Astrofest 2005

Anyone going to the Astrofest in London this February?

www.astronomynow.com/astrofest

Bit pricey overall. Allan Chapman is priceless, but not that priceless.
Steve wrote in message
...
Anyone going to the Astrofest in London this February?

www.astronomynow.com/astrofest

I am, as ever.

Compared to 16,000 US for the new 16" RC Meade, it's fair value.
I'm going Friday - better chance of bargains, and less people.

Roger

In my opinion Astrofest has become rather stagnated in its format and what's
on offer. Every year now all you see are the same old stands/exhibitions,
Earth & Sky no longer attend so there are few books to browse.

In essence I feel this event needs fresh blood and innovation to make it the
attraction that is once was within the astro community.

On 2005-01-05 12:48:52 +0000, "Steve" said:

Anyone going to the Astrofest in London this February?

www.astronomynow.com/astrofest

I was planning on going - need to finally decide on what scope to get
and figured I might be able to get a bit off at the show...? Perhaps?
Maybe not but I'm going anyways

Roger, you think Friday is a better day/better chance of a bargin?

Thanks, Gary.
looking up at the clear skies again and kicking myself that I haven't
got a scope yet...

Its a shame we don't get events like this one

http://www.rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.htm

I have been to NEAF for the last 2 years and at $25 for the entire weekend
with exciting guest speakers, previously they have had astronauts and
extremely well known speakers. Then of course there is the Televue Eyepiece
sale on the first morning.

They have all the trade stands and stage the event in a local college. I
wish Astrofest would move to a cheaper and more easily accessible location.
Does anyone know why they charge so much to attend the sessions?

Lilian

Lilian wrote:

Does anyone know why they charge so much to attend the sessions?

....because people are daft enough to pay ?

Steve

Well I am still going if anyone wants to meet for a beer!!


"Steve" wrote in message
...
Anyone going to the Astrofest in London this February?

www.astronomynow.com/astrofest

I was toying with the idea of going (on Friday), but I was so
dissapointed with it last year and it it's now 5 quid to get in. I
guess if you are buying a 'scope there, then it's probably worth it as
some of the suplliers do special show prices but, as another poster
says, it has become rather stagnated in its format.

Last year I went with a list of about eight (smallish) items that I
wanted and I couln't get any of them. :-(

I really think it could do with a makeover of some sort; it has to
something worth going to when one is investing a day off work plus 15
quid rail fare, tube fares and entry fee.

I might combine it with a visit to a museum or Tate Modern to make it
worthwhile.

- Mike

Maybe because this is the UK and we don't get the choice oh and it's in
London! I think it's about time they had it in a different city each year.
having seen both sides of astrofest (Visitor and on a stand) I think it now
needs a good re-vamp

just my 2 penneth

Cheers

Andy


"Steve" wrote in message
...
Well I am still going if anyone wants to meet for a beer!!


"Steve" wrote in message
...
Anyone going to the Astrofest in London this February?

www.astronomynow.com/astrofest