Minecraft meet-up in Peterborough described as ‘awful’

14 September 2015

Parents of angry Minecraft gamers have taken to social media to voice their displeasure about “awful” queues and a lack to do during an unofficial convention.

About 4,100 people were at MineVention at the Peterborough Arena on Saturday to meet the stars and take part in games.

However, many said they waited for hours to meet idols or eat food , and demanded refunds.

Organiser Lisa O’Brien said the queues were long, and she’d issue a statement regarding refunds in the near future.

The event, which is not associated or endorsed by Minecraft developer Mojang was first announced in Ireland, and this was the first time it took place in the UK.

TV presenter

It offered players of the global gaming phenomenon Minecraft which allows players to build various objects using cubic blocks – the opportunity to meet the world’s most famous “Youtubers” and take photos and play games.

The event was hosted by Jason Bradbury, TV’s Gadget Show host, and urged participants to dress as Steve, the game’s protagonist, to attempt a world record.

However, it was also criticized on social media for long queues, lack of food and merchandise stalls and other issues.

Vicky Abraham shared on Facebook that she waited with her five-year-old son for over an hour and just 30 seconds on a computer.

Another parent claimed she waited 45 minutes to get water bottles and said the experience was “appalling” with “naff-all to do”. Another parent contacted the BBC to inform them that they left after half an hours because of the long lines and her son was “crying throughout the journey to home.”

Some people shared on Facebook that they were pleased with the event. One of them saying: “I thought your event was great for PS15.”

Lisa O’Brien, of O’Brien Event Management, said she did “sympathise with parents, since we all have children”. She claimed that the queues were 45 minutes long due to the number of people who showed up on the day, rather than purchasing tickets in advance.

She stated that the convention was unprecedented in its size and that some official merchandise did not arrive in time for the event to be held.

She said that the organizers had “taken into consideration all suggestions, comments and suggestions” and would be meeting in order to resolve any issues. A second statement will be made on Monday evening.

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MineVention

Peterborough Arena