If you don't get there early you won't be at the front
Going to a big film premiere in London is a complete waste of time if you haven’t done your planning. This guide will give you an idea of some of the things to take into consideration.
The two things that most people don’t appreciate are how early you have to get to Leicester Square to make sure you get a good spot. Then they don’t realise how cold and tired you get waiting around.
When to get there
If you’re planning on going to one of the big film premieres, what you have to remember is that a lot of other fans are having the same idea. For instance with the Harry Potter premieres people were waiting from 6am, that was something like 12 hours before any chance of seeing a star.
Although that’s the exception I’d say if you’re serious about going to any premiere get there before lunchtime, about 11am and see if there’re any fans around.
If it’s not too bad go across to the Burger King in the square and grab some food and seats. That way you and your mates can rest and take turns to go out and see what’s happening outside. Most stars don’t turn up until after 6pm so be prepared for a long wait.
By the way don’t even think about going to a premiere on your own. You can’t fly solo on this, you’ll need someone to take turns to keep your spot when you go to the toilet, unless you can hold it for 7 hours, I didn’t think so.
What to wear
So you know you and your mates have to get there early, now what are you going to take with you? Turn up with what you would normally wear and you’re in for a bad experience. Use our weather forecast before you set out, it breaks the weather down into each hour of the day so you’ll know what to expect.
Even on a normal dry day in London you’d be surprised how cold you can get just standing about. If it’s not going to be a sunny day you need to think layers. It’s the best way to stay warm and you can always take things off and put it in a bag if you’re getting too hot.
What to take
As for taking an umbrella, forget about it. You’re at the front and people behind you won’t be able to see, they won’t let you get away with having an umbrella.
That leads us nicely into what kind of bag are you taking with you. Not thinking of taking a bag? Umm that’s interesting – change into dry clothing, put clothes in, something to eat/drink (once the crowds are there you won’t be able to get out and back easily to get something to drink), autograph book – without a bag you can’t do any of these things.
Also if you’re thinking of having a rucksack on your back when the crowds get there, forget it if you want an easy time. People will either tell you to take it off or just lean on it and generally make your time uncomfortable.
Your best option is take a bag that you can put a few things in and that you don’t mind getting dirty when you have to put it on the ground.
Do these things before going to a premiere and you’re set to have a good time. Premieres are friendly events and as long as you’re a reasonable person and respect the people around you, everything will be cool.
If you’re coming to London think about getting the EPok London Pack. It tells you about events and things that guidebooks often miss and gives you offers that only Londoners usually know about. For details about the Pack visit epok.com.
Previous articles you might find interesting:
{ 4 trackbacks }