Frequently Asked Questions for #RochdaleComicCon #DaleCon5

 

Where is Rochdale Comic-Con held?

When is Rochdale Comic-Con?

How do I get to the venue?

What time does the event open and close?

Is Rochdale Comic-Con and the venue disabled friendly?

Am I allowed to take photographs and video?

Will I have my photo taken or end up on video?

Do guests sign autographs & other stuff?

Will I have to pay for photos with props and actors etc?

Will my photoshoot tickets & tees be delivered before the event?

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Is there an ATM on site?

Can I pay by card?

Which entrance do I come in at?

Can I bring my pet goldfish (and other animals)?

 

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Where is Rochdale Comic-Con held?

Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Lane, Rochdale. OL11 5DR - Formerly known as Spotland Stadium

 

When is Huddersfield Comic-Con?

Saturday 24th June 2017

 

How do I get to the venue?

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By Car:

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Exit the M62 at Junction 20 and take the A627(M) towards Rochdale. At the end of the A627(M) you should be in the left hand lane to turn left at the traffic lights. Now follow the road and with Tesco on your left, go straight through the next set of lights (approach in the middle lane) into Roch Valley Way. At the next crossroads (where the Cemetery pub is on the corner) go straight onto Sandy Lane, where the ground can be found on the right after approx 3/4 mile.

Car Parking at the ground is now for permit holders only, so it is a case of finding some street parking. However the streets in the immediate vicinity of Spotland are for 'residents only,' so if you are not careful you could end with a parking ticket for your trouble, so check first to see if there are street parking restriction signs, before deciding to park up. There is street parking to be had along the main A680 (Edenfield Road) which can be found at the end of Willbutts Lane, only a 5-10 minute walk away from the stadium.

Post Code for SAT NAV: OL11 5DR

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By Train:

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Rochdale Railway Station is located just under two miles away from the Sotland Ground, which is served by direct trains from Manchester Victoria, Halifax, Bradford Interchange and Leeds. Rochdale station is around a 35-40 minute walk from Spotland, so best jump in a taxi, rather than walking. Alternatively you can shorten the walking journey a bit by catching a Metrolink tram from outside the station into Rochdale town centre. If you have time on your hands however and decide to walk to Spotland from the station then here's how: 

On leaving the main entrance proceed straight on at the roundabout in front into Maclure Road. Follow this street (passing a fire station on your right) to the end and turn left at the T-junction onto Drake Street (A640). Follow this right to the end until you reach Manchester Road (A58) which is a dual carriageway. Turn right and walk along the right hand side of the road. At the major junction, which has traffic lights turn left (crossing Manchester Road) into Dane Street (A6060). Just after passing ASDA on the right, bear right onto Mellor Street (still the A6060 - here Dane Street bears left). Follow this road right to the end and bear left onto Spotland Road which soon becomes Edenfield Road (A680), bearing round to the left. Take the second left onto Willbutts Lane for the ground. Thanks to John Midgley for providing the directions.

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By Metrolink:

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You can also travel by the Metrolink tram from central Manchester to Rochdale Interchange as Colin Willsher a visiting Colchester United fan explains; 'A return fare using the Metrolink from the centre of Manchester is currently £4.60 and you arrive in Rochdale, in just under an hour. Tram frequency is about every ten minutes. There is a town centre taxi rank about a hundred yards away from the Interchange. I took a taxi up to Spotland and I was charged £4.20 for the journey. If walking to the ground from the Interchange then it takes around 20 minutes to do so (I know as I walked back after the game had ended). To find the ground from the Interchange then as you come out of the Interchange turn right along Smith Street towards the town centre and then cross straight across the first roundabout onto the South Parade. Continue straight across the next roundabout onto the Esplanade with the Greater Manchester Police station on your right. Then cross over the major junction with the Manchester Road (A58) and continue straight onto Dane Street. After passing an Asda Store on your right, bear right onto Mellor Street (still the A6060 - here Dane Street bears left). Follow this road right to the end and bear left onto Spotland Road which soon becomes Edenfield Road (A680), bearing round to the left. Take the second left onto Willbutts Lane for the ground'.

 

What time does the event open and close?

It all starts at 10:00am for pre-bought ticket holders – The ticket office closes for Rochdale Comic Con on the evening of Sunday 18th June. There will be tickets available on the day for CASH ONLY sales from 12pm but priority access is to those with pre-bought tickets.

If we hit capacity for the building those with tickets will become a priority to gain access.

The event closes at 5pm.

 

Is Rochdale Comic-Con and the venue disabled friendly?

Yes, this year the event is not using the upstairs of the stadium - so no waiting for the lift. We are in both the Studds Bar and also the Ratcliffe Arms which has a ramp access.

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Am I allowed to take photographs and video?

As long as it is ok with the people you are taking photos/film of then yes. We actively encourage capturing memories of the day as it’s going to be a fab experience but please ask first – one of our big rules in the industry is Cosplay is Not Consent… That applies as much to taking a photo as it does to approaching and touching some in costume inappropriately. Remember, we’re all here to have a great day – that’s the whole point of the event. If you upload your photos to our facebook or twitter page using the #DaleCon5 then we’ll be giving prizes out after the event so you may get very lucky!

 

Will I have my photo taken or end up on video?

It’s likely that you will in some form – however, as above, you should only be the main focus of a photo or filming if you’ve been asked first. If you feel someone has taken a photo or film and you are unhappy about this either speak to the person direct, who should offer to delete or destroy it, or if you are comfortable doing so, just ask one of the team to help.

 

Do guests sign autographs & other stuff?

Yes, that’s why they’re here – to meet their fans and sign memorabilia. Remember though, each artist has their own fee and we are not in control of that but you’ll generally find it’s lower at our event than the bigger conventions. Weirdest thing one of our guests has ever signed? Brian Wheeler, an ewok from Return of the Jedi among other things once signed a can of mushy peas… Long story!

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Will I have to pay for photos with props and actors etc?

Many of the props and vehicles are brought at the cost of the event and the individuals who have brought them, and a lot of money is raised for charities by them. If there is a sign on the prop, or costumers have buckets with them, please donate what you can – we have kept the ticket price as low as possible to ensure those who are raising for charities can do so without feeling they’re asking you to dig too deep. Actors have fees for printed photoshoots, and there are costs involved in the photography, but again we negotiate to try and keep these as affordable as possible.

 

Will my photoshoot tickets & tees be delivered before the event?

No, your photoshoot tickets are ready for collection when you come in the event at the reception desk. Just bring proof of ID with you and we’ll hand them straight over…

Your tees can be collected before the event if you want them ahead of time, just let us know and we’ll either drop them at the college or we’ll arrange a collection.

If you have purchased your tickets during the Father's Day incentive, you will receive your tee and card by Friday 16th June.

 

Can I bring my own food and drink?

You can if you like but please make use of the seating spaces and litter bins. There will be  food available will also be open, and there are shops quite local to the venue. Once you’ve got your wristband on you can come and go as you please so don’t feel you’re stuck in and we won’t let you come back!

 

Is there an ATM on site?

NO - so you must make sure you've brought cash with you. These are the nearest 3 cash points to the venue - 

• 1. Paypoint

  Sandy Lane Store
  119 Sandy Lane
  Rochdale
  Lancashire
  OL11 5DG

  0.14 miles away

  Charge: £1.00

• 2. Cardtronics UK Ltd

  The Cooperative Food Rochdale
  315-317 Cutgate Shopping Centre
  Edenfield Road
  ROCHDALE
  Lancashire
  OL11 5AQ

  0.42 miles away

  Charge: free

• 3. Bank of Ireland

  Post Office
  170A Spotland Road
  Rochdale
  OL12 7AA

  0.45 miles away

       Charge: free

 

Can I pay by card?

Some of the traders may be able to pay by card these days, but it’s not guaranteed and it depends on mobile signals etc. You’re always best bringing cash. Tickets are CASH ONLY when buying on the door also.

 

Which entrance do I come in at?

The initial entry point is the Ratcliffe Arms front doors - once the venue is fully open, and wristbands have been authorised, you will be able to gain entry at the Studds Bar also.

 

Can I bring my pet goldfish (and other animals)?

No - pets are strictly not allowed. Guide and assistance dogs are.

 

Need to know more then post a question on the page… You’ll be helping other people too!