Your questions answered

When and where is the BIG GIG 2008?

The BIG GIG 2008 will take place on Saturday 18 October 2008, at the NEC Arena, Birmingham.

What time?

Afternoon concert:

Doors open – 12.45
Concert begins – 14.15
Concert ends – 16.45

Evening concert:

Doors open – 17.45
Concert begins – 19.15
Concert ends – 21.45

When do the tickets go on sale and how do I get my hands on them?

The BIG GIG 2008 is now sold out. Everyone who applied for tickets should have heard whether they were successful or not. If you haven't heard anything, please email The Ticket Factory.
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT REFUNDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

I have another ticketing enquiry.

For any further ticketing enquiries, please call 0800 358 0058 or email groups@theticketfactory.com .

When will I get my tickets?

If you have been successful you should have received your tickets by now. If you haven’t heard anything from the Ticket Factory at the NEC Arena please email groups@theticketfactory.com.

We've got a downloadable PDF that shows you the seating plan of the NEC arena.

How do I get to the NEC Arena?

Getting there and away:

By rail
The NEC Arena is served by Birmingham International station, connected by a covered bridge link. London is only 90 minutes away and trains also run direct to many regional towns and cities.

By road
Birmingham is at the hub of the UK motorway network, enabling visitors to travel directly from the M6, M1, M40 and M42.

By air
Birmingham International Airport is conveniently situated a few minutes from The NEC Arena.

We recommend that if you are travelling long distances, that you apply for tickets to attend the afternoon concert, and local members or those staying overnight in the area attend the evening performance.

What are the facilities for coach parking like?

The NEC has excellent coach parking facilities. Its own on-site car and coach parks are situated in the immediate vicinity. Coach parking costs £10.00 and can be pre-booked using the booking form. Car parking cannot be pre-booked.

Where can I get more information about the NEC Arena?

For more information on the NEC Arena check out their website at:

www.necgroup.co.uk

Which artists will be performing at this year’s BIG GIG?

Watch the BIG GIG website for announcements on the artists that will be performing at the BIG GIG 2008!

We anticipate that the line-up will be the same for both shows.

How can I get an artist to perform at the BIG GIG 2008?

We constantly monitor our BIG GIG message board for your suggestions. We can’t promise anything but we can try!

Who can attend the BIG GIG?

Girlguiding UK’s BIG GIG is an event exclusively for Girlguiding UK members aged ten and over.

Can I go backstage?

Enter our competition for your chance to win a trip backstage to meet the stars! Please note that these are the only circumstances under which we will allow backstage access.

Can I go on the stage?

Unfortunately it is not possible to have girls on stage to celebrate their achievements in guiding. However, if you do have an announcement such as a birthday, or girls that have achieved their Baden-Powell Challenge then email us their name, age, your unit name and their achievement and we will do our best to have the host announce it.

Is the BIG GIG a uniformed event?

No, the BIG GIG is not a uniformed event, so you can wear your party clothes!

Will you be able to put me in touch with other units coming from my area?

Unfortunately this is not possible due to data protection. We advise that you ask around at District meetings and speak to your own local contacts.

I have a question that you haven’t answered

If you have another question then you can email the BIG GIG team at biggig@girlguiding.org.uk.

Photography

Please note that there will be media attending this event and taking photographs and filming.

Where can we eat?

There will be a limited area for eating packed lunches in the Forum, adjacent to the NEC Arena (although no seating provision).  We would advise those coming by coach to eat any packed lunches on the coach as the space is limited.

• Prior to the shows, snacks and drinks will be available to purchase from within the Forum.
• Catering stalls will be open for purchasing food once inside the NEC Arena.

What cannot be taken into the BIG GIG?

The following items are not allowed in the NEC Arena and will be confiscated:

• Glass bottles
• Cans
• Large bottles of drink (small plastic bottles are ok)
• Flasks
• Balloons
• Flag or banner poles over 12” (banners will be at Security’s discretion)
• Laser pens
• Whistles
• Professional cameras, detachable lenses and audio/video recording equipment are not allowed in the NEC Arena.  Smaller digital and 35mm cameras can be taken.

Where can we buy our BIG GIG merchandise?

Official BIG GIG merchandise will be available for purchase within the NEC Arena and Forum.

We advise that you do not purchase items from illegal traders who may try to sell items to your unit before you enter the NEC Arena or Forum.  Please be aware that battery operated items bought from these traders may not meet UK safety standards, and some items may be confiscated at the entry doors if they are listed in the ‘What cannot be taken into the BIG GIG?’ section and/or are deemed as inappropriate or dangerous.