Minecraft Meet-up In Peterborough Described As 'awful'

Minecraft meet-up in Peterborough described as 'awful'

14 September 2015

Minecraft gamers' parents are furious at the incessant queues and lack of activities at an unofficial convention.

Around 4,100 people attended MineVention Saturday at the Peterborough Arena to meet stars players and play games.

But dozens of people said they queued for hours to meet idols and eat food, and are demanding refunds.

Organiser Lisa O'Brien said the queues were too long, and she would issue a statement about refunds in due course.

The event, which is not endorsed or associated with Minecraft developer Mojang, started in Ireland, and this was its first time in the UK.

TV presenter

It was a chance for Minecraft fans to meet famous YouTubers, take photographs, and play games.

The event featured Jason Bradbury, TV's Gadget Show host, and encouraged viewers to dress up as Steve, the game's protagonist, to attempt a world record.

It was then criticized by social media users for its long queues, insufficient food and merchandise stalls, as well as lack of activities for fans.

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

Another parent said that she waited 45 minute to get a drink and that there was nothing for her to do. Another parent called the BBC to report that her son was crying all the way home because of the terrible queues.

Some posted on Facebook, however, that they left happy, with one saying: "I thought you put on a great event for PS15."

Lisa O'Brien, of O'Brien Event Management, said she did "sympathise with parents, as we all have children". She stated that queues were 45-minutes too long because of the large number people who came on the day and not buying tickets in advance.
Gaming

She claimed that the convention had never been held on this scale before and that some official merchandise was not delivered in time for the event.

She stated that organizers had "taken into account everyone's comments, suggestions" and would be meeting in order to fix any problems. A further statement would be made on Monday evening.

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MineVention

Peterborough Arena