Current:Home > MyWilly Wonka experience in Glasgow that went viral, caused mayhem is set to debut in the US -Blueprint Wealth Network
Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow that went viral, caused mayhem is set to debut in the US
View
Date:2025-04-14 15:21:24
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! (3964)
Related
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- NFL playoff picture: Packers leap into NFC field, Chiefs squander shot at lead for top seed
- Sylvester Stallone returns to Philadelphia for inaugural 'Rocky Day': 'Keep punching!'
- Michigan takes over No. 1 spot in US LBM Coaches Poll after Georgia's loss
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Leading candy manufacturer Mars Inc. accused of using child labor in CBS investigation
- The death toll from a mining tragedy in South Africa rises to 13 after a worker dies at a hospital
- Consider a charitable gift annuity this holiday. It's a gift that also pays you income.
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Ted Koppel on the complicated legacy of Henry Kissinger
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Queen Bey's 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé' reigns at the box office with $21M opening
- 50 Fascinating Facts About Jay-Z: From Marcy to Madison Square
- Live updates | Israel’s military calls for more evacuations in southern Gaza as it widens offensive
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Pilots flying tourists over national parks face new rules. None are stricter than at Mount Rushmore
- Paris stabbing attack which leaves 1 dead investigated as terrorism; suspect arrested
- The Challenge's Ashley Cain Expecting Baby 2 Years After Daughter Azaylia's Death
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Global warming could cost poor countries trillions. They’ve urged the UN climate summit to help
How to stage a Griswold-size Christmas light display without blowing up your electric bill
White House warns Congress the US is out of money, nearly out of time to avoid ‘kneecap’ to Ukraine
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Ryan Reynolds Didn't Fumble This Opportunity to Troll Blake Lively and Taylor Swift
Woman, 65, receives bloodless heart transplant, respecting her Jehovah's Witness beliefs
Peruvian rainforest defender killed returning from environmental workshop