ideal home exhibition

eshalot2004

reese wrote: »

Hi, anyone have any further info on the free ticket - does it allow daytime or evening entry, weekday or weekend, is it in the April issue and if so which page?

Thank you.

We could not find the free ticket either so phoned the marketing manager of the magazine. Apparenly its only ok certain areas..... Midlands was one. Anyway when I sounded sad she kindly offered to post me a ticket ! Which she did .... mind you as the others have said it's not worth making an effort as the exhibition is so poor compared to other years.

reese

eshalot2004 wrote: »

We could not find the free ticket either so phoned the marketing manager of the magazine. Apparenly its only ok certain areas..... Midlands was one. Anyway when I sounded sad she kindly offered to post me a ticket ! Which she did .... mind you as the others have said it's not worth making an effort as the exhibition is so poor compared to other years.

I have tried about 12 newsagents (Anglesey/Bangor) and have been unable to find it and had come to the conclusion that it must be regional!

Regards

GG63

Went yesterday. I thought last year's was quiet but it was a riot compared to yesterday. You can see it's been scaled down the last few years and not sure why that would be. Had plenty of Thai ginger soup and ice cream from the Vita Mix demos. Free nibbles of cheese and sausages but all rather lame compared to the old days.

It used to be such a big show but rather sad how it's declined lately. You do wonder if it will continue. I did overhear one of the stall holders say it should alternate every year with the NEC.

On the plus side, it's so uncrowded that you can move about easily and no more queuing to get in show houses but not good for the traders I know. I also wonder if some of the traders are open to a bit of haggling. I wasn't brave enough.

bisto44

reese wrote: »

I have tried about 12 newsagents (Anglesey/Bangor) and have been unable to find it and had come to the conclusion that it must be regional!

Regards

Hi

Try the london stations on your way if you cant get the right magazines

We went to the show yesterday. We looked in six shops in and around chesterfield, the same morning, and the day before, all had the £2 mag without a cover and without the ticket. shop owners said the one with the cover on was like the first edition as such, the shops are then sent out a later edition and have to return the first ones.
Off we went thinking no chance of ever getting the tickets. Went in WHS at St Pancras they had loads of the cover/tickets mags we weres so pleased. Also had them at Kings cross and at a big magazine stall just outside Kings Cross so dont give up hope. There are some out there!:j

dawn27

for those dissapointed with the Ideal Home show
The Grand Designs live is coming to the Excel london 25th april-4th may

I have just got tickets through Tesco clubcard deals £4.50 in deal vouchers per ticket, you have to order your deal vouchers before 10th April (Tickets are £15.00 on the door) but just looking at the website it looks like it will be much better than the ideal home show

http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=822

grand designs
http://www.granddesignslive.com/home

Lindy-Lou_2

Following my earlier post, I forgot to mention that I have seen the magazine around in London, loads in my local Sainsbury's in plastic packaging - so if you are coming suggest you try JS or maybe WHS at the mainline station.

Incidentally, had to ring an exhibitor of a stand today and was told that last year they did pretty well but this year they will lose £1000's - they are so disheartened but have to stay to make any sales possible. It is only a small company that is probably struggling in the recession, so although we are disappointed with a day out, I guess many of the small businesses could stop trading due to losses they are going to incur - you can bet EDF won't be bothered as they have sold their spaces and covered their costs I wonder if the profit EDF make will be ploughed back and help reduce elec/gas costs - I think not somehow.

Thanks Dawn for the info on Grand Designs Live may give it a try!

Lindy-Lou

tigergold

You did a great summary Lindy.
Martins news letter has a link for FREE grand design tickets.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-days-out#grand

Trust_2

ok just read through the posts,
I have just got given a couple of tickets and was going this weekend, then I saw the parking prices (£25 per day!), of course that is if we last that long in there!,
Any cheaper places close by for parking?
Probably Sunday (If that makes a difference!)

Lindy-Lou_2

Parking in London - check the football matches around - Chelsea and Fulham!! You maybe better parking in a side street near a tube station and taking the underground. If I can help let me know.

Tigergold thank you so much - have order 4 tickets - just used a different email and address - lol.

Interesting - if you went last year and gave any exhibitors your address be warned that instead of paying to attend this year, they are sending you promotional material - wise move on their part. However, one exhibitor sent me bumf and put his stand no on for this year and I can't even find it on the IH map!!

Lindy-Lou

GG63

Parking is a nightmare in that part of London. Though a few years ago I did manage to find a parking meter space for which I might have paid 6 to 8 pounds (can't remember) very near to the venue. That lasted all afternoon until it goes to free parking (after 6?).

The thing is trying to find somewhere that isn't resident's parking only. There is street parking available but be prepared to part with a tenner at least for the pleasure. Public transport is so much cheaper but appreciate if you have heavy bulky items to transport home then a car is more convenient.