Bowlers Exhibition And Conference Centre, Hall

I recently went to the Vampire Diaries convention here which was really fun. The staff were lovely and there was plenty to do. I feel that the queues for food and photos could have been better organised as there were crossovers and it was not always clear in terms of what people were queuing for. The car park filled up quite quickly but there is plenty of parking on the road outside and staff were helpful in terms of directing us. You do have to be clearful as people in high Vis vests were asking us to pay but it was council land so we refused. There was no damage or issue with the car but I saw some people paying them as they didn't know. There is hardly any phone signal in the venue and WiFi didn't work, probably as there were too many people using it.

First time experiencing this venue for the Wrestling Comicon, For The Love Of Wrestling. Great big venue, lots of people but didn't feel overcrowded at any point, apart from when in the autograph and photograph queues. Lots of food and drink stalls and options, both inside and outside the venue. Only given 4 stars as you simply cannot get any phone signal inside the venue and the WiFi is just as poor, we had to go out a few times to get signal. The signposting once inside the venue was extremely poor too, especially for a first time visitor! Didn't have a clue where any of the exhibitions or stalls were, thankfully we got talking to some regulars who signposted everything for us. Better organisation needed for the queuing aspects and where guest tables are. Will visit again though for future comicons!

Visited for the coffee festival and what should have been a great day was completely ruined by the parking situation. The car park is massively overpriced with almost zero signage. Staff sent us to a different parking area with no signs at all, which led to a parking charge. When we contacted Bowlers afterwards, they showed zero interest in helping. Feels like a deliberate cash grab. Avoid.