London Film & Comic Con July 2022

Essay

I am hoping someone can offer me some advise.  In 2020 I bought my brother a special birthday present - a Diamond Pass to meet Clark Gregg at the London Film & Comic Con.  This would have allowed him to meet Clark, get a photo and autograph.  It cost £166 (plus booking fees) but this did not include entry to the show; there is no options to buy the entry together with the Diamond Pass.  Showmasters, who run the event, stress that it is imperative that you buy an entry ticket early as, if they sell out, your Diamond Pass will be null and void and you will not be refunded.

Just before the date Clark pulled out of the show.  This had nothing to do with COVID (it was before that all kicked off).  Showmasters refused to refund any entry fees but said the Diamond Pass would roll over.

Clark then cancelled again (again not COVID) - another wasted entry fee (which by the way is £25).  Again Showmasters refused to refund any entry fees.  They stated Clark would be attending July 2022 so another £25 ticket was purchased.

I have just had an email from them saying he has pulled out once again (due to other work commitments) but would be here in November (heard that one before!!).  I already have my £25 entry ticket which is now useless as Clark was the only reason my brother was going.  Showmasters are refusing to refund the entry fee and saying the Diamond Pass will roll over to November 2022.  They have said they will give me vouchers but I don't want them.

I think this is false advertising - they wait until the entry tickets are sold then cancel the celebrities.  I can't keep paying for entry tickets on the off chance he decides to come over but don't want to waste my £162.

Is there anything I can do?  I know there are hundreds (if not thousands) of disgruntled Showmasters customers.  There are loads of celebrities who keep cancelling at the last moment once expensive Passes have been sold (Robbie Coltrane is just another example).

I know I am too late to claim on my credit card but any suggestions would be welcome.  Many thanks.

user1977

I would say it's a date-specific ticket (whether or not it includes the basic entry fee) and you'd be entitled to a refund if they cancel or postpone.