Billyboy Posted November 12, 2009 Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) FIRST POSTED IN EVENTS BUT MAYBE ITS BETTER POSTED HERE.... MARCH PRESTATYN A SUPERB WEEKENDER BUT...... A FAIR SPLIT OF THE ROOMS EH?? Hi All, Like most we need to start booking next years holidays from work. We never miss March Prestatyn but after last year we have to question whether to give this a miss for the very first time... Answers to a few very important questions will help our decision. 1. Will next year 2010 be a repeat of the totally unfair musical division of the quality rooms? Namely vinyl played in....Arena 1 Oldies... &.. Arena 2 Modern.... Whilst all other soul gendre was crammed in either The Queen Vic Pub or Tents....(either no seats, or little or no dance floor) day & night??? Redemption played great music but you could hardly hear it due to the boom boom boom from next door (and vice versa), a crap dance floor, nowhere to sit, stifling heat, very uncomfotable etc etc.. 2. Why was last years Arena1 so Oldies orientated? When all previous years Arena 1 welcomed The World's top DJ's who played awesome cutting edge music to a rammed packed appreciative audience & dance floor... Last year 2009... Arena1 was to be honest an Oldies Fest' ... 3. To hear any cutting edge top tunes from the UK's top DJ's we had to frequent The Queen Vic for the whole weekend? Carl & Maria Willingham's night a rammed packed 12 solid hours in a tent?? This excellent music should be as previous years integrated with all the top DJ's and should be played in Arena 1 ...OR ...Arena 2... NOT The Queen Vic or The Redemption Tent!! 4.Why should Arena 2 always be devoted to Modern??? Understandably this room should be dedicated on live artist nights but why the entire weekend? On many occasions 2008 & 2009 Arena 2 was very low in attendance whilst we are crammed in a no dance floor or a no seat tiny room or tent??? ........................................................................................................... THE THING IS IT WASN'T ALWAYS LIKE THIS ?? ....WHY SHOULD IT REMAIN LIKE IT??? TOP INDEMAND CUTTING EDGE TUNES ALWAYS USED TO BE PLAYED (INTEGRATED) INTO THE MAIN ARENA 1 MUSIC POLICY?? A constructive Arena 1 for 2010 (IMHO) would be - Thursday arrival evening session - Musical Mixture Top tune Floorfiller Oldies - 8.00 am...welcome to the weekend type tunes Friday afternoon - Dj's play time- whatever DJ's want to play... Friday evening - Oldies 8-12, Then Cutting edge Rare Lifeline indemanders 12 - 8.00am. Saturday afternoon - Dj's play time - whatever they want to play... Saturday evening - Live Acts - then Oldies till 2, Cutting edge Rare including Carl & Maria Night 2 - 8.00am. Sunday afternoon - Dj's play time... whatever DJ's like... till 8pm.. Sunday evening - Party night Oldies / Big tune Floorfillers- Good bye campers till close... PLUS ... A fair division of the use of Arena 2.... I cannot continually see why this has to be dedicated to the Modern fraternity for the ENTIRE WEEKEND? Sharing the main rooms gives everyone a chance to enjoy their facilities, listening to their personal musical taste, have a good dance, have a sit down and listen in comfort etc etc.The main Arena rooms 1 & Arena 2 should have a fair to all musical policy split....WE ALL PAY THE SAME MONEY?? Please let's not turn this into an Oldies Vs Rare Vs Modern topic. This is a fair split of rooms topic & I would appreciate everyone's opinions on this.. I think these very important points want airing NOW...so we all know where we stand..... Many of us need to book in advance.... Should we book this time off? We all need to plan & to budget ahead & lets face it we could all spend the dosh on a holiday in the sun OR on a different weekender??... Edited November 12, 2009 by Billyboy
Wayoutgirl Posted November 12, 2009 Posted November 12, 2009 Some good valid points brought up here and like you say the week end isn't cheap. Although personally I love the Redemption room, but the dance floor isn't ideal; with the jointed sections.Last year although it is always dark in there it seemed more so with the bottle bar not being open.Felt like blind Pugh on the dance floor but do feel it may lose its atmosphere if it were to change to the Modern Room
mrs soul Posted November 12, 2009 Posted November 12, 2009 I think thats a spot on post Bill, well thought out and very well written.
Jumpinjoan Posted November 12, 2009 Posted November 12, 2009 Some good valid points brought up here and like you say the week end isn't cheap. Although personally I love the Redemption room, but the dance floor isn't ideal; with the jointed sections.Last year although it is always dark in there it seemed more so with the bottle bar not being open.Felt like blind Pugh on the dance floor but do feel it may lose its atmosphere if it were to change to the Modern Room Bottle bar? In the Redemption tent? Blimey, where do they put that? There isn't room to swing your pants as it is!
Wayoutgirl Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 Bottle bar? In the Redemption tent? Blimey, where do they put that? There isn't room to swing your pants as it i Was at the far end of the tent left of the decks. Only was a little kiosk
cloth ears Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 FIRST POSTED IN EVENTS BUT MAYBE ITS BETTER POSTED HERE.... MARCH PRESTATYN A SUPERB WEEKENDER BUT...... A FAIR SPLIT OF THE ROOMS EH?? Hi All, Like most we need to start booking next years holidays from work. We never miss March Prestatyn but after last year we have to question whether to give this a miss for the very first time... Answers to a few very important questions will help our decision. 1. Will next year 2010 be a repeat of the totally unfair musical division of the quality rooms? Namely vinyl played in....Arena 1 Oldies... &.. Arena 2 Modern.... Whilst all other soul gendre was crammed in either The Queen Vic Pub or Tents....(either no seats, or little or no dance floor) day & night??? Redemption played great music but you could hardly hear it due to the boom boom boom from next door (and vice versa), a crap dance floor, nowhere to sit, stifling heat, very uncomfotable etc etc.. 2. Why was last years Arena1 so Oldies orientated? When all previous years Arena 1 welcomed The World's top DJ's who played awesome cutting edge music to a rammed packed appreciative audience & dance floor... Last year 2009... Arena1 was to be honest an Oldies Fest' ... 3. To hear any cutting edge top tunes from the UK's top DJ's we had to frequent The Queen Vic for the whole weekend? Carl & Maria Willingham's night a rammed packed 12 solid hours in a tent?? This excellent music should be as previous years integrated with all the top DJ's and should be played in Arena 1 ...OR ...Arena 2... NOT The Queen Vic or The Redemption Tent!! 4.Why should Arena 2 always be devoted to Modern??? Understandably this room should be dedicated on live artist nights but why the entire weekend? On many occasions 2008 & 2009 Arena 2 was very low in attendance whilst we are crammed in a no dance floor or a no seat tiny room or tent??? ........................................................................................................... THE THING IS IT WASN'T ALWAYS LIKE THIS ?? ....WHY SHOULD IT REMAIN LIKE IT??? TOP INDEMAND CUTTING EDGE TUNES ALWAYS USED TO BE PLAYED (INTEGRATED) INTO THE MAIN ARENA 1 MUSIC POLICY?? A constructive Arena 1 for 2010 (IMHO) would be - Thursday arrival evening session - Musical Mixture Top tune Floorfiller Oldies - 8.00 am...welcome to the weekend type tunes Friday afternoon - Dj's play time- whatever DJ's want to play... Friday evening - Oldies 8-12, Then Cutting edge Rare Lifeline indemanders 12 - 8.00am. Saturday afternoon - Dj's play time - whatever they want to play... Saturday evening - Live Acts - then Oldies till 2, Cutting edge Rare including Carl & Maria Night 2 - 8.00am. Sunday afternoon - Dj's play time... whatever DJ's like... till 8pm.. Sunday evening - Party night Oldies / Big tune Floorfillers- Good bye campers till close... PLUS ... A fair division of the use of Arena 2.... I cannot continually see why this has to be dedicated to the Modern fraternity for the ENTIRE WEEKEND? Sharing the main rooms gives everyone a chance to enjoy their facilities, listening to their personal musical taste, have a good dance, have a sit down and listen in comfort etc etc.The main Arena rooms 1 & Arena 2 should have a fair to all musical policy split....WE ALL PAY THE SAME MONEY?? Please let's not turn this into an Oldies Vs Rare Vs Modern topic. This is a fair split of rooms topic & I would appreciate everyone's opinions on this.. I think these very important points want airing NOW...so we all know where we stand..... Many of us need to book in advance.... Should we book this time off? We all need to plan & to budget ahead & lets face it we could all spend the dosh on a holiday in the sun OR on a different weekender??... Very well written post !!
Steve L Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 Excellent post Billyboy, I agree completely I think the way things have gone is to give the main room a wider appeal to the masses
Jumpinjoan Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 Excellent post Billyboy, I agree completely I think the way things have gone is to give the main room a wider appeal to the masses Is it working Steve? I can't comment as last year was the first time I had been to Prestatyn since 2006 and I only ventured out of the Redemption tent to see the live acts. I do know in 2006 the main room was deserted by 4am and all the record dealers had packed up and gone to bed! It wasn't always like that though. In 2004 the music in the main arena was as good as I have heard anywhere in all the years I have been going to venues. It was FANTASTIC. And the floor was absolutely rammed all night. In 2005 it started going downhill, for me, and in 2006 I just couldn't stand it anymore so decided to call it a day. I have no idea why they decided to change the music policy after 2004. It wasn't as if the place was empty and they had to do something to try and entice people back in. The place was packed solid. If it hadn't been for Carl & Maria's room I doubt I would have gone to Prestatyn again. Like I said before, the Willingham room will see the return of many who, like me, stopped going for no other reason than their musical tastes were not being catered for. But why stick them in a tent where you can't hear the music being played because of the boom boom from next door and that has no proper dance floor to speak of? If it transpires that there really is no other room available, maybe they could look at some sort of soundproofing for the Redemption tent?
Jumpinjoan Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 May I just add that I don't dislike the Redemption tent. It is dark and seedy, hot and sweaty - just like they should be! And the music is incredible The only problems for me are the dance floor and the sound issue. Get these sorted and the room will be amazing and probably nowhere near big enough
Wayoutgirl Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 May I just add that I don't dislike the Redemption tent. It is dark and seedy, hot and sweaty - just like they should be! And the music is incredible The only problems for me are the dance floor and the sound issue. Get these sorted and the room will be amazing and probably nowhere near big enough Totally agree!!
Oldfeet Posted November 13, 2009 Posted November 13, 2009 I agree with 'Billyboy' If Prestatyn is a 'celebration' of all things Northern Soul from 'classic' to 'modern' and all stops in between then it would seem appropriate for the main rooms to be shared a little more evenly.
Little-stevie Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Good post Billy Boy.. Many of my mates think the same.. Redemption room saved my weekend last year but the rooms not got enough seating for some as they stayed in there for many hours.. Will be good to have some feedback from the promoters... As Joan said, the main room was really the business a few years ago but its really really lost it.. The energy and mix of people just aint there no more... Many of my overseas mates don't bother anymore.. The Queen Vics got the tunes but i am sick of the bright lights, we talk about this each year but nothing changes..
Soulboy69 Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Superb post with some VERY interesting points and one of the main reasons for myself and others from Ireland not bothering to travel for it last year. I used to really look forward to and enjoy this weekend but feel it's not really worth the time, effort and money anymore and something needs to be done.
Jumpinjoan Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 The Queen Vics got the tunes but i am sick of the bright lights, we talk about this each year but nothing changes.. I agree, some great tunes get played in the Queen Vic - but there is no dance floor! I don't think it is too much to expect there to be a dance floor at a dance venue. Plus there is no getting away from the fact that it is a pub. And yes, we talk about this every year and nothing changes. Maybe the powers that be can find the time to answer on this thread and address people's concerns.
Ted Massey Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Why not swap the redemption room with the thumpy thumpy room
Jumpinjoan Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Why not swap the redemption room with the thumpy thumpy room Nooooooo... That is also a tent, but it so bright it's scary. Perfect for weddings Anyway, we like it dark and dirty
Ted Massey Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Nooooooo... That is also a tent, but it so bright it's scary. Perfect for weddings Anyway, we like it dark and dirty not heard of dimmer switches Joan or are you still on candles
Jumpinjoan Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 not heard of dimmer switches Joan or are you still on candles There is also the little matter of the DJ's and dancers that utilise the wedding suite Ted. What do you intend to do with them?
Billyboy Posted November 14, 2009 Author Posted November 14, 2009 (edited) Thanks for your comments so far ...please keep em coming. Also thanks to all who have sent me personal messages of agreement, those who for obvious financial/political reasons would love to post but prefer not too. Quite astonished how many get a freebie at Pressy...don't blame them not wishing to jeopardise this. I would have thought it made sound business sense to keep the main Arena's refreshed thus keeping all the punters happy. Paying punters who have returned and will return year after year if their treated fairly. This topic was originally in the Events forum and I have attached below (in blue) the reply from ...hatman.. ................................................................. We would love to programme more different types of music but alas with 5 Arena's there is no other space available The Friday night in Arena 1 features DJs who play the rarer side of soul with the likes of Butch, Andy Dyson Redemption used to host 2 out and out oldies nights but last year we decided to go with Carl & Maria and this was very succesful Hence the Main arena reverted to a more oldies oriented scene as we had taken the 2nd all nighter out of Redemption We will try to adapt the room to cut down sound migration more this year The main arena on Saturday this year is being given to the guys from the Twisted Wheel Manchester as the idea for Saturday afternoons was always to involve venues around the country to show what you can expect if you go there. I have been doing this long enough to know you can't please all of the people all of the time but all we can do is to keep trying I am well aware of the constant snipes by some on this forum who have their own agenda's (hence I have never replied) but I have taken the above couple of posts as constructive critisism and it has given me something to ponder over There are more specialised weekenders for lovers of rare soul the best probably being Lifeline and well worth a visit There are also many weekenders that don't have so many sessions to fill including no 24 hour radio There are weekenders that have better weather I could go on but don't want to bore you guys anymore For those of you who are coming we have some great live acts as well ................................................................. Adapting the tent still makes it a tent...with a crap dance floor and bar. No mention of bringing back the big tunes or integrating Carl & Maria night in the Main Arenas ..although as quoted "it was very successful".. How I wonder are our opinions & constructive suggestions ..."having a snipe".. Lots of reference to other weekenders...are you telling us where to go ? .. If so why ?... We all loved Prestatyns original Arena music policy and we want it to be a big success again ...playing all the wonderous tunes we all love, adore and pay good money to hear ....whatever musical gendre. Prestatyns still 4 months away... plenty of time to make a few phone calls/conversations to the Worlds top DJ's who are already booked for the large Arenas to request they bring their now playbox and not their oldies playbox ...just for a couple of sessions... A fair split of the Arenas.....I don't think thats too much to ask.... I agree with your requests.... it would be good to have some YES or NO feedback on this debate from the promoters ... Edited November 14, 2009 by Billyboy
Julie Moore Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 Hi folks , ive been attending prestatyn since 2001 and agree with a lot that has been said ,the first year the oldies was upstairs and was just like going back in time to mr m`s at the casino then the second time it was turned into well i dont really know ....modern ? then it dissappeared all together.id love to see the queen vic music brought inside as i always feel i cannot dance in the pub the atmosphere isnt right but omvho lets hope someone can sort things out in the future ..but if not no worries as i love the place ..the ppl... the music... everything even the bloody crap chalets and the weather
Maxwell Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 If you aint happy dont go, you cant please everybody, stopped going 3 years ago. Didnt rate 75% of what was happening. So started to focus on the nights / music I liked and have had better nights out than the themed weekend its turned in to, just my point of view...........
Jumpinjoan Posted November 14, 2009 Posted November 14, 2009 If you aint happy dont go, you cant please everybody, stopped going 3 years ago. Didnt rate 75% of what was happening. So started to focus on the nights / music I liked and have had better nights out than the themed weekend its turned in to, just my point of view........... I wasn't happy so I stopped going. Doesn't mean I wouldn't love it to be like it used to be, as would a lot of other people it would seem. Just my point of view.....
alfie00soul Posted November 15, 2009 Posted November 15, 2009 (edited) The big room Arena 1 was so so good always played awesome tunes by the top creme del la creme DJ's ...but the last 2 years its completely died a death. Played to death oldies, on many occasions the same 45 played over and over again day after day,night after night... Please bring back to Arena1 the music we all loved and went to Prestatyn for. ....... Edited November 15, 2009 by alfie00soul
Tony Foster Posted November 15, 2009 Posted November 15, 2009 FIRST POSTED IN EVENTS BUT MAYBE ITS BETTER POSTED HERE.... MARCH PRESTATYN A SUPERB WEEKENDER BUT...... A FAIR SPLIT OF THE ROOMS EH?? Hi All, Like most we need to start booking next years holidays from work. We never miss March Prestatyn but after last year we have to question whether to give this a miss for the very first time... Answers to a few very important questions will help our decision. 1. Will next year 2010 be a repeat of the totally unfair musical division of the quality rooms? Namely vinyl played in....Arena 1 Oldies... &.. Arena 2 Modern.... Whilst all other soul gendre was crammed in either The Queen Vic Pub or Tents....(either no seats, or little or no dance floor) day & night??? Redemption played great music but you could hardly hear it due to the boom boom boom from next door (and vice versa), a crap dance floor, nowhere to sit, stifling heat, very uncomfotable etc etc.. 2. Why was last years Arena1 so Oldies orientated? When all previous years Arena 1 welcomed The World's top DJ's who played awesome cutting edge music to a rammed packed appreciative audience & dance floor... Last year 2009... Arena1 was to be honest an Oldies Fest' ... 3. To hear any cutting edge top tunes from the UK's top DJ's we had to frequent The Queen Vic for the whole weekend? Carl & Maria Willingham's night a rammed packed 12 solid hours in a tent?? This excellent music should be as previous years integrated with all the top DJ's and should be played in Arena 1 ...OR ...Arena 2... NOT The Queen Vic or The Redemption Tent!! 4.Why should Arena 2 always be devoted to Modern??? Understandably this room should be dedicated on live artist nights but why the entire weekend? On many occasions 2008 & 2009 Arena 2 was very low in attendance whilst we are crammed in a no dance floor or a no seat tiny room or tent??? ........................................................................................................... THE THING IS IT WASN'T ALWAYS LIKE THIS ?? ....WHY SHOULD IT REMAIN LIKE IT??? TOP INDEMAND CUTTING EDGE TUNES ALWAYS USED TO BE PLAYED (INTEGRATED) INTO THE MAIN ARENA 1 MUSIC POLICY?? A constructive Arena 1 for 2010 (IMHO) would be - Thursday arrival evening session - Musical Mixture Top tune Floorfiller Oldies - 8.00 am...welcome to the weekend type tunes Friday afternoon - Dj's play time- whatever DJ's want to play... Friday evening - Oldies 8-12, Then Cutting edge Rare Lifeline indemanders 12 - 8.00am. Saturday afternoon - Dj's play time - whatever they want to play... Saturday evening - Live Acts - then Oldies till 2, Cutting edge Rare including Carl & Maria Night 2 - 8.00am. Sunday afternoon - Dj's play time... whatever DJ's like... till 8pm.. Sunday evening - Party night Oldies / Big tune Floorfillers- Good bye campers till close... PLUS ... A fair division of the use of Arena 2.... I cannot continually see why this has to be dedicated to the Modern fraternity for the ENTIRE WEEKEND? Sharing the main rooms gives everyone a chance to enjoy their facilities, listening to their personal musical taste, have a good dance, have a sit down and listen in comfort etc etc.The main Arena rooms 1 & Arena 2 should have a fair to all musical policy split....WE ALL PAY THE SAME MONEY?? Please let's not turn this into an Oldies Vs Rare Vs Modern topic. This is a fair split of rooms topic & I would appreciate everyone's opinions on this.. I think these very important points want airing NOW...so we all know where we stand..... Many of us need to book in advance.... Should we book this time off? We all need to plan & to budget ahead & lets face it we could all spend the dosh on a holiday in the sun OR on a different weekender??... Very valid points, I've got to say I agree with Billy and if the Hesitations weren't on the line up I'd seriously be considering giving another weekender a try. I may just going up on the Saturday night next time.
Guest hatman Posted November 15, 2009 Posted November 15, 2009 As stated in my previous response you can't please all the people all of the time As for opinions what started as a reasonable discussion has become the become a lets have a go scenerio much as expected) I would imagine that there were possibly 50,000 potential England managers who would have selected different players/tatics etc on Saturday. The aim of the main arena is to be rarer after around 1am on the Friday the DJ's include Butch Andy Dyson Mick H Keith Money Soul Sam etc and have the licence to play what they like You guys see them out ask them if any music policies are suggested or imposed!!! On Saturday however those who want to hear the rarer stuff have Carl & Maria's room with Carls choice of DJs and last year was superb as I am sure will be the case this year therefore the main room has a more oldies bias. (one mans meat etc etc) As for the price well some weekenders are a lot cheaper but don't offer accomodation Average bed and breakfast prices range from £35 - £50 per night I don't think you need me to do the math. For those who have been but are not coming in March let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the past For those of you who come every year Thank you for your continued support we wouldn't be here without it and for those of you who are coming this year for the first time or returning after an absence we look forwrd to welcoming you for what will be a fantastic weekend with again some incredible live acts.... Can't really say anymore
Jumpinjoan Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 As stated in my previous response you can't please all the people all of the time As for opinions what started as a reasonable discussion has become the become a lets have a go scenerio much as expected) I am sorry? The posts on this thread have been constructive and very valid. Please show me where this thread has become a 'let's have a go scenario'. The aim of the main arena is to be rarer after around 1am on the Friday the DJ's include Butch Andy Dyson Mick H Keith Money Soul Sam etc and have the licence to play what they like You guys see them out ask them if any music policies are suggested or imposed!!! I wasn't there on the Friday night last year so I can't comment. On Saturday however those who want to hear the rarer stuff have Carl & Maria's room with Carls choice of DJs and last year was superb as I am sure will be the case this year therefore the main room has a more oldies bias. (one mans meat etc etc) If you read the thread through you will see that everyone agrees that the music in Carl and Maria's room was superb. But you could hardly hear the music because of the boom boom from the tent next door and the dance floor was truly awful. Will these issues be sorted out for next year? As for the price well some weekenders are a lot cheaper but don't offer accomodation Average bed and breakfast prices range from £35 - £50 per night I don't think you need me to do the math. For those who have been but are not coming in March let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the past For those of you who come every year Thank you for your continued support we wouldn't be here without it and for those of you who are coming this year for the first time or returning after an absence we look forwrd to welcoming you for what will be a fantastic weekend with again some incredible live acts.... Can't really say anymore I take it you have something to do with organising Prestatyn? If so, any chance you can address some of the issues raised on this thread please? Many thanks.
billysbag Posted November 17, 2009 Posted November 17, 2009 The original poster has made some valid points.The responses have all contributed with reasoned arguments and again valid points.The only disapointing post is made by ,I assume , one of the promotors(hatman). i have gone to every feb/march prestatyn since it started. They have always been a joy to go to, for a number of reasons, time of year, the amount of good friends that you only meet there and most importantly ,the music. promotors comments in blue As stated in my previous response you can't please all the people all of the time why not? The early years there were only 2 arenas and the pub. There was no thursday! yet all aspects of music were covered. As for opinions what started as a reasonable discussion has become the become a lets have a go scenerio much as expected) Ive not seen one "have a go" post or even particularly negative post to date. sadly the only unconstructive posts are from the promotor The aim of the main arena is to be rarer after around 1am on the Friday the DJ's include Butch Andy Dyson Mick H Keith Money Soul Sam etc and have the licence to play what they like You guys see them out ask them if any music policies are suggested or imposed!!! Unlike Joan I was there on friday night.It was good. They did play what they liked.A whole floor was rammed with lovers of rare soul music. 1am until 8am. 7 hours on a good floor with a chance of a seat as opposed to atotal of, including both main areas, 120 hours of music availability. On Saturday however those who want to hear the rarer stuff have Carl & Maria's room with Carls choice of DJs and last year was superb as I am sure will be the case this year therefore the main room has a more oldies bias. (one mans meat etc etc) As per the original posters suggestion why cant the promoters at least look at the suggestion of putting Carl and Maria in one of the prestige areas where people have a chance to dance on a good floor, sit when needed with no sound migration effect? As for the price well some weekenders are a lot cheaper but don't offer accomodation Average bed and breakfast prices range from £35 - £50 per night I don't think you need me to do the math. I may have missed this but has anybody objected to price? its not a relevant issue.neither is the crappy accomodation. ive put up with that and the enjoyment outweighs the discomfort. For those who have been but are not coming in March let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the past I struggle to understand the lack of care encompassed in this comment.you honestly appear to care not a jot for those who are offering their opinions on making prestayn THE VENUE that it used to be,when it did do pretty well at catering to everybodies meat. You,as a promoter, suggest that those wanting a fair mixture of the rarer side should try another weekender that cater accordingly. That is the best bit of anti-sell ive heard for a while. For those of you who come every year Thank you for your continued support we wouldn't be here without it and for those of you who are coming this year for the first time or returning after an absence we look forwrd to welcoming you for what will be a fantastic weekend with again some incredible live acts.... The live acts are incredible and well worth seeing. they do ,however form only a part of the experience. Can't really say anymore I truly believe you have said enough. the lack of empathy or willingness to at least look at some of the ideas put forward leave me to suspect you will rigidly stick to your course regardless. I wish you luck
Billyboy Posted November 23, 2009 Author Posted November 23, 2009 Some excellent points above from billysbag... My original objective for this post was to ascertain what shape Prestatyn 2010 will take and of course to bring to the organisers attention the unfair split of the Main Arenas. The lack of any replies explaining the reasoning behind this very unfair split leads us to draw conclusions .. ....that 2010 will indeed be exactly the same as 2009.. If so we now know that we will get 7 hours of Arena facilities in the entire weekender.. ....7 hours out of 120 total Arena hours??? The lack of any explanation shown to all who have read and are reading this dabate from the organisers shows an astounding non caring attitude, when you think all we are asking is why its so unfair. The lack of respect also to Carl and Maria Willingham and the top soul DJ's in the Country giving them a tent to play their tunes in whilst main Arenas are and could easy be made available ...quite beggers belief.....What I wonder will it be in 2011 ...a shed!!! Still not to late organisres to offer us some sort of explanation......... Otherwise....If you like anything other then Oldies or Modern...bring a folding chair...preferably with your name on it cause it will be filled by the time you've got back from the nearest decent bar. Don't bother bringing your dancin shoes...theres no where to dance or the little floor in the tent is total pants. etc etc as previously detailed... So choices to be made about Prestatyn 2010 are now yours dear reader.....
Jumpinjoan Posted November 23, 2009 Posted November 23, 2009 I am very surprised by the lack of response from the powers that be on this thread. There wasn't one negative post, only valid points made by people who genuinely care and want this weekend to improve. Very poor customer service and certainly not what you expect from such a huge event, especially not on this scene.
Guest wigantojapan Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 well thanks everone you just saved me a fortune in flights from japan as i was thinking of coming across,not that 1 less person would make a difference but its plain to see what the attitude of one of the promoters is. vote with your feet and dont go simple really, like he said plenty of other weekenders soul nights to keep people happy . maybe he was just having a bad 5 minutes as i,m sure there is a lot of stress involved in getting everything together but as already stated it was genuine input by genuine soullies. wish someone would organise a soulweekender over here
S&m Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 (edited) Just to clarify and answer a few points raised recently - I think it would be a massive understatement to say John and myself (Fish) as promoters of Prestatyn didn't care about the event, the people who attend, whether that be existing, new or returning patrons) or anything else related to the Weekend generally. We've been involved with Prestatyn from day one, now over nine years ago from it's inception as a relatively small weekend of around a 1000 attendees, to where it is now with over 3,000 + fans that come to dance and socialise the weekend away every March. October's Legends event has also increased in attendance every year since it's move to Prestatyn and is steadily building a strong identity of it's own that does make it a slightly different event to March's bigger brother ! It would also be fair to say there's been rather alot of underhand propaganda initiated by certain individuals with agenda's over the last two years in particular of the event @ Prestatyn conducted on Soul Source (which I don't need to expand upon or lower myself to as this forum is not the place), that most people as attendees or readers of Soul Source wouldn't be aware of, but ourselves as promoters are - and that isn't a snipe at anyone that has expressed their views on this particualar thread, but is still something we are totally aware of and have to deal with on a far too regular and un-neccesary basis. So I've tried to answer most of the points and questions raised I think in as honest / constructive a fashion as I can at this time from this particualar thread. I've purposely sat back for a week or so to get a perspective on peoples comments before responding to some of these - so here goes. Firstly I'm a fan of SOUL music and hate musical sub-divisions, but sadly they do exist with-in certain circles - with some people that like it all, others who will only listen to records made after or maybe before 1969, those who think soul music stopped everytime a new decade is reached !! etc etc - you know where I'm coming from, but it is fair to say that many peoples view on soul music is different as is their taste in it. You like what you like and there's nothing wrong in that - BUT what it doesn't excuse is ignorance of different people's music taste or preference. PRESTATYN is a NORTHERN & MODERN SOUL WEEKENDER, not one or the other. But for the purposes of this post - I have tried to loosely break down the music into the categories each room will fall into as below. Basically John (Poole) takes care of all things 'Northern Soul' at the event (dj's / music policy / acts). And I take care of the 'Modern Soul' side of the event in pretty much the same manner - I think it would be fair to say most people on Soul Source are more interested in the former in it's various guises, but Prestatyn does have a very very large following of 'Modern Soul' fans making it probably the most popular attended event in the UK for fans of this kind of music (the event is promoted largely in other area's to Soul Source for alot of these people) - with this in mind it is essential for them to have one of the main rooms as it's base and a second smaller themed room 'House Of Soul' - which is home to various specialised sessions including Soulful House, Jazz (at this event), 70's Rare (Kings Of Crossover) and other specialist connoisseurs sessions - many of these sessions also prove popular with attendees not from just the 'Modern Soul' side of the Weekend and these will ALL remain in place as per last years event. Music policy / split is always going to differ from person to person, even in one aspect of music - ie 'Northern' - where one person will be happy with something, and another not (too many oldies, not enough rare records played etc etc). At Prestatyn we've always tried to play an assorted cross section of styles at the weekend from Northern Classics, to rare obscurities and eveything in between and this will continue to be the case. It was actually easier to keep pretty much everyone happy with music splits at earlier events than it is now - because as an event grows so do various peoples musical expectations. Suffice to say we have probably the largest dj line-up and probably most varied music policy you'll hear at any specialist soul music weekender currently, but that doesn't necessarily mean every person in attendance will be happy with music policy / split at all times. John has outlined his plans music wise for 2010's event from a 'Northern Soul' perspective - once again serving up something for absolutely everyone in attendance regardless of musical taste. See the website @ https://www.soul-weekenders.co.uk for a more comprehensive overview of this. We are aware that this split may still not be to everyones liking, but after considering all options, are of the opinion this will keep the largest proportion of 'Nothern Soul' fans happiest (if that makes sense) - at most times over the weekend. Regards the allocation of rooms - pretty much 3 arena's have been set aside for Northern Soul as per last year. The Queen Vic will continue with it's progressive music policy - at the end of the day - yes it is a pub, so the emphasis isn't necessarily about dancing in here, although that doesn't stop anyone and if they want to they do !! - but the layout of the room means it's never going to be a full on dance venue with a dedicated dancefloor. But concerns raised with lighting in the evenings will be looked at to see if this can be more sympathetic to the surroundings. Redemption - the second smaller 'Northern Soul' room will adopt an oldies policy All-Nighter on the Friday, with Carl & Maria Willingham's much praised rare session All-Nighter returning after it's success on the Saturday last year. Regards to comments on the dancefloor - as it is a temporary wooden dancefloor it's impossible to be able to offer up something to the standard of a fully laid permanent floor, but we will be looking at the various options available to make this the best it possibly can be as a temporary floor for the next event. The sound leakage situation raised effects both this and the 'House Of Soul next door and is something we were aware of at this years March event. So improvements were made at the recent October Legends Weekender to try and rectify this as much as we could - and by erecting solid boards in each room as a backdrop and using double thickness sound absorbent material it was noticably better and a big improvement to March's event just gone. The room is being looked at from a layout perspective as well, with a reasonable amount of extra seating in relation to the size of the room being allocated. The main large Northern Soul Room - will play ALL forms of 'Northern Soul' across the weekend from cutting edge obscurities to Classic Oldies - with obviously the intention that Saturday night will be more oldies based to counter balance the rare sounds being played in Carl & Maria Willingham's session. Friday night the intention is to take things less oldies orientated AFTER midnight with the likes of SOUL SAM, BUTCH, ANDY DYSON, MICK H etc playing the tunes during this time. One thing I would say as regards tunes selected - most dj's like to play to a full dancefloor. It's a big room with a big dancefloor, so make sure you go and support them with your FEET if rarer sides are what some of you want to hear during the Friday night. Most people should be aware of the tunes these guys program on a weekly basis as they're as upfront as anyone - if there's something you're not happy about go and tell them - they're only human (well most of them anyway !!) A question was also asked about the room / s previously used upstairs at earlier events - neither of these are any longer available as the top floor is laid out with permanent snooker tables used for all UK qualifying for major tournaments with the additional facilities required for this. The floor belows room used as a 'Modern Room' one year is also allocated to this so is therefore not useable either. The acts appearing this year are absolutely second to none with THE HESITATIONS, KENNY HAMBER, SIDNEY BARNES & MARY LOVE all live in concert on the Saturday night showcase Northern wise. With a massive buzz for KENNY BOBIEN & STEPHANIE COOKE live in concert Friday night and TORTURED SOUL performing on the Saturday night from a MODERN perspective. It's set to be an absolute cracker of a weekend - I do hope you can come and join us. FISH Edited November 24, 2009 by S&M
Steve L Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Fish, why doesnt that upstairs room get used any more? From what I remember it would be ideal for the Carl & Maria set up.
Guest squaw Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 What about the people who like it the way it is dont we get a say.
S&m Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Fish, why doesnt that upstairs room get used any more? From what I remember it would be ideal for the Carl & Maria set up. It's something I meant to put in the original post and answer - have just added to it and all is explained on that front.
S&m Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 ANY COMMENT ON THE £10 PARKING ! Toad, I will get back to you - as soon as I know more.
Jumpinjoan Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Regards to comments on the dancefloor - as it is a temporary wooden dancefloor it's impossible to be able to offer up something to the standard of a fully laid permanent floor, but we will be looking at the various options available to make this the best it possibly can be as a temporary floor for the next event. Why can't you just hire in a better floor? The sound leakage situation raised effects both this and the 'House Of Soul next door and is something we were aware of at this years March event. So improvements were made at the recent October Legends Weekender to try and rectify this as much as we could - and by erecting solid boards in each room as a backdrop and using double thickness sound absorbent material it was noticably better and a big improvement to March's event just gone. That is good to hear I'm not being funny, but couldn't you have posted this up weeks ago?
Wayoutgirl Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Just to clarify and answer a few points raised recently - I think it would be a massive understatement to say John and myself (Fish) as promoters of Prestatyn didn't care about the event, the people who attend, whether that be existing, new or returning patrons) or anything else related to the Weekend generally. We've been involved with Prestatyn from day one, now over nine years ago from it's inception as a relatively small weekend of around a 1000 attendees, to where it is now with over 3,000 + fans that come to dance and socialise the weekend away every March. October's Legends event has also increased in attendance every year since it's move to Prestatyn and is steadily building a strong identity of it's own that does make it a slightly different event to March's bigger brother ! It would also be fair to say there's been rather alot of underhand propaganda initiated by certain individuals with agenda's over the last two years in particular of the event @ Prestatyn conducted on Soul Source (which I don't need to expand upon or lower myself to as this forum is not the place), that most people as attendees or readers of Soul Source wouldn't be aware of, but ourselves as promoters are - and that isn't a snipe at anyone that has expressed their views on this particualar thread, but is still something we are totally aware of and have to deal with on a far too regular and un-neccesary basis. So I've tried to answer most of the points and questions raised I think in as honest / constructive a fashion as I can at this time from this particualar thread. I've purposely sat back for a week or so to get a perspective on peoples comments before responding to some of these - so here goes. Firstly I'm a fan of SOUL music and hate musical sub-divisions, but sadly they do exist with-in certain circles - with some people that like it all, others who will only listen to records made after or maybe before 1969, those who think soul music stopped everytime a new decade is reached !! etc etc - you know where I'm coming from, but it is fair to say that many peoples view on soul music is different as is their taste in it. You like what you like and there's nothing wrong in that - BUT what it doesn't excuse is ignorance of different people's music taste or preference. PRESTATYN is a NORTHERN & MODERN SOUL WEEKENDER, not one or the other. But for the purposes of this post - I have tried to loosely break down the music into the categories each room will fall into as below. Basically John (Poole) takes care of all things 'Northern Soul' at the event (dj's / music policy / acts). And I take care of the 'Modern Soul' side of the event in pretty much the same manner - I think it would be fair to say most people on Soul Source are more interested in the former in it's various guises, but Prestatyn does have a very very large following of 'Modern Soul' fans making it probably the most popular attended event in the UK for fans of this kind of music (the event is promoted largely in other area's to Soul Source for alot of these people) - with this in mind it is essential for them to have one of the main rooms as it's base and a second smaller themed room 'House Of Soul' - which is home to various specialised sessions including Soulful House, Jazz (at this event), 70's Rare (Kings Of Crossover) and other specialist connoisseurs sessions - many of these sessions also prove popular with attendees not from just the 'Modern Soul' side of the Weekend and these will ALL remain in place as per last years event. Music policy / split is always going to differ from person to person, even in one aspect of music - ie 'Northern' - where one person will be happy with something, and another not (too many oldies, not enough rare records played etc etc). At Prestatyn we've always tried to play an assorted cross section of styles at the weekend from Northern Classics, to rare obscurities and eveything in between and this will continue to be the case. It was actually easier to keep pretty much everyone happy with music splits at earlier events than it is now - because as an event grows so do various peoples musical expectations. Suffice to say we have probably the largest dj line-up and probably most varied music policy you'll hear at any specialist soul music weekender currently, but that doesn't necessarily mean every person in attendance will be happy with music policy / split at all times. John has outlined his plans music wise for 2010's event from a 'Northern Soul' perspective - once again serving up something for absolutely everyone in attendance regardless of musical taste. See the website @ https://www.soul-weekenders.co.uk for a more comprehensive overview of this. We are aware that this split may still not be to everyones liking, but after considering all options, are of the opinion this will keep the largest proportion of 'Nothern Soul' fans happiest (if that makes sense) - at most times over the weekend. Regards the allocation of rooms - pretty much 3 arena's have been set aside for Northern Soul as per last year. The Queen Vic will continue with it's progressive music policy - at the end of the day - yes it is a pub, so the emphasis isn't necessarily about dancing in here, although that doesn't stop anyone and if they want to they do !! - but the layout of the room means it's never going to be a full on dance venue with a dedicated dancefloor. But concerns raised with lighting in the evenings will be looked at to see if this can be more sympathetic to the surroundings. Redemption - the second smaller 'Northern Soul' room will adopt an oldies policy All-Nighter on the Friday, with Carl & Maria Willingham's much praised rare session All-Nighter returning after it's success on the Saturday last year. Regards to comments on the dancefloor - as it is a temporary wooden dancefloor it's impossible to be able to offer up something to the standard of a fully laid permanent floor, but we will be looking at the various options available to make this the best it possibly can be as a temporary floor for the next event. The sound leakage situation raised effects both this and the 'House Of Soul next door and is something we were aware of at this years March event. So improvements were made at the recent October Legends Weekender to try and rectify this as much as we could - and by erecting solid boards in each room as a backdrop and using double thickness sound absorbent material it was noticably better and a big improvement to March's event just gone. The room is being looked at from a layout perspective as well, with a reasonable amount of extra seating in relation to the size of the room being allocated. The main large Northern Soul Room - will play ALL forms of 'Northern Soul' across the weekend from cutting edge obscurities to Classic Oldies - with obviously the intention that Saturday night will be more oldies based to counter balance the rare sounds being played in Carl & Maria Willingham's session. Friday night the intention is to take things less oldies orientated AFTER midnight with the likes of SOUL SAM, BUTCH, ANDY DYSON, MICK H etc playing the tunes during this time. One thing I would say as regards tunes selected - most dj's like to play to a full dancefloor. It's a big room with a big dancefloor, so make sure you go and support them with your FEET if rarer sides are what some of you want to hear during the Friday night. Most people should be aware of the tunes these guys program on a weekly basis as they're as upfront as anyone - if there's something you're not happy about go and tell them - they're only human (well most of them anyway !!) A question was also asked about the room / s previously used upstairs at earlier events - neither of these are any longer available as the top floor is laid out with permanent snooker tables used for all UK qualifying for major tournaments with the additional facilities required for this. The floor belows room used as a 'Modern Room' one year is also allocated to this so is therefore not useable either. The acts appearing this year are absolutely second to none with THE HESITATIONS, KENNY HAMBER, SIDNEY BARNES & MARY LOVE all live in concert on the Saturday night showcase Northern wise. With a massive buzz for KENNY BOBIEN & STEPHANIE COOKE live in concert Friday night and TORTURED SOUL performing on the Saturday night from a MODERN perspective. It's set to be an absolute cracker of a weekend - I do hope you can come and join us. FISH Thanks for your time replying to the posts regarding this year's event. I do have my concerns regarding the dance floor in Redemption, however love the company,music genres in all the rooms- think we went in all of them last year and although I say never again each year(due to lack of sleep,liver fatigue!!) still keep coming back for more. Our group are not all into Northern so we divide our time equally so everyone has a good week end.
pikeys dog Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 The sound leakage situation raised effects both this and the 'House Of Soul next door and is something we were aware of at this years March event. So improvements were made at the recent October Legends Weekender to try and rectify this as much as we could - and by erecting solid boards in each room as a backdrop and using double thickness sound absorbent material it was noticably better and a big improvement to March's event just gone. The room is being looked at from a layout perspective as well, with a reasonable amount of extra seating in relation to the size of the room being allocated. Sound was much better at the October weekender, mainly due to the fact that the entrances to each room were staggered, rather than being directly opposite each other. The amount/layout of seating could be improved though - don't think the high tables and stools are suitable for the room.
Cheltsoulnights Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 well thanks everone you just saved me a fortune in flights from japan as i was thinking of coming across,not that 1 less person would make a difference but its plain to see what the attitude of one of the promoters is. vote with your feet and dont go simple really, like he said plenty of other weekenders soul nights to keep people happy . maybe he was just having a bad 5 minutes as i,m sure there is a lot of stress involved in getting everything together but as already stated it was genuine input by genuine soullies. wish someone would organise a soulweekender over here Hi. This might be the biggest soul weekend, But dont think the music is watered down for the masses. there is something for everyone in many areas all at the same time, You just move to another room if you dont like whats on at that moment. I dont go to everyone due to work commitments but intend to be at this one. make the trip. Bring rare records to sell at half price
soulperson Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 ANY COMMENT ON THE £10 PARKING ! what £10 parking.sue
S&m Posted November 25, 2009 Posted November 25, 2009 what £10 parking.sue Just to clarify an earlier post - there is no parking charge to anyone booked staying on site with accommodation over the weekend for this event.
Guest soulmanvirgin Posted December 16, 2009 Posted December 16, 2009 I,ve attended most of Prestatyn Weekenders, But have missed the last legends weekend. for all of the above reasons and because its started to loose its appeal to the regular punter. Started to be same old same old, In the early days you queued for half hour just to get a drink now theres too many bar staff sometimes. Cant quite understand why the Main Arena room has to be oldies all night on a Saturday thats why its empty at 4-5 am, people are getting tired of oldie after oldie. Thats why the Stoke all nighters are thining out at the same times. If you play the right DJ at the right time the floor will allways be full, and while all the punters stay on to listen they talk to each other about the new sounds with the guys who are not familiar with current sounds. Why cant you mix it up a bit like the old days. When i used to attend Leicester and Stafford you used to have Adam play a set to be followed by Brian Rae, or Guy and Keb followed by Dave Evison or whoever. Thats what i mean by mixing it up, it worked and very well. Your regular punters who like the current must hears, who are keeping this music thriving are being shepparded into a tent with a crap floor that you dont dance on incase you catch you shoe and fall over in the dark. Comon guys we are all a little older and not so nimble on our feet. I hope the floor issue has now been addressed, now lets hope the Djs can bring many more years of enjoyment to the paying punter.
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