The Assembly Leamington Spa reviews by real event-goers
Reviews of The Assembly in Leamington Spa
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Showing the latest reviews from all events held at The Assembly.
Review of The Saw Doctors
Great night, packed venue , the guys really on top of their game. If you've never seen the Saw Doctors live then put it on your buck*t list cos for my money there is not a better party gig than this. Great craig, great music , Laughs , Tears and a finale to take your breath away. Bring on next year!
Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
Much better venue than last year, though still seemed like it could benefit from a bigger place or the layout of stalls improved within the assembly. The assembly itself is a fantastic place to have in Leamington and great to be back there after over a year of hoping for a good band to play there (to our taste) that never came. In that year it has become a little tired with scuffed wallpaper and furniture, and dirty carpets that we were literally sticking to (presumably from much spilt beer!)
As someone has pointed out there wasn't much room in the aisles between stalls, and I saw several wheelchairs/pushchairs struggling to get through. Stalls were well laid out however, but there could have been less 'illustrators' and a more varied selection of merchandise such as more general gift/souvenir stalls. It would have been great to see some more like the cool handmade jewellery one. At other CCons I have seen people spending a lot of money on film/tv/comic posters, dvds, books, gifts etc. Unless you are a die hard comic fan with a knowledge of all the graphic designers, illustrators, writers names, there wasn't much else with a bit more general appeal.
On arrival our group all had circulation-restricting pink writst bands fitted, and it was nice to be greeted by someone with a smile at the door and as we left. As a lot may have found, it was a cold day so we arrived bundled in coats then found it stifling inside (goodness knows how some of the people in heavy costumes coped!) We were pleased to find a cloakroom but not pleased that there was a £1 charge for someone to look after your coat for you, having already spent a lot on tickets. Please lose this charge! It was FANTASTIC to hear some classic film scores such as Superman, The Rocketeer, being played on loudspeaker throughout, and at just the right volume!
There were several announcements whilst we were there, with talks/events happening in 10 minutes etc. We waited near the stage for something to happen for quite a while but nothing did. Later another event was announced but nothing happened. We were disappointed the next day to see pictures of the talks that had actually occured, but in some mystery room we never knew existed!! I saw people in costume coming and going from the side of the stage occasionally, and assumed it was a changing room or some private back stage area. There were small signs around the venue but that one obviously didn't give us the clear message it was an area we could access. The announcements should have made it clear where the talks were taking place. This detail may have been in the programme book I saw people with. However, we didn't purchase one with the expense of the day already more than expected.
The stage itself seemed a large empty space in a crammed room, could the stage be used for talks next year? The small table of refreshments upstairs seemed an odd location for it when there was a bar with facilities to chill food and drink, and seating areas which was closed off in an already packed venue. I realise alcohol may not have been suitable at this event, but the actual room could surely have been used somehow to cater for these requirements?
All in all, we enjoyed our trip but some little details could make the experience so much better for next time. The fact we have a Comic Con at all in Leamington is fantastic, and you could see how hard work it must be for the team of ran it so well done them!
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
Really enjoyed Comic Con, it was better than I expected and super that lots of people were really having a great time, everyone who dressed up made it extra special, and the kids were having so much fun. Lots of diversity, not just comics. They photo booths were great, my grandson loved dressing up and we ended up with a couple of smashing photos.
Tickets were quite expensive, but children going free helped out a great deal. A break out sit down area so that everyone could sit and chat would have been a great addition and people would stay longer if more events throughout the day. Some of the graphic artists could give talks about their work on stage that would be a great pull for future events.
If you could also get an actor or two like the larger events it would put the event on the big map.
Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
Unfortunately the published opening time @ 10:30 am was delayed until 11:00 without explanation. This left a queue of people outside in cold temperatures for 30 minutes longer than should have been the case. Pre-paid ticket holders were not allowed access until their receipts had been checked on a list, this was painstakingly slow as attendees who were purchasing tickets on the day were gaining access quicker than those who had paid online, (in some cases - 6 months), before the date of the event! The venue did not have any space available to allow people to queue inside, I.e., out of the cold weather, staff seemed rushed and more intent on selling programmes than getting their customers out of the cold.
Once inside, it was quickly apparent that the size of the venue was too small for the numbers attending. Wheelchair users could not have had a stress free visit as gangways between trade stands were not generous. The venue for iCosplay in the Basement was also very limited for space. Refreshments and seating areas to consume any food, (given that the event ran from 11:00am to 17:30pm), also needs more thought, menu choices were limited to cold drinks, crisps, sandwiches, confectionary and biscuit bars/biscuits.
On the plus side and there were plenty of plus's despite the above,.., the iCosplay Team were great,.. Informative, enthusiastic and welcoming - they made the day really, along with all the trade/artist exhibitors who couldn't have been more helpful.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
after a slightly chaotic entry to the venue it was a fairly good small con,perhaps a few more things going on on stage for next year ,but none the less for a small event in its second year it was pretty good & well attended.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
We went along to the afternoon session which was much quieter than the morning from what we heard. However my son loved it, it was a good introduction to the world of Comic Con and Cosplay.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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Review of Leamington Comic Con 2015
Priority ticket holders were guaranteed prior entry to the event before those paying on the door but with the event falling behind schedule, doors finally opened at about 11.05am. With just one person checking off names, Priority entry was abandoned and those without tickets were rushed in, leaving us advance ticket holders being left outside in the cold long after all of those paying on the door. When I approached a Con steward at the door and explained that two people in my party were disabled and this was grossly unfair, I was asked "What would you like me to do about it? I don't know what you expect me to do".
In response, I asked that Priority entry should be fulfilled but this request was denied. They refused to stop admitting people in order to concentrate on priority entry and as a result we finally gained entry 15 minutes after all 200 or so in the regular queue without tickets had been admitted. As I continued to ask for fairness to prevail, I was asked to point out the location of my disabled party in the queue which sounded promising, as though we would receive some much needed assistance but I was then simply told to return to them, which was frankly insulting.
Having eagerly purchased group tickets over 6 months ago, purely on the grounds of guaranteed early bird entry (ideal for a disabled party), it tarnished the day for my group who were too fatigued to fully enjoy the rest of the day.
Ironically, a separate group (of able bodied people) in the queue were discussing taking the issue to a small claims court. Turns out they only purchased their advance tickets a week before the event. Compared to my own situation, their quibble was minor but it just goes to show the strength of disappointment amongst Priority entry ticket holders.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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