Lit fest lovers line up – but
LITERATURE lovers queued for several hours as tickets for one of the country’s biggest book festivals went on sale.
Members had lined up at Cheltenham Town Hall in anticipation of star names such as presenter Stephen Fry and former cricket player Sir Ian Botham, who are scheduled to appear at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October.
But because a planned online booking system was not yet up and running, more than 100 fans were left waiting from 8am in a bid to secure their seats.
It meant members, who pay at least Pounds 15 a year for priority access, were faced with a deli-style queuing system – picking a ticket and waiting until their number was called.
One man, who did not want to be named, said his girlfriend was late for work after waiting several hours to buy tickets.
He said: “It is the same chaotic mess. There were only three people on the desk serving.
“We pay Pounds 25 for the privilege of queuing all morning when most people have to go to work.”
Tickets remain on sale to members this week and go on general sale on Monday.
Bosses at Cheltenham Festivals admitted they were disappointed the members’ internet booking system had not been ready in time. However, bosses pledged that online sales of tickets would be available when the public sale period began next week.
Donna Renney, chief executive of Cheltenham Festivals, said: “We had hoped to have a new box office system to cope with this demand, but regrettably this has not yet been possible.
“This means we are entering the priority sales period without a members’ online booking service.
“We understand that this is far from ideal, but hope our members are able to benefit from the improved booking experience at the Town Hall itself.”
Mrs Renney said this year would be the biggest literature event to date.
Last year, festival fans criticised the Town Hall’s box office system when they were made to wait three hours to buy a priority ticket.
Other big names who will attend this year’s event include model Jerry Hall, author Salman Rushdie and comedians Armstrong and Miller. Gary Nejrup, entertainment and business manager at Cheltenham Town Hall, said: “We have worked closely with Cheltenham Festivals to ensure the booking process runs as smoothly as possible and have put significant improvements in place.”
To cope with the demand, additional box office points and extra staff have been provided to cover telephone lines.
Opening hours have also been extended for the week.
Mr Nejrup said: “Customer experience is important so we are implementing a new queuing system and Cheltenham Festivals are providing complimentary refreshments for those who book in person.
“It’s a busy time, but I am confident the box office team will rise to the challenge and support the festival team in making this a great event for Cheltenham.”
The central theme for this year’s festival, which boasts more than 450 events, is dreams and nightmares.
Ranging from Blake and Coleridge to Frankenstein and Dracula, the festival will explore the literary power of the uncons
Other articles:
http://blog.rakball.net/dayup/2010/06/10/ur-energy-announces-cdn5000/
http://dayup.masandi.com/2010/06/11/10-of-the-best-first-aid-produ/
- Sin Comentarios
- Sin votos
- Reportar este Posteo
dayup2010
Ultimos Comentarios