The venue postcode is SK2 6PT. It's about 1hr 30mins away from Maelstrom/Maunsfeld. Now I can understand it's a bit more of a trek for people, especially those who are local to Mansfield/Nottingham but actually probably not a lot farther for those who aren't local. For those of you coming from down South the train would probably be an option too.
The venue is within walking distance from Stockport station and the journey from London would be a couple of hours (Euston to Stockport is 2 hours according to National Rail). As it stands at the moment that journey would be £25 return which isn't too awful. For reference it's £6 return from Sheffield and £10 from Nottingham assuming you book now. Frankly I'm considering the train myself. The venue has on-site free parking I believe so those of you driving should have no issues either.
So what about these bigger prizes you talk of?
Maelstrom/Maunsfeld were charging me £8 per person for the food they provided. This obviously meant £7 for the prize fund. NWGC only charge me for £5.50/person for lunch and venue hire and therefore £9.50 will go into the prize fund. I spoke to the venue about the prizes and the possibility of store credit as we've done at previous events. The onsite store only has minimal stock so they've suggested that prizes can be ordered and delivered free of charge. They also offer 25% discount for tournament players which is 10% better than Maelstrom/Maunsfeld did when they still offered GW. That means the tournament prizes are more valuable with the top prize of £25 effectively being worth £33!
Once the venue hire, food and tournament prizes have been taken from the pot that still leaves £300 for the spot prizes and raffle prizes. Given that I buy them at my local FLGS with 20% off that's effectively £375 for the extra prizes!!
Conclusion
The main thing is that Blog Wars lives on. I think we've been pretty lucky to secure another venue soo easily. I hope you can all still make it to the new place. NWGC sounds pretty good but as I say I intend to make a trip across to check it out at some point to make sure it'll be suitable. I don't really have any concerns that it won't be but it's an excuse for a hobby road trip!
I've provisionally booked Blog Wars 6 there too for the slightly adjusted date of November 2nd so stick it in your diaries.
I'd still like to hear everyone's thoughts on the new venue. I apologise to those, particularly our German visitor, who'd made plans on it being in Mansfield. Incidentally, there's a Premier Inn across the road from the venue if you are able to change your hotel bookings without incurring a penalty.
New venue, bigger prizes, same Blog Wars atmosphere - GAME ON!