Spectators complain of parking chaos at Caernarfon festival lightshow

Richard Evans, local democracy reporter

Spectators in Caernarfon claim they were turned away from attending a light show due to parking confusion.

The multi-media event, the About Us Light Show, is one of several special shows staged across the UK

Organised by 59 Productions, the event saw Caernarfon Castle and the surrounding buildings lit up as part of a spectacular mapping-projection show during the  past week.

The shows are part of the UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK series of events, taking spectators on a journey through the ages.

But the Local Democracy Reporting Service received complaints and readers’ photos showing parking chaos.

And one mum claimed she was turned away from the town’s multi-storey car park, despite it being empty, leading to some drivers parking in inappropriate spots.

Let down

Bethan Jones from Caernarfon said: “Me and my friends had six young children with us.  We drove into the multi-storey car park only to be stopped by a man with a clipboard stating only residents and those with a permit were allowed to park there.

“I voiced my opinion saying how utterly ridiculous it was that people were being told they were not allowed to use a multi-storey car park on such a busy night.

“Whilst driving out through the car park, I counted a total of three cars parked in the multi-storey. This was 8.30 pm, and people were in a panic trying to look for a parking spot.

“We had friends outside the town in the end and had to walk back towards the town along with a large number of other people. Whilst the show itself was spectacular, on the way back we spotted people had parked everywhere leading from behind the Black Boy towards Morrisons.

“We felt so let down that a massive opportunity to make money via the car park was turned down.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesman said, “A number of car-parks are available for those visiting the town, and we would urge motorists to make full use of these facilities.

“We have not received concerns about motorists being turned-away from the multi-storey car-park in the town. We are aware that the event organisers have employed stewards in the area who offer advice to motorists.”

59 Productions were contacted for a comment.