In light of this thread I thought it was important to just give a quick bit of info before the main details go live early Dec:
Yes, it is at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Berks - more info here: http://www.coppidbeech.com/
Yes, it is aimed at a different niche to all the other weekenders so we don't see it as a 'competitive' weekender in that sense. In addition the date is set where it is for no other reason than to fit in with the hotel's other commitments. It is also 'reassuringly expensive', so by definition will not be a massive weekend with residential capacity at a max of around 350-400 - and all the accommodation is in the hotel itself.
All food is included, including a Saturday night gala dinner and the event is a partnership between the UTOPIA team and Bill & Becky Cooper of Ceroc TV.
Once the webpages go live it will show all of the teachers and Dj's and all of the teaching and DJing scedules as well as all the menu details in advance, so that people are fully informed before they make a booking.
Booking will be available by deposit initially and will be gender balanced with a balance payment due next April.
The event will allow check in for all accommodation from Fri at 2pm and the event will close at approx. 11pm Sun night.
Hope that answers some of your questions for the moment, but as I've mentioned, a very comprehensive set of webpages including all teaching and Djing schedules, food menus, accommodation details, location and ancillary leisure facilities along with an exhaustive FAQ will be launched early Dec.
And we're SO excited!
It depends on how the residential part goes first Ant. This is a big risk for us as I don't believe this type of weekend at the luxury end of the market where all of the accommodation is in the hotel has been tried before. We therefore have to make sure that the rooms are fully occupied to make the financials work first before considering additional booking alternatives.
I spent a terrible week in Camber once with a group (and kids) in caravans - the Haven Holiday camp, just down the road from Pontins.
The memory of that awful holiday (in high Summer) with the rank smell of chip fat blowing across the windy beach, has always put me off going to Bliss.
NB - All the kids loved it!
I appreciate everything you say and I wish the event every success.
I think it is a brave and innovative move.
I have stayed in the hotel and I must say it is very nice and I have attended nonMJ dances there and the venue has always had a good atmosphere. Good choice as far as I am concerned
Last edited by ant; 18th-November-2008 at 03:52 PM. Reason: ae
I've been to a lot worse! Let's face it, it doesn't matter what the town centre is like, this venue is 2 miles away anyway and you'll be having an amazing weekend of dancing in a luxury hotel.
Oh and with a direct train service from Waterloo to Bracknell, who cares at least you won't be stuck in a car for hours!
This is an interesting comment.
I spent 18 years as a national account manager and travelled the UK extensively, perhaps that's why I don't have a problem travelling 4 hrs for a free style.
You say Rugby is a dump? I would disagree as far as a town and a town centre is IMO has nice clean shops and is no worse or better than lots, iv had the privilege of visiting 'Rugby' school many times as this was one of my accounts its lovely and just on the edge of the town centre and makes very pleasant viewing as you drive past.
So which bit in your opinion are like a dump?
The cheapest available price for that weekend at present is £120 per person. But then you have the costs of the Ceroc staff on top and the food. I can't remember what I paid for the Swish weekend ( we had one of the top hotel rooms) but I expect this to be of a similar price. I'd much rather pay extra for this sort of a weekender, than go to Brean Sands for the Utopia experience. (I like my luxury now I'm getting on a bit)
Not to mention the Warner Breaks that have been running for many years.
But regardless of that, I hope it works out and I hope I can be there.
I don't mind staying in Pontins and similar, but I'd much rather stay in a nice hotel where I don't have to walk around in the rain to get to lessons, freestyle, bar, etc.
With regard to both Stewart's comment and yours Gav, I don't think either of the weekend events mentioned offer the accommodation only in the hotel. Generally they are a mix of hotel rooms and chalet/lodge with the accommodation outside of the main hotel being of a different standard to the main hotel. This is then obviously reflected in the respective pricing.
LUX is pure hotel accommodation with all the restaurants, cafe, bars and main leisure complex within the hotel and with all the 3 dance/tuition spaces all on the ground floor connected by the reception area. In fact, the only outside area is the sun balcony where, weather permitting, we will be enjoying many hours of alfresco dancing..
--ooOoo--
Age is a question of mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter
Leroy (Satchel) Paige (1906-1982)
Mickey Mouse's girlfriend, Minnie, made her film debut, along with Mickey, in "Steamboat Willie" on November 18, 1928.
That date is recognized as her official birthday.
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