A great place to see live performances; I was there with my husband to hear Joe Bonamassa just over…read morea week ago (he was totally fantastic - if I were reviewing him here there wouldn't be enough stars to give him!!) The venue is easy to find and there is more than one car park right next to the building. The parking attendants were really friendly and helpful, pointing out a space which was nearer to the door so that we didn't have so far to walk - I just KNEW we were beginning to look our age!! The seating was comfortable though would have been even better tiered (apart from the area at the back which was), as taller people made viewing difficult for those behind, and the sound was a bit fuzzy at times too. I imagine that was the fault of the sound engineers, nothing to do with the acoustics of the building itself which was purpose built for modern bands and performers.

I don't have much experience with large conference centres, but this one seems to be large enough…read moreto fit over 1000 people into one room without being sqashed together. OK, the chairs are not the most comfortable when spending in the Arena for hours, but at least it was acceptable. Just outside the arena there were all the food and drink stands in case you got thirsty or hungry, again, plenty of space. A roof covered footbridge connected the arena with the conference centre that offered plenty of small and large boardrooms for Fringe sessions. Sometimes it got really hot in some of the small rooms, but luckily you were able to open the windows. All the rooms had screens for presentations. We were also lucky enough to get some refreshments and food in the Fringe sessions. In the entrance hall there was a seating area and the possibility to buy some nibbles, sandwiches and Costa Coffee. Down the hall you came to the exhibition centre where firms and organisations had their stands and drew people in with their goodies. All in all, a very acceptable conference centre and may I add that even there were over 1000s of people I never had to queue for the toilets :-)