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Restoration Show 2018

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:39 am
by gazza82
Anyone go to the NEC over the weekend?

Anyone, like me, a bit disappointed with the reduction in size to only 3 halls? A lot of stands just didn't appear to be there this year ... :(

Re: Restoration Show 2018

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 3:59 pm
by suffolkpete
I was there all weekend with the Matra Enthusiasts' Club. I thought the number of visitors was well down on previous years

Re: Restoration Show 2018

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 6:41 pm
by Atodini
Is it any surprise?

The whole NEC experience these days is an expensive and unpleasant rip-off. In truth I would likely pay the money if the place was at least clean and well maintained but......

This is no way a criticism of the organisers or the contributors, who are frankly excellent but just the venue, which really sucks, which was why I nowadays give the NEC a miss.......

Despite the valiant efforts of all the contributors the place really is appalling. Parking is expensive and access in and out by road is inadequate. Took me 20 minutes just to get to the M42 leaving the last time I went, and even longer queuing to get in earlier - atrocious!

People like me who can't realistically get there by train (takes me 3 or 4 changes of train) are forced to go by road. And when you do eventually get in the facilities are terrible, a general aura of neglect, toilets filthy, NEC staff surly and unhelpful - and then there's the catering - overpriced and I've been to car boots with better food!

Used to be good at the NEC but whoever's running it these days is clearly only in it for the money. Problem for the organisers is that where else has the space for a show this size?

John

Re: Restoration Show 2018

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 6:42 am
by suffolkpete
Practical Classics' Facebook page said that attendance was 28,000, which they claimed was a record. I can endorse what you say about the venue. I arrived on Thursday as I had a display car and the electronic signs directed me to the wrong gate. Why is there never any hot water in the Gents? Those of us who've been working on cars need to wash our hands.

Re: Restoration Show 2018

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 10:06 am
by UKJeeper
I went. Wish I hadn't. 3.5 hour drive, £21 to get in, £12 to park, and TBH not enough inside to warrant the trip. Stayed for 2 hours, just to justify going, and left. Won't go again.

And on a side note, seeing Fuzz, who used to approachable and available, fenced in with 'handlers' using stopwatches to herd fans through for their 5 minutes reminded me of the scene from Space Jam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78GiehoqhrQ