decorations and even a completely un-related Australian company trying to sell real estate in one corner. Where was the covent garden style market selling "Fashion, Gifts, Jewellery, Beauty, Sport & Travel Products"???? I will give credit to Rob's butcher store as he at least went to an effort to serve up authentic English fare, but where were the tables and chairs to eat our lunch?? Upon arrival, the blonde lady who manned the entrance area even attempted to charge us an entrance fee for our 15 month old baby!! Even the "bouncer" who stood beside her scoffed and informed her that was not appropriate and she should not charge us for our baby. The same blonde lady was quite rude to us upon leaving as we politely offered our opinion of the day. I was horrified to hear the F word used twice by this lady, in front of ourselves and others with small children around us. Completely unsatisfactory. If this event claims to be 3 years in the making, I would suggest that 2 years, 11 months and 3 weeks have been spent twiddling their thumbs. Maybe the final week little effort went in to creating a 2nd rate, over-priced festival.
I would really like to know the procedure for refunding our entrance fee!!!
I would also be interested in hearing other opinions of the day. We totally agree with the comments from "WelshInMelbourne"!!