Frequently Asked Questions
We know you will have lots of questions about this year's GBs, so we've tried to anticipate some of them and have our answers ready.
Is the Great Britain Championships a Secondary Qualifier this year?
No -- not in 2011, but the standard of dancing (and the craic!) will be awesome!
Can we use all of the Butlins Resort facilities?
Yes!
How many nights does the accommodation package include?
All accommodation is from Friday to Monday. See booking information page for detailed information about checking in and out (but see the booking rates page regarding limited accommodation on the Thursday and Monday nights.)
Over the past 3 years we have noticed members of the general public and on site during the Championships, and again this year we see the event is available to book via the Butlin's website. Why is this?
Over the last 3 years we have developed an excellent working relationship with our hosts, Butlins. During this time we have tried to negotiate site exclusivity (i.e., no non-Irish Dancing guests). Unfortunately due to the size of our booking (approximately 3000 guests) it leaves us some way short of the camp capacity of 4800. Due to this under-occupancy and Butlin's ability to fill that space, we cannot expect them to miss out on this additional revenue.
Whilst having a mix of Irish dancing/general public does not cause problems to Butlins, it does mean that we are contracted to provide venue space back to our hosts at certain times of the day. The biggest implication is having to hand Centre Stage back to the Butlin's team at 6.30pm so they can prepare for the night time entertainment. (This is an absolutely rigid requirement.) This entertainment is booked well in advance, and is a big reason my many guests return year on year to Butlins.
We have discussed the actual cost of taking up the site under-occupancy ourselves but it would result in an increase in accommodation rates of approximately 25% based on booking levels in 2010.
As a regional council we understand that costs are ever increasing and think that such rate increase would not be justifiable compared to the benefits we would all gain.
We have to check out by 10am on Monday. Will there be somewhere we can leave our baggage until we leave the site?
Yes. Butlins provide a large secure area for people to leave their baggage during the Monday competitions, and until they leave the site that day. There is a security person on duty and you will be given a tag/check for your luggage. Those who are driving home may want to simply put their baggage in their car to save retrieving their luggage at the end of the day.
If we can't book until the 31st May, will there be enough accommodation?
Yes! There are around 5000 beds on the Butlins Resort, so there is plenty of room. There is no need for panic booking, but if you want a certain type of accommodation, book early to avoid disappointment! Please note that the resort is open for the general public to book throughout our time.
For booking purposes, what is the definition of a 'child'?
Child age is 2 to 14 (under 2s are free). Butlins reserve the right to ask proof of age should they feel someone has given the incorrect information at the time of booking.
What Terms & Conditions apply to our booking?
Once you have made your booking, standard Butlins Terms & Conditions apply with regard to, e.g. upgrades, cancellations, etc. Booking terms and confirmation will be sent to you soon after booking.
Why was I asked for the dates of birth of everyone in my party?
This is a standard Butlins requirement (i.e. nothing to do with the Southern England Regional Council). The SERC does need the date of birth of all competitors, for obvious reasons, but Butlins has to know - presumably for security reasons - the DOB of everyone staying on the site.
If we've booked via the wrong booking line/website, can we sort it out?
If you have booked via the wrong booking line, let us know using the contact form on this website (click here). Send us your booking reference and the name your party was booked under and we will try to arrange for Butlins to transfer the booking. You will receive a revised booking contract from Butlins. Any cost differences will be refunded/charged accordingly.
Is there a reduction available for senior citizens?
Unfortunately Butlins do not operate reductions for seniors.
Do we have to pay extra to use the facilities on site?
The vast majority of facilities are free, but there are one or two that charge -- e.g. the 'real' go-kart track.
Can I use the Butlins discount vouchers I already have?
No. Butlins have stipulated that, because this is a special event and not part of their normal calendar, discount vouchers (e.g. Tesco Vouchers) cannot be used.
Is there car parking on site?
Yes. The site has ample car parking for all guests.
Can we go to the Butlins Resort entertainments?
Yes, yes, yes!! And there will also be specific entertainments relating to the Great Britain Championships, open only to those attending the GBs.
And do we have to pay extra to do so?
No, it is ALL INCLUDED but please remember you MUST book through the special Great Britain Championships booking line.
Is the accommodation self-catered or are meals provided?
There are both options available -- see the Accommodation section of this website.
If we choose a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package, will we be able to fit our meals in around our dancers' competitions?
The Council will be working hard to make sure that everyone will be able to fit meals in around the dancing. In the morning, breakfast starts at 7am and goes through to 10.30am. Even for those who are first on, this should give time to get ready, have breakfast, and then go to the halls to warm-up before the competition starts. In the evenings, the restaurants will be open from 4.30pm through to 7.00pm, so everyone should get chance to eat, even on the day they dance.
STOP PRESS: the Council are in constant touch with Butlins with regard to issues such as these, which are peculiar to their Irish dancing guests. Meal timings will be discussed when entry numbers are known and timetabling is being worked out.
Do we have to stay on site?
No, a day pass rate is available, but EVERYONE in your party will have to pay that day rate, including dancers, as the cost includes the use of all Butlins facilities. Special GBs day passes will be available at the gate on the day. Note that Butlins will be opening the gate for GBs people at 7am, rather than at 10am as they do for the general public.
The normal Butlins day pass covers the hours from 10.00am to 8pm. Can we get on site earlier if our dancer is scheduled first thing, and what if the presentations go beyond 8pm?
Not a problem. Irish dancing day passes will get you in at 7am and will be valid until the competitions are finished and presentations made.
What do the Butlins booking fees cover?
The booking fees cover the cost of accommodation and use of facilities for THREE days/nights. It also INCLUDES entry into the Championship Halls and GBs entertainments for everyone in your party.
How many people can we have in our room?
This varies according to the accommodation you choose. Please note that there is a minimum occupancy in the self-catering and Shoreline Hotel. The Butlins Booking Line staff will advise about maximum occupancy. Note that whilst there is normally no Butlins rule with regard to under-occupancy of Silver, Gold and Deluxe Rooms, there is a limited stock available. Should this stock be depleted, the Butlins Call Centre staff will offer alternative accommodation appropriate for the number of people in your party. Should you choose to occupy a larger room than you need for your party, there WILL be an under-occupancy charge levied.
Where will the competitions be held?
The dancing will be staged in three areas: Centre Stage, Reds, and the Rendezvous Conference Centre. All competitions will be held on proper stages covered with Harlequin dance flooring.
When will the timetable be released?
A provisional timetable will be released at the earliest opportunity.
When will the adjudicators be announced?
The names of adjudicators have already been released -- please see the home page for details.
What happens if my teacher (or 'teacher by association') is selected to adjudicate?
Butlins Terms & Conditions stipulate that deposits are non-refundable, and the onus is on you to ensure that your dancer is eligible to compete. If you are concerned about this, please discuss it with your own TC, who should be able to advise.
Is there a good choice of restaurants and cafes on site?
Yes, there is a great choice of restaurants, cafes, bars, and food courts, with a wide variety of food available, from bistro dining and healthy eating options through to good old fish and chips!
What security will there be on site?
Butlins Security Staff will be on duty at all times. They will check people entering the camp against booking details, and entry to the Irish dancing halls will be strictly managed by Butlins Security Staff at all doors. Admittance will be by wristband. No entry will be permitted to those who are not authorised.
Will I need to pay a booking deposit?
Yes, there is a deposit payable on booking, with the balance due eight weeks before the event. See the Accommodation Rates page for details.