by Johnny Wizz » Aug 20th, '10, 14:04
Mandrakes advice and observations are spot on. The whole thing, if approached the wrong way is an exhausting affair. I did my first Blackpool last year and over did it. Result - I never did get to the Ruskin which by all accounts is the real highlight of the weekend, I didn't see either of the Gala Shows all the way through and I didn't network like I had wanted to.
This year I shall have my first pint of the weekend scheduling in the things I must do and make sure I get to all of those. I will make sure that I take food at some stage, if only to blot up the beer! And most importantly I will really try to get to meeet the Talk Magicers who go there.
With regard to accommodation I will be using the Blackpool Central Travelodge. They have rooms at £29 for the Friday and Sunday and £35 for Saturday. This is room only, you can get breakfast (and dinner of sorts) there but there are a couple of local cafes that frankly do a better deal. As Travelodges go it is OK. The rooms are clean comfortable and adequate. It does suffer from being over a night club but that was only open on the Saturday night this year, February is not high season even in Blackpool!!
It is also in very easy walking distance of the Winter Gradens being situated on Talbot Square, and some of the rooms even have a sea view. If you are booking more than one night and want to take their saver rates (the £39 and £35) you have to book the three nights seperately. This is just a foible in the Travelodge booking system and doesn't cause any problems when you get there.
Car parking is not good, I believe that there is a multi story quite close by, I am going by train again with a firm resolution not to lose my luggage this year!!
As I have posted elsewhere, I had resolved immediately after my first visit that it would be my last. But with hindsight it is such a terrific event that you feel all magiced out after the event, but that doesn't last!!