15th – 17th August, 2008.
Welcome and registration 6pm – 9pm Friday 15th August at the Novotel Reading Centre
The bulk of talks and workshops on Saturday, 16th August will be at the Silverthorne Room, Reading Town Hall
Activities on the morning of Sunday, 17th August will centre around the Novotel, finishing around midday.
Accommodation in Reading is plentiful and varied. The Novotel Reading Centre will be used as the ‘hub’ for the weekend as it offers easy access and is a short walk away from the Town Hall.
Members will be responsible for booking their own accommodation. The Novotel Reading Centre has a deal on twin rooms for £69 per night, including breakfast, for two people. This has already increased from £65 when initially researched, so booking earlier rather than later is recommended.
Next to the Novotel Reading Centre is the Ibis Reading Centre (owned by the same chain), which is currently offering twin rooms at £52 with additional £6.95 per person for breakfast, or £59.99 with unlimited internet access (a saving of £2 on room) and £6.95 per person for breakfast. Again, these prices may not be available for long.
Other hotels and guest houses are also available.
The nearest airport is London Heathrow and a RailAir shuttle leaves from Central Bus Station, Heathrow to Reading Railway Station at approximately 20 minute intervals. The current shuttle cost is £22 for a return, though it is only possible to book tickets 3 months before the event. Journey time is just under an hour.
One of the reasons that Reading was chosen as the venue for this year’s Midimeet is because of its good travel links. There are direct rail connections from many parts of the country to Reading Railway Station, details available from National Rail Enquiries. Exact fares and timetables will only be available 3 months before the event, but they are unlikely to change significantly.
The Novotel Reading Centre is a 5 minute walk from the rail station.
National Express coach service drops off at the Calcot Coachway, just off Junction 12 of the M4. There is a regular local bus service to Reading Railway Station (Nos 25/26) leaving the Savacentre 6 times an hour on Friday, and every half hour on Sunday to return. Journey time approximately half an hour.
Reading is just off the M4 motorway. Directions to the Novotel Reading Centre. General route planning assistance is available from the A.A..
A map of the Midimeet locations in Reading, including the Novotel, Reading Town Hall, railway station and car parks.