a daft Idea Becomes Tradition

“….We truly believe you'd be better off with us
So come, come to the land where anything belongs
No one else will let you know the truth

Because we are your friends
You'll never be alone again
Come on, well, come on…”

“Never Be Alone” - Simian

The chorus led to this, possibly my favourite “Lift up” tune

Some time in Summer 2016 I had a daft idea.

“What if we had a little party/get together/thing on the night we launch tickets for ISBF?” ISBF was an even smaller event than it is now! The idea was daft....

Chats were had, a venue sorted and Voila! It was held in the bar many of us – in Manchester – knew as “The Dungeon”. The Brink.                                             There was even a race - Public Transport v Car - FROM BRISTOL! To get to a tiny event, selling tickets for a tiny event! Just over a month later, The Brink became - to me and mine - something more, much more. They know why.

Little did we know that a tradition was born....

We did the same again in 2019. Beers, tunes, advance knowledge of what was happening. And an early chance to book tickets.

We even had a contest to see who could get to the launch bash first. From Bristol!

That was ISBF5. The first at Hemsley House. ISBF changed.

Still friendly. Still decidedly “niche”. But more people. More beer. Easier to get to.

Post-pandemic, we lost The Brink. The loss of The Dungeon was heartbreaking on a personal level. Gaz, Kate, Ste, Pirate Pete, these weren’t hospitality staff and business owners, these were friends.

Then..... (Back to that “other such place”....)

The Marble Arch.

Back in 2016, Jan Rogers was another who put her arms around me and mine. Seemed to instinctively know when to chat & when to leave us be. I/we can’t thank her enough for that time.

Now forward to 2022, I asked “would there be any chance of..... Ticket Launch Bash.......”. I was a little stunned when she said that they’d close the pub!

We had a new home.

Each year since, friends old, new, some we haven’t even met yet, get together, insult my senses (Playing “Africa” by **** for pities sake when I started talking! Audio Torture!) have a chuckle and grab tickets before they actually go on sale.

(There are only TWO ways to guarantee your preferred sessions at ISBF. Sponsorship of Beer/Cider. Or come to the Launch Bash)

This year is no different.

From 18:45 (prompt) on Sunday 16th August, we gather at The Marble Arch. (Some of us even book for a beautiful Sunday Dinner beforehand!)

Beers will be had. Information will be passed. And, those present, get themselves a link (and may be the chance to grab an exclusive T-Shirt or Hoodie!). To buy their tickets to #ISBFXI. Before they go on open sale.

With over 30% of tickets going to Sponsors, it’s the only way to GUARANTEE tickets to the session of your choice.

Fancy joining us? Tickets for the Launch Bash are FREE but very limited indeed.

Here’s the link.... https://www.universe.com/events/isbfxi-ticket-launch-bash-tickets-SP3Z4G

Come and join us!