Has Llandudno's Victorian Extravaganza had its day? Daily Post readers have their say

Daily Post readers are divided over the future of Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza , with some saying they were “disappointed” by the event this year.

Thousands of revellers enjoyed the three-day event in the town, but not everyone was happy.

Cafes and restaurant owners were furious that the organisers had allowed burger vans and other food sellers into the town, and that many had set up outside Llandudno food businesses.

Morgan Austin, who owns Johnny Dough’s Pizzas , said he was £4,000 down on takings because of the annual festival.

Here’s what you had to say on the Daily Post Facebook page :

‘Don’t spoil something amazing that obviously brings the community together’

Sonia Louise Hughes said: “I went yesterday. I’m sorry but it’s only once a year, please don’t spoil something amazing that obviously brings the community together. I saw many cafés full.”

Debra Stokes wrote: “It’s a load of rubbish. Only people making money is the fair people, should put fair on Bodafon Farm and steam engines around town and on prom. It was great the first couple of years but now it’s just overtaken by fair ground rides with high prices- need to get rid!”

Janet Marsh said: “Time to go – there’s nothing Victorian about it anymore it’s just one big noise fair ground. A lot of businesses do not benefit from it.”

David Cooper agreed: “Won’t be returning. Funfair was extortionate.”

Kelly Louise Millar said: “Noooo my family and I love this event. It’s the one time we enjoy a family day out! I’m sure it will shatter a lot of people if this is axed.”

Edward Murphy wrote: “My wife and I struggled to find a restaurant for our lunch, everyone was packed no seating anywhere. We wandered around and when we did find one we waited 45 minutes to be served.

“As a retired restaurant owner I would say if you’re not busy you’re doing something wrong. Look and learn.”

Crowds gathered to watch the spectacle in Llandudno
Crowds gathered to watch the spectacle in Llandudno

Sylvia Davies said: “My in-laws love Llandudno and as a treat we took them up last year unfortunately it was during this fair. It ruined our day. They were so tacky.”

Brian Gayther wrote: “We went after a break of about nine years, never again! Just one big fair ground. Just too many felt sorry for the shop owners and local people having to put up with the noise and mess. Used to be very good but now just a complete rip off! Never again.”

Angela Jones agreed: “I’ve been going to this event for years and I am truly disappointed. Each year there is more and more fair ground rides not like it used to be.”

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Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza 2017

Eirlys Roberts said: “Totally agree with you! It’s gone a money making thing now just the childrens rides! It’s had its day tbh.”

Dave Thorpe added: “Stop making it all about money.”

Mandy Lee Martin wrote: “I went with my hubby on Sunday, we were bitterly disappointed with the whole thing. It’s nothing to do with anything Victorian! We went expecting a Victorian type market etc and got a modern day funfair. The traction engines were the only old thing there. Won’t bother again.”

‘It’s the one time we absolutely will not go to Llandudno’

Gwyn Williams said: “It does seem a bit dumb allowing burger vans near already established food outlets, good ones at that and I know a lot of locals stay away when it’s on so the owner of the Cocoa House who said about ‘if you’re not local you won’t know we’re there’ is spot on.”

Brian Roberts said: “What a shame that some people want to ruin families enjoyment because they’re only thinking of their pocket.”

Kevin Alston wrote: “Just a travelling fairground parked in the street and way to expensive.”

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Has Llandudno’s Victorian Extravaganza had its day?


Jessica Roberts said: “It’s the one time we absolutely will not go to Llandudno! Avoid avoid avoid! Lived in Llandudno for 30 years and the extravaganza is an absolute rip off and time it was totally reworked!”

Pauline Williams wrote: “Lots of people look forward to the extravaganza, it shouldnt be scrapped. It does put the town on the map. I do however think the food vans selling burgers at extortionate prices need some sort of control. Usually local business, pubs etc do burgers and hot dogs outside for people, which is still keeping revenue in that town.”

Jamie McDaid said: “Only once a year, competition is good.”

Noot Noot wrote: “This is pathetic people will find any excuse to complain.”

Islwyn Jones said: “They should work together the event organisers and business proprietors. How else would you bring so many visitors to Llandudno ok the fairground was a bit expensive but with high costs of fuel insurance and possibly attendance fees the showmen must make a living.

“Was so nice to see individuals in period costumes and the steam engines and one of my favourite was the steam gallopers. Events like this should encouraged for future generations to enjoy.”

Sha Parry said: “I go to Llandudno on a regular basis, when the Victorian Extravaganza is on and when it is not on. I always tend to eat in the same places, we always use the food outlet at the beginning of the pier or use The Palladium or even Sub Way ect.

“There are enough people visiting throughout that weekend to make more than enough money for most places, he should be thankful that the town was heaving and bringing in tourism.

“The only negative comment I have about the weekend is the price of the fair rides, my neighbour took her four grandchildren and it cost her £12.00 for one ride for them all. I wish they would set up some kind of wristband system so everyone can enjoy the rides that for me was he only thing that spoils it.”

What do you think? Let us know by commenting below.

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