Organisers disappointed to turn visitors away from Himley Winter Lights
Hundreds of visitors were left disappointed after an event at Himley Hall was cancelled at the last minute.
More than 700 visitors were due to attend the Winter Lights event at the stately home, in Dudley, on Sunday.
But the car park was left unsafe and unfit for use after about 1,000 cars arrived at the hall during a two-hour downpour on Saturday.
Despite efforts from staff from Himley Hall and Countrywide Events to repair the car park and make alternative arrangements, they agreed it was impossible to admit the public due to the condition of grounds, which led to the event being cancelled at the last minute.
Zoe Worth, of Countrywide Events, said: "Due to heavy rain on Saturday evening, it caused damage to the main car park.
"Discussions on Sunday morning between Countrywide Events and Himley Hall led to a decision to cancel Sunday evening of the Winter Lights as there was no alternative suitable car parking area.
"All customers were sent an email directly to their order email addresses at 1pm on Sunday to inform them of the cancellation and all Sunday evening refunds will be processed in due course.
"We are disappointed people could not visit the event on the Sunday. We had almost 2,000 customers over Friday and Saturday."
Staff from both Countrywide Events and Himley Hall remained on site during Sunday evening for four hours to explain the situation to visitors who had not received an email.
Organisers have since apologised for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected cancellation.
