I was at Sage Gateshead this morning for unspecified purposes and, as I entered the building, was slightly surprised to see a row of chairs lined up against the edge of the atrium adjacent to the (at that time still closed) ticket office. On emerging from my business and after a light luncheon I made my way to the ticket office. There was no-one else waiting and when I talked to the assistant she mentioned what a terribly busy morning they'd had due to the release of tickets for the Free Thinking Festival - those (she said indicating the row of empty chairs) were for the queue.
A (younger) friend did mention to me last year that many of the events "sold" (tickets are free) out on the day of release because all the pensioners came in and nabbed them. From the website this would indeed appear to be the case, many are now available on a returns only basis.
I have no personal axe to grind as we are away at another artistic venue at the time of this year's festival - but I do find it all rather amusing.
OG
A (younger) friend did mention to me last year that many of the events "sold" (tickets are free) out on the day of release because all the pensioners came in and nabbed them. From the website this would indeed appear to be the case, many are now available on a returns only basis.
I have no personal axe to grind as we are away at another artistic venue at the time of this year's festival - but I do find it all rather amusing.
OG