to think that this is real CFery?!

[PyongyangKipperbang]

My 50th soon, having a get together at the local pub. I am paying for the entertainment but as it isnt a private function room I said that I was happy for anyone in the pub to join in. Usually arent that many after 9 as it is food led.
All good.

Except I open my FB two days ago to see that the landlord has announced that "WE (note the we) are holding a Bonkers Bingo evening on Saturday so come down!" it isnt bingo but that will do. I am REALLY pissed off!

I didnt mind if anyone was already there but he is using the entertainment I am paying for to get more people in! If he had asked and maybe worded it differently I might have been ok with it, although probably not to be honest. But its the sheer cheekiness of the way he is implying that they have put this on!

Then I saw another regular tonight at work and apparently he mentioned it in the same way after their quiz night, regular also thought that that was cheeky.

Thing is, I am not very good at confrontation and dont want a bad atmosphere on Saturday. Regular will be in tomorrow (I am at work) and will make it known that I am not happy. The least he could do if offer to contribute towards the (high) cost of the entertainment!

I am thinking of replying to the FB post along the lines of "Oh, I didnt realise that you were paying for my birthday entertainment! Thanks!" and my sister has just ordered the most ridiculously large balloon thing. Oh and the guy running the entertainment is a friend and I know he will make a big thing of him being there for my birthday.

This is already outing so surely you can tell us what it is?

Context would be helpful as pp said it it's karaoke then I don't think its a big deal.

It is a big deal though-it’s one thing for people you would invite anyway and random strangers off Facebook

And completely different for random strangers sorry

Comment on the Facebook post?
If you were that bothered you would speak to them before Saturday? Bit strange

I can kind of see it - you did say you were fine for anyone to join.

however the landlady said it is quiet after 9. So publicising it is a bit much! If when you get there it is not quiet after 9 then I would be taking it up with them and showing them print outs of the Facebook post.

I too think you're going to have to make time to phone them op

I think you should speak to the LLady and explain what has happened.

On a practical note, ask her to put ‘Reserved’ signs on the tables near the entertainment/buffet. Or ‘reserved from 9pm’ if you’re starting a bit later. And make sure any food isn’t put out until you are ready for it.

Although 9 is late enough as it is I'd push the start time back by half an hour, or even an hour if the start time is earlier but don't tell LLord. Anyone who turns up especially can get annoyed that it's not starting when advertised and he can't do anything about it.

I think you need to speak to the LLady today. It doesn’t matter whether it’s her fault or LLord, it’s their business so both need to be responsible.
Say that the whole thing is getting out of hand and your plan has been totally misunderstood and you are mortified and they will need to pay for half of the evening if everyone and his wife are turning up (obviously will mean they make a lot more on drinks etc).
It needs sorting today otherwise this will be eating you up and will ruin your evening.

How many people were you thinking (as an estimate) would come?
if not crazy amounts I would just book somewhere else, private room and catering.

Very CF
Hope it works out!

Cancel and book elsewhere

Cancel, book elsewhere and invite those who would be at the pub anyway so they will also not be there!

Dear LL - just heard through the grapevine that you're advertising an event at the pub on X date. I guess you must have double booked the venue or I got the wrong date? But no worries - I'm sure I can find another venue. Hope your evening guess well.

I’d screen grab the Fb post and send it to the llady saying “I think there may be some crossed wires? My understanding was I was paying for x activity for my birthday celebration so have invited family and friends to take part. I didn’t want to prevent regulars coming but wasn’t anticipating my birthday activity being advertised as open for all.”

see what her response is and go from there.

I'd not be happy at all, but, did he charge you for using his pub for your party? If not, then he might assume ( wrongly ) it's okay because you havnt paid him anything