Had a bad experience at an event? Leaving a review is one of the most effective things you can do. A honest, well-written review helps other fans make informed decisions, puts pressure on organisers to improve, and creates a public record of what happened. Here is how to write one that makes a difference.
This guide covers how to write fair, honest reviews. Remember that reviews must be truthful -- defamatory statements can have legal consequences.
Why reviews matter
Reviews have real power in the events industry. They influence:
- Other fans' decisions -- People read reviews before buying tickets. Your experience helps them decide whether to attend or stay away.
- Organiser reputation -- A pattern of negative reviews affects an organiser's ability to attract audiences and venues.
- Platform accountability -- Reviews of ticketing platforms help fans choose where to buy.
- Future improvements -- Constructive criticism can prompt organisers to address genuine problems.
Where to leave a review
- Google Reviews -- Search for the venue or organiser on Google and leave a review. Highly visible and widely read.
- Trustpilot -- Particularly useful for reviewing ticketing platforms. Trustpilot reviews often appear in search results.
- Facebook -- Leave a review on the venue's or organiser's Facebook page.
- TripAdvisor -- Relevant for venues and festival sites that are listed as attractions.
- Social media -- A detailed post on Twitter/X or Instagram reaches both the organiser and other fans.
- The ticketing platform -- Some platforms, including Tickts, allow attendees to leave feedback about events they attended.
How to write an effective review
Be factual
Stick to what actually happened. "The sound system failed for 30 minutes during the headliner" is much more useful (and legally safer) than "the whole event was a scam". Specific facts are harder to dismiss than general complaints.
Be specific
Include details: the event name, date, venue, and what specifically went wrong. Vague complaints like "it was rubbish" do not help other fans or prompt change.
Be balanced
If any aspects of the event were good, mention them. A balanced review is more credible than one that is entirely negative. "The support act was excellent, but the headline set was cut short by 40 minutes" is more convincing than "everything was terrible".
Explain the impact
Help readers understand how the problem affected your experience. "The obstructed view meant I could only see half the stage" is more impactful than "my view was bad".
Include evidence
If you have photos or videos that illustrate the problem, include them. Visual evidence makes a review much more compelling.
State the outcome
If you complained and received (or did not receive) a response, include that in the review. "I contacted the organiser for a refund and received no response after 3 weeks" tells other fans what to expect.
What not to do
- Do not make false statements -- Reviews must be honest. Making claims you know to be untrue could expose you to a defamation claim.
- Do not name individual staff members -- Criticise the organisation, not specific employees (unless their conduct was genuinely relevant and you are stating facts).
- Do not use abusive language -- It undermines your credibility and platforms may remove the review.
- Do not post in the heat of the moment -- Wait a day. A review written calmly is more effective than one written in anger.
Defamation: a quick note
In the UK, an honest review expressing your genuine opinion is protected. Under the Defamation Act 2013, honest opinion is a defence. The key requirements are:
- The statement is clearly an opinion, not presented as fact.
- The opinion is honestly held.
- It is based on facts that are stated or known.
Sticking to provable facts and clearly labelling opinions ("in my view", "I felt that") keeps you on safe ground.
Reviews as part of the bigger picture
Reviews complement formal complaints. A complaint seeks a personal remedy (a refund). A review creates public accountability. Both are important. At Tickts, we encourage honest feedback because it helps the entire ecosystem -- organisers learn what works, fans learn what to expect, and the overall quality of events improves.
Summary
A well-written review after a bad event is factual, specific, balanced, and includes evidence. Post on Google, Trustpilot, and social media for maximum visibility. Stick to the truth, avoid personal attacks, and write when you have had time to think clearly. Your review helps other fans, holds organisers accountable, and contributes to a better live events experience for everyone.