Having spoken to the NIA and other venues in the city, tonight’s performance of Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour at the NIA will go ahead as planned.
For those of you who are unable to travel to the show this evening due to adverse weather conditions, we have a limited number of tickets available for the Sunday 6.30pm performance and you can transfer your tickets to this performance instead. However, please note that these are subject to availability and will not necessarily be like-for-like tickets. People wishing to exchange should contact The Ticket Factory – on 0844 338 0338 – who will allocate seats on a first come first served basis. Customers must bring their original tickets to the venue box office on Sunday evening and exchange these for new tickets.
Unfortunately there is not availability for the other performances at the NIA. As the show will perform tonight, the promoter will not refund tickets for people who do not attend.
Throughout the day we have been speaking to relevant authorities and continue to liaise with the Highways Agency and Birmingham City Council about the state of the roads surrounding the NIA and city centre. The snow is due to stop later this afternoon, which should help to ease some of the surrounding areas and allow for relevant protection and gritting.
If you are coming to the show, please leave plenty of time to make your journey. You can keep up-to-date via the Highways Agency and Traffic England.
I live in a small village near Peterborough and the snow is coming down really heavily here. I am not willing to put my family’s life at risk to travel in alert conditions
I’m listening to the BBC news and the message all day has been that Police are advising don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. It is outrageous that refunds/alternative venues have not been offered. It would only be people who genuinely couldn’t travel who would request either – so what’s the problem?
A real question of morals is raised here Money v Lives
There should be no question
I am so disappointed after watching every week of my favourite show on the tv and being fortunate enough to get tickets to see the live show as a Christmas present I am stuck at home watching rubbish day time tv due to the snow! Our tickets for todays matinee included the coach travel and they have decided to go ahead despite Police/weather reporters advising not to travel unless you have too and many accidents,/incidents happening and ice being everywhere. Therefore as we have decided that keeping safe had to be a priority we have ended up missing a show we have been so excited about and my poor Mum who bought her ticket and mine and my sisters as presents is now £210 out of pocket. I feel so let down that the coach company and the show have decided to carry on despite sense and advice and let down their fans. People should at least be reimbursed!
My daughter 5 year old granddaughter and myself are due to come to show Sunday pm. We live in south wales, also my daugter in law and friend are travelling from Bristol. Roads are bad more snow forecast for Birmingham sunday pm. Do we understand that we will not get a refund on the tickets!! We have been to the tour show twice before and know what a fab show it is so we would not decide to miss it lightly. My 5 year old grand daughter is a huge fan. Wht can you not rearrange the show for later on in the year!!! You will miss out on a lot of good will shown to this prodgramme and maybe loose the ratings battle and then the programme. Think on
I totally agree with what you are saying. My family adn I are in the same situation today travelling from mid wales. I strongly feel strictly are being completely irresponsible and forcing people to make silly decisions to travel. Its all very well getting to the venue but have they thought about getting home late at night when temperatures drop, icy roads and more snow fall!!
This is a greedy, selfish decision, showing little regard for people’s safety. The forecast is predicting a further 10cm of snow. If people do manage to get in, there is a strong possibility that they will get stuck. With all the authorities advising us all not to travel, grow a conscience and either refund or re-organise. You currently stand to lose an awful lot of loyal fans, but also endanger many peoples’ safety.
TOTALLY AGREE, my sentiments exactly,stuck in Mid Wales & tickets purchased in Oct.for my Xmas gift. Totally gutted. Won’t visit NIA ever again or Ticket Master to book anything else.
i think it is absolutely disgusting you are going ahead with this tonight, we have had nearly a foot of snow in redditch and i am not risking the roads tonight regardless of whether you say the snow is stopping this afternoon. every news channel on tv is telling people to only travel if it is completely necessary!!!
I will be seeking a refund on my tickets.
Totally agree.
Hi we are meant to be coming to the show on saturday but due to the terrible weather feel and warning not to dribe feel it would be madness to attempt a 2 such a long journey from hampshire in such terrible dangerous conditions . Is there any chance we could change our tickets to ones in london for the later date . Sunday is supposed to have more snow so I dont think we would be able to risk the journey for this show. Please could you discuss this with the promoters and give me a response asap.
Many Thanks Gemma Ellis
Hi I am in the same position as Gemma. We have tickets for tomorrow afternoons performance. We have normally a 3 hour drive to get to Birmingham and in these conditions will have to allow extra time meaning we shall have to leave very early to get to Birmingham. Arrangements for alternative performances elsewhere would be greatly appreciated, as someone else has stated not everyone lives in Birmingham.
I await your reply,
Steph G
I along with four other friends have tickets for this evenings performance in Birmingham. we live in an area that is on red alert and have thick snow we have been advised that traveling would be unsafe. I am disgusted to read that the performance is going ahead and further more you will not be refunding ticket money. I think circumstances have to be viewed individualy as not everyone lives in the centre of Birmingham!
Totally agree Teresa.Totally disgusted with “Endanger Your Life & The Emergency Services & ignore all advice”.
So pleased to hear it’s going ahead. My parents have driven up from South Wales today!
I find the decision for the show to go ahead tonight ridiculous. The airport is shut, Birmingham is gridlocked, the snow is going to fall for most of the night and the show must go on?!?!? We religeously watch strictly including voting but I can assure you the decision made by the promoters has shattered my opinion of the show. It is time for the stars of the show to think about the audience safety. For their own conscience I do hope no one is seriously injured or dies trying to to or from the show tonight.
TOTALLY AGREE. Anne (Mid Wales).
I work next to the NIA and the roads are treacherous… It has taken me two hours to travel what is usually a 20 minute journey. I have tickets for tomorrow but will certainly not risk it if the weather conditions don’t improve considerably . Don’t be surprised if the arena is half empty tonight…
Live around the corner from the NIA. Roads are either slushy and slow or covered in snow, traffic gridlocked. Police advising to only undertake essential travel, Birmingham Airport closed and many people being sent home, yet this is still going ahead? Crazy decision!! Hope promoters reconsider this decision, surely better to postpone then risk peoples lives and also end up with a half empty arena.
This is discusting it is not safe for ppl to be driving and there will be accidents it’s all money money money no thought for ppls safety! Wrong decision the weather is not ment to stop it is gonna carry on!
Leanne, I totally agree. The Stars have been in “Their Hotel Suite” since Thursday & get bussed in & pay cheque is guaranteed. They don’t care if we are injured through travelling.x
You should be ashamed strictly. My 7 year old daughter idolises the show and is absolutely distraught that she may miss watching her idols. How can i risk travelling 100 miles with my daughter when i live in an area that has been issued a red warning. No buses or trains are operating so the car is the only option-madness!!!! Thats £150 in your pocket and out if mine!! Shame on you, we are the ones who put you where you are at the top of the tv ratings yet you are ignoring everyone who are voicing their concerns. Havent seen many who are happy that it is goong ahead.
Totally agree & I’m with you on travel.
My wife and 6 year old daughter have tickets for tomorrow’s afternoon show – unless we have a considerable thawing (unlikely), they certainly won’t be risking travelling. Considering that we have had 15cm of snow in Stoke on Trent, the roads are gridlocked across the Midlands, Police are advising people to NOT leave their houses and there are further snowfalls forecast, I find it unbelievable you can even consider not giving refunds to people!!! My wife and child will be gutted to be missing the show, so the least you could do would be to rearrange it so that the loyal fans who forked out for tickets can get to see what they paid and waited for. On a side note, it would be interesting to see if an individual at the Highways Agency or Council would put their name on public record as saying the event is safe to go ahead……
Totally agree. My son bought tickets in Oct.& I cried on Xmas day as it was my dream to attend but it’s not to be as N.I.A. are so complacent. Do they view Midlands Today news with bus/cars slidding everywhere & remember we have a 2 hour journey b4 we even reach Bham! Beggars Belief!!
I too am disgusted by the decison to proceed regardless of peoples safety. The tickets for tomorrow’s performance are a Christmas present from my daughter and we need to travel from South Wales. I will be bitterly disappointed if we are have to forego our tickets. It is simply not safe enough for the averaage driver to tackle the main roads let alone the side roads that also have to be negotiated. Even if there is no futher snow there is a high risk of freezing temperatures at night which we will have to drive home in.
Please someone let common sense prevail.
Totally agree as I’m in Mid Wales, same scenario!
I guess when some poor person dies trying to get to the venue tonight so they don’t waste their hard earned cash, we will have the ‘we will learn from this tragedy’ speech by the promoter. ‘Lessons will be learned, we should never have let the show go on’.
Keep lining your pockets you selfish, greedy people. Where oh where are the health and safety police when they are needed?
TOTALLY AGREE. Advice on news is for a reason.
I think it’s ludicrous that they can’t refund or won’t should I
Say they think more about money than safety and I for one
Will never book through this promoter again
It may be ok got this phil bloke in his big house
Counting his money but he not a care for the safety of other
Plus Madagascar gone ahead and there are kids
Do they know what it’s like in birmingham xx
I can only agree with all the comments above. I cannot believe that you are going ahead despite all the warnings and treacherous conditions. We are due to be at tomorrow’s performance but with more snow due tomorrow will probably not make it. It was a birthday treat for my mum and we have been looking forward to it so much but at the end of the day it’s not worth risking lives for.
I think you should reschedule the shows planned for this weekend or give us a refund.
TOTALLY AGREE Elizabeth. I think NIA will have enough local B’ham people able to walk to the venue so they will move on to next location & not bothered about us. I’m sure N.I.A have insurance aainst weather????
We live in Kettering and planned to get to the NIA by road.
I have tickets for myself and my wife for tomorrow’s performance (Saturday evening).
Currently, we have over 6ins of snow with more forecast overnight and cannot get the car out of the drive and on to the road. We have been advised not to travel – advice that appears to be prevalent on all travel related websites (including the BBC!)
Being fans of the show, I sincerely hope that you take a responsible view towards people like us who find themselves in this unfortunate position and find some way to recompense or transfer arrangements to another date.
TOTALLY AGREE, I’m in the same show boat!
OK, go ahead with the performance for those who can make it, however not offering a refund to others when the Highways Agency is advising us not to travel is dangerous and based on pure greed, a selfish idiotic decision!!
We live in wales where the weather is hazardous our family live in birmingham where the weather is hazardous as well, These tickets were a christmas present for my 87 year old nan it is disguisting they are not offering refunds it is not worth risking your life for this show. The weather forecast is bad and they still dont offer a refund, the temperatures are not rising so snow turns to ice which no council can control……….
I appreciate that you may not wish to cancel the show for the sake of those that can reach the NIA, but for those that can’t or do not want to risk a journey which is not strictly essential, there should be the opportunity to receive a refund or attend an alternative performance when the weather conditions have improved (which is unlikely to be on Sunday!).
Appalling decision that smacks of blatant profiteering. I live 12 miles from venue and roads are treacherous – local authorities advising everyone not to travel – shame on you! Everyone should boycott the promoters
Throughout the day we have been speaking to relevant authorities and continue to liaise with the Highways Agency and Birmingham City Council about the state of the roads surrounding the NIA and city centre. The snow is due to stop later this afternoon, which should help to ease some of the surrounding areas and allow for relevant protection and gritting.
This is a view of the traffic into and out of Birmingham taken a short time ago.
https://twitter.com/outinbrum/status/292299879710093312/photo/1
I’d also be interested in what the Highways Agency and Birmingham City Council had to say when you “liaised” with them.
I note that my comment has not yet been moderated, is it because you have gone home early due to the bad weather!!!
Totally outrageous decision to hold show tonight, we come from the Peterborough area and it is a total wipe out at the moment. Traffic is at a near standstill.
How are we expected to travel 80 miles to Birmingham when we have been advised not to travel. The decision to continue with the show is reckless in the extreme. What idiots make these decisions? Was looking forward to the show but now due to no fault of our own we expect to lose hard earned money.
How dissapointing I have purchsed 4 tickets to the value of almost £200 and because of the snow cannot get to the venue.I wanted to change for another venue later but the rules apparently wont consider this. What a shame when you cannot be flexable and will not even consider to help when this awful weather is causing so much disruption. It would be too bigger gesture to help I guess.
A terrible decision to go ahead with the show and purely a money making exersize. The promotors should be ashamed of themselves for putting people at risk in these conditions.
The tickets for Sunday are only offered because you have not sold out the event.
Money over safety reflects badly on all involved here.
We have tickets for tomorrow afternoon and will need to leave home by 9am. When will a decision be made about Saturday’s shows?
I am so dissapointed that we are unable to get to the show tonight due to the road conditions plus more snow forecast this evening. Even though trains are running at the moment what happens if they close the lines and we can’t get back home tonight plus the fact that one of my party is disabled!!! I am very disheartened by the show producers to not offer an exchange or money back, it’s not our fault!! There is more snow forecast tomorrow too. If no compensation is offered I won’t book again in the future.
The decision to not postpone this is a total joke ,we live in the red warning area and are not able to get out at all ,and had we even got there how would we have got home – no respect for their paying customers ,blame lies mainly with mcintyre promotions who have ignored my efforts to contact them all day – No suprise i suppose .
Shame as this was christmas present for my mother
Hi I have a two Hour drive in normal conditions i dread to think how long it would take me in these also i have disable wife which in these condition would not do her health any good if we got there and having to drive home in the dark and freezing conditions. Perhaps if you can not make a refund you could change our tickets O2 arena if not i will asking for a full refund
I am in the same position as Gemma, I’ve got tickets for tomorrow night and I am really worried about the journey from Chichester, West Sussex!! Please can the organisers re think their Snow Statement? All news channels are stating not to drive unless necessary. Please reply ASAP.
Thanks Sher
Just watching the BBC headline news which is reporting that snow is still falling here in South Wales – it’s not just about conditions in and around Birmingham. BBC news reporters are also now concerned about ice and their message is to stay at home.
Please consider the bigger picture.
I find it disgusting!! I’ve got tickets for my mum for Christmas and spent my hard earned money and there is no hope of getting there roads and motorways closed, no trains etc.. Can’t even get out of my road and they think its ok cause the snow will stop later??!!
Idiots just cause it stops snowing does that mean that the 15cm of snow will disapear and the roads will all of a sudden be clear!!!??
I live 2 hours 30 min drive from NIA and it’s still chucking it down with snow!
thanks for disappointing my family
I have just checked the weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow for Birmingham and it states snow showers all night and all day tomorrow with the temperature not getting above -2! Please rethink your position, not everyone wants a refund just the option of another date, this weekend is too dangerous for everyone!
Has whoever made the decision to continue with the shows not looked outside recently? Due to the state of the roads and the severe weather warnings being constantly broadcasted we won’t be risking travelling up from Suffolk. Clearly SCC puts money before the fans that have made it what it is. Alternative dates should be made available.
I’m a coach driver, and i.m expected to drive 40 ppl to NIA tomorrow, eta not known, published eta 13.30, lets see what happens, M1 north? M6?, A38? i like a challenge but if its to bad the LAW says i CAN turn back,oh what fun. Good luck to everyone travelling to NIA tomorrow
i just want to say that i am discusted with the NIA for still letting Strictly Come Dancing go ahead tonight,,,,its a disgrace if you ask me…..common sense would be to cancel and refund people. look at the news,,,look at the roads,,,look up into the sky and what do you see,snow snow snow and more snow,,there is nothing but roads jammed, trains canceled, buses being canceled and u still expect people to travel in these conditions…..money money money is obviously all that there thinking about….but on the plus side a guy at the ticket factory was a fantastic help by getting me seats for sunday instead,,,,of which im very grateful as iv been looking forward to this tour for ages,,,but it still doesnt excuse whats going on
The show should take responsibilty and consider peoples safety.
Companies have sent staff home today as the roads are so bad. The ice on the roads is getting worse, with more snow forecast and temperatures dipping further.
Please consider public safety and either offer people to cancel with a full refund or re schedule. You cant expect people to come out in this.
Disappointed that we can’t make it due to the weather, but I’m even more disappointed in the shows organisers for showing no consideration for people’s safety and even a hint of a refund! “The show must go on!”
Disgusting. Shame on the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing. Irrespective of what ‘the promoters’ say, the audience are Strictly Come Dancing fans, so the BBC, who have not had the best of times recently, should do the decent thing and either insist on refunds to the promoter or reschedule the affected dates. Hiding behind ‘the promoter’ is just a get out. These are exceptional circumstances where the public are being advised by the police and travel agencies against non essential travel. I have tickets for Saturday afternoon show, but live in an area where we just been told snow will continue well into the night. Couple that with freezing fallen snow, and we have treacherous conditions for a 60 mile drive. Strictly Come Dancing will lose a lot of fans after treating them so shabbily.
Surely the fact that buses in B’ham stopped running at 7pm tonight is an indication and proof to you that we really do have a serious weather and travel problem here! Brace yourselves promoters/ Strictly Come Dancing personnel for the backlash!!!!!!!
Disgusting you will lose a lot of fans not that you care as long as the pennies keep rolling in, I live near the NIA and it has not stopped snowing, so are you going to change your opinion, not a chance you are far too greedy to care about other people’s safety. And believe it or not people are coming from all over the country to see this show- (or they might try to) – so you have to take into consideration the snow does affect people outside of Birmingham as well. People cannot always arrange alternative forms of transport, (I believe other forms of are transport are shutting down anyway) we are in a recession you know, but then it is down to money again oh dear I forget you fat cats don’t care. And I am no longer a Denise VanOuten fan either her comments were rude and obnoxious, we aren’t all made of money, so pathetic.
guttted that the show was not cancelled/rearranged. Last bus out of Bham City Centre was 7pm, doesn’t that tell the organisers something about the condition of the roads…paid £65.00 each for dancefloor tickets too
Booked tickets and hotel for the night as a christmas present for my parents. have lost the money for the hotel, as weather to bad to travel. Dad rang to try to get tickets changed for sunday, was left hanging on the phone for so long he had to hang up as it had cost him at least £4.00. They watch strictly every series, fine way to treat your loyal viewers.
Absolutely agree with other posts – an unbelievable decision to go ahead with the show. Every news and weather programme advises not to travel unless absolutely necessary and the reports of the effect the weather has had on planes, trains and roads prove that this decision is putting people in danger, particularly when you consider the huge distance some people have to travel to the NIA. Having just watched the weather forecast for tomorrow it doesn’t look like we will get any respite and we are extremely concerned about whether we should even attempt to travel tomorrow afternoon for the matinee from Leicestershire. Let’s hope show promoters consider safety over their own pockets.
We are in Dorset 195 miles from NEC with tickets for Sat afternoon, having contacted Ticket Zone their response was tough, no refund / no exchanges. Really understanding especially with advise from ALL motoring organisations not to travel unless totally necessary.
Gutted to have not got to SCD. The promoters have obviously not thought about the safety of people’s lives. We are told not to drive but have to miss out. Unfortunately when you live in a very small town you cannot use or depend on public transport. Very disgusted that the night could not have been re-arranged by the venue and promoters.
I live about 15 mies from the venue and will be using public transport to get there tomorrow night, I was going to use it anyway as its the easiest way for me to get into Birmingham.
Feel really sorry that some people will miss out tonight and think the tour organisers should give a refund to those who can’t get there or offer them tickets for another venue due to lack of availability at NIA.
Also disgusted at Denise Van Outen’s tweet that was reported by the BBC – huh “It’s only snow guys!!!!”
Shes been in a hotel all day 5 minutes walk from the NIA!!!!!
Like many others we had planned a family trip to Strictly – we are all big fans. 3 of our party live in Staffs but the other 6 of us live in the South. It is unlikely that we will be able to make the trip and are saddened that refunds are not being reconsidered when the advice is not to travel. I understand you have a business to run, but part of effective business is surely keeping the goodwill of your customers, so would be very interested to hear why you are not considering refunds.
My 6 year old daughter and I were looking forward to travelling up from Bristol to Birmingham on Sunday to see her favourite show. This looks pretty unlikely due to the weather. Taking on board all the comments above, I wonder how many people will be willing to gamble £45 on a ticket next winter?
Am pleased to see that other people are equally as perplexed and frustrated that despite the country being ground to a halt by the weather, SCD producers see no reason to help us out.
Enjoy spending my ticket money, will be the last I give.
I completely agree with all of the above comments. We live in Bristol and the warnings say not to do non essential travel and the motorways are currently restricted to 30mph! It sounds like Birmingham itself is a bit of a nightmare to in terms of traffic so if we were to risk it we are likely to double our journey time and risk not getting home the same night. It’s absolutely crazy someone has made the decision not to refund and ultimately risk people’s lives. Hard earned cash will be gone down the drain just to line the pockets of the ticket sellers. You should rethink your decision immediately and stop being so greedy! Reschedule.
My sister and niece were due to travel up from Plymouth for the afternoon performance tomorrow for my sisters birthday. I would be traveling to the show from Kettering. The authorities have advised us not to travel because of the snow – 6″ in Kettering already. So we have taken the advice and will not make the show. We are all so disappointed. I think as a matter of courtesy, we should be refunded or given alternative dates to see the show. There will be a lot if empty seats in Birmingham this weekend and it would be a nice gesture if the public, who have switched on to Strictly every Saturday and even voted, were given a refund. This had cost us £150 for the tickets which are now not going to be used because the weather has stopped us traveling.
We live in Plymouth, Devon and although we only have a flurry of snow here, the weather conditions from Exeter to Birmingham are bad. The advice is NOT to travel as the driving conditions are hazardous. I feel that it is really poor that the show will not refund our tickets in these extreme circumstances! We are so disappointed that we are unable to see the show, which was bought as a birthday present, and as there is further snow forecast for Sunday, offering an alternative for Sunday is of not much use! Please, please Stricly look at the bigger picture here.
I can only agree with the majority of the comments above. We have tickets for the show tomorrow evening. The tickets were a Christmas present so we are really upset and disgusted that a refund is not an option. We would have been traveling from Gloucestershire where the bus services have been suspended and the advice is to travel only if really essential. I was an avid viewer of Strictly and was really looking forward to seeing the show live, i agree that now the promoters have our money they couldn’t give a toss. I totally agree with Gareth John above – remember who put you at the top of the TV ratings and who pays for the TV license that goes towards the programme in the first place.
Please!! please!! please!! listen to your fans. It is not safe out there!! I cant believe you want us to risk our lives it will cause absolute chaos on the roads!!! Do you seriously want to be held responsible for deaths or fatal accidents over the weekend? I lost a dear friend in the last snowfall!! LOOK we all work hard for our money!! It is a luxury in this recession to be able to go to your show. I’m due to go Sunday evening i’ve been a loyal fan i spend a lot of money on your programme, ticket, and other merchandise. I attend lots of other shows at the NIA too. But im afraid if you let us risk lives to get there this weekend then im sorry but i will seriously rethink about booking anything there in the future!!
PLEASE THINK OF YOUR FANS SAFETY FIRST NOT MONEY!!!! Thank you for taking time to read this.
I’ve spent £150 on tickets for Saturday afternoon, all Christmas presents, and I live in rural Herefordshire where the roads are treacherous. More snow is forecast and it’s freezing so road conditions are only going to get worse. I’m not prepared to put lives at risk to try and get to this show however much we were looking forward to it. All advice tells you not to travel so surely if we cannot get to the venue because of the snow we should either receive a refund or offer of an alternative venue. Anything else is pure profiteering.
my wife and i had a great time tonight the show was fab-u-lous. we travelled by train there and back from a very snowy Telford and trudged across the city centre to the NIA. It took an hour from door to door both ways . If you chose not to go tonight thats your decision so don’t blame the organisers. it’s just a few inches of snow
So how many people actually made it to the performance on Friday ?
Interesting that the promoters haven’t posted any comments or replies
I am supposed to be coming to this evenings performance with my elderly parents and am appalled by the obvious lack of concern shown for the lives of loyal fans. I appreciate that the dancers have busy schedules and venues may already be booked up but please have some consideration for the public who without there support the show wouldn’t go on!
One point to consider what facilities would the NIA have to accommodate stranded visitors surely the scenes of people camping out at airports would be enough to make them reconsider the negative publicity or would it just be another cash generating opportunity – selling over priced refreshments to those unfortunate people who couldn’t get home? Is there a contingency plan?
Not expecting a published response – as no one else got one!
THANKS to all you WORRIED FANS who have the same problem as me that have complained. I have tickets for tonight and will be gutted to miss it, but I really think its going to be impossible to get to Birmingham. Also I think it will be worse getting home after the show, that’s what I am worried about more. Its a no win situation. I think Strictly will loose a lot of loyal fans if other arrangements cannot be made for those hundreds who cannot make it, and it will be hundreds! Lets hope they listen to the fans and the safety of them and keep their well respected and loved show, respected and loved!!!
Having had the tickets given to me as a Christmas gift by my daughters we were devastated when we could not attend due to the weather conditions and likes many other SANE and SENSIBLE people we thought the show would be rearranged because we were told all day not to make journeys that were not vital and necessary and as much as we love strictly it it’s neither of these AGAIN it’s all about greed making money and sod the general public who watch and make these programs popular SHAME ON YOU at least arrange for refunds for those who couldn’t attend after all without us fans you wouldn’t have a business to rip people off
I saved up to buy tickets for the show for my mum as a Christmas present. She lives in a rural Shropshire village which is impossible to leave at the moment due to snow and ice. As in other areas, they have been advised by the authorities not to travel unless absolutely necessary, so there is no way they can attend this evening without putting themselves in danger.
The decision to press ahead regardless is plain wrong and just smacks of money-grabbing with no regard for the fans who have made this show and tour what it is. So disappointing and sad
And as there is more snow forecast for tomorrow, offering alternative Sunday tickets is pointless.
Outrageous and totally irresponsible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have tickets for Sunday evening and think it’s disgusting that this is going ahead why cant it be cancelled until people’s safety will not be an issue we will also be requesting a refund have you had a health and safety risk assessment done ?
I too am disgusted at the decision not to offer the option of transfer to another venue or refund tickets purchased (Fri 18th NIA). Those of us that do not live locally to the NIA, and are prevented from travelling in safety, by the adverse weather condition’s alway’s loose out We are told to listen to the BBC News and Weather and heed the advice given. Are we realistically required to battle through regardless ?
In these times of publicised austerity, come on promotor’s do the right thing and put the self preservation of ” Joe Public ” (who genuinely support’s these events) over Pounds, Shillings and Pence.
” Strictly Rip-Off “
I live in Newcastle-under-Lyme and was booked on a 2 day trip going from Stockport today at 9am. We live on a small estate with only 5 cars coming down our road with no through traffic. After 7 inches of snow yesterday it has left us unable to get off our estate. All the buses and taxis have been cancelled in town and that was “official” news, so even if I could get off the road, the train I was due to catch has been cancelled!!!! The later one would get me to Stockport AFTER the coach has already left! So angry and upset that there is not any form of refund for people like me who can’t possibly get there. Human safety is paramount surely and if public transport is cancelled and we are told NOT to go out unless we absolutely need to, what more is there to say?
At what time will a decision be made as to the shows today & tomorrow? We should be travelling down from Lancashire tomorrow but at the moment it is snowing & thick fog with more forecast today & tomorrow for the Midlands. People’s safety should be considered as the utmost importance.
I agree with everything already said here. Our tickets were bought as a xmas present. Surely they could be transfered to another performance.
My husband bought tickets for him and myself as a xmas present present. We live in somerset. Gutted that we can’t make it for Saturday night fuel yo the weather. Free dvd of tour might be s nice gesture for us!
Due to weatherget
My husband and I were bought tickets for tonight’s performance as a gift for my 30th birthday, but there is no way we are risking the safety of ourselves or our baby (who we’d have to take to his grandparents) in these treacherous conditions. As others have mentioned, I think the offer of exchanging the tickets to tomorrow’s performance is not in the least bit helpful, as the bad weather is set to continue and a full refund should be given. Please respond ASAP, thank you!
My daughter and I and 5 friends were devastated not to get to the show last night due to the snow and ice. My car is still abandoned where I was unable to drive any further after a frightening journey.
Please can you transfer our tickets to a London date?
We love the show and it’s a lot of money to lose.
The BBC News channel states no one should travel unless absolutely essential yet a BBC show is going ahead, putting financial gain ahead of the safety and well being of the public! Complaints number for the BBC – 03700 100 222
Even more worrying, encouraging people like myself to swap Birmingham NIA tickets if unable to travel, to Sundays show with a poorer forecast and higher possibility of snow!!!!!!!!
We actually made it to the n.i.a last night as we were able to catch a train as we dont live that far away.it was a brilliant show and so glad we were lucky enough to be able to get there but the arena was half full and the show should have been rescheduled or refunds offered.getting in by train was just about possible but there were no buses or taxis running into birmingham that we could see and the roads were bad.really feel for those who could not get there they should at least be able to get a refund as so many couldnt make it.hope the n.i.a and those behind the show seriously assess the situation today as people’s safety must come first. Note to strictly’s producers- i love bruce&tess but kate thornton was excellent as host – shame she can’t be a permanent fixture!
We travelled to the show last night from Gloucestershire, the roads were fine until you hit Birmingham which was bad but we still got there! I drive a small car and we went steadily and got through ok and also got home safely. The show is amazing! well worth the effort. We had a fantastic time so a big thankyou to all the strictly crew and if you have got tickets and are willing to try the journey then you will have a fantastic evening
This is absolutely disgraceful of the BBC to tell us on one hand not to travel unless its really necessary in these adverse weather conditions, but its ok to travel to see Strictly come Dancing, double standards or what! This event should have been cancelled and fans either offered an alternative date or a refund by not doing either of these things you have lost yourselves many fans.
I bought myself and 2 friends tickets for tonights show as christmas presents. this however is going to be impossible for us to go because we cannot get our cars out of the drive. I understand that they are offering people a possible chance of seeing it on the sunday but we have all got prior commitments which means it isnt any good for us. Im so disappointed as I have beena massive fan of strictly come dancing for a very long time and was very excited to finally go and see the magical show. I do wish that we could get a later date ticket, as i dont want to miss it. But if this isnt possible that I think we should get a refund I will come next year instead.
I hope to hear from you very soon.
I am writing this to express my amazement and disgust with your decision to go ahead with last night’s performance of “Strictly Come Dancing – Live”.
Firstly, the Met Office had warned of the severe weather warnings for the country, especially the South West, Wales and the Midlands.
The fact that these warnings came into fruition seems to have been completely disregarded by yourselves.
I live in rural Somerset and was planning on driving to Birmingham to meet up with my mum and sister who were driving from West Sussex.
As I woke up, I checked the weather report which showed extremely hazardous conditions on the M5, from Devon to Gloucestershire. As the day progressed, these conditions extended to Birmingham and beyond.
The rail network was severely disrupted, Bristol and Birmingham Airports were closed for part of the day rendering alternative transport nigh on impossible. Local bus companies and taxis had also cancelled services which potentially could leave people stranded in the centre of the City. Coupled with the fact that the Police and Rescue Sercices were telling people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, I am shocked that your organisation was not more sympathetic to the situation. Clearly finance takes a higher priority than public safety.
The NIA is a national venue drawing people from all over the UK. Trips like ours were planned well in advance for a specific purpose, in our case, our mum’s 70th Birthday, which incidently was on the 17th. It cannot therefore be assumed that most people will be coming in from the local area. Some people were trying to get to you from South Wales, an area given a Red warning, meaning threat to life!
The offer of swapping tickets for remaining performances, namely Sunday evening, quite frankly is laughable, as the majority of people not able to get to you today are highly unlikely to be able to do a Sunday evening performance.
We would be quite happy to attend an alternative performance of the show or another show at the NIA. Failing this, I feel a refund of our ticket price is the least you could do under the circumstances.
Disgusting decision not to postpone and reschedule the show or failing that, if not possible, not to give refunds to the 40% it appears were unable to make it. Blatant profiteering above any sense of moral and ethical decency or customer service.
This is an absolute disgrace, trying to force people to travel in extreme weather conditions. The trains are not running so would be unable to get home and there is no chance of it clearing by tomorrow. I purchased 2 tickets for my pensioner parents for christmas who will not be able to get out in these conditions, so therefore a wasted present. An alternative performance should be re-scheduled to accomodate and not risk accidents happening.
We took my mother and mother in law today…show was fantastic and travelling to the nia was no problem. All the main routes in and out of birmingham are clear, roads in the city are fine (a little slushy but nothing major).
Why would the show cancel when the performers are there? The arena was full- no excuse to not go…
I’m not sure why the production would put on an additional show for those not willIng to travel? Or offer refunds? If there was no audience today then perhaps they would have re considered…
It was amazing!
An amazing show so glad we braved the 2 hour car journey the only downfall was the pavements out side ! Nearly along with a few other went flying ! But we’ll done for another fabulous show
I’m sorry people were unable to get to the Friday show, but I travelled by train from Cheshire to Birmingham and the trains were fine….
. I did leave myself extra time. Perhaps travelling across the country was worse. I wonder if the people complaining had investigated the trains.
Sunday nights performance going ahead – promoter says it’s okay!!!
Like a lot of people leaving comments we have to risk all to travel 100 mile return trip in seriously adverse weather and against the advice of all travel advice, this is a disgrace to the BBC for allowing this to go ahead.
Good luck to all travelling
hi my friend and i should b there today to see strictly come dancing on half one, the weather is so bad in wales we can’t make it, i am so gutted paying all that money, can’t go. they should have cancelled the show Friday/ both Saturday and both Sunday show
I brought tickets for my parents for christmas and we live in the gwent they are really gutted that they cannot make the show as its to far to travel in such conditions and snow still falling, i feel there should be some sort or refund with such conditions and is very dissapointed that you still will not reconsider!
My friend and I purchased tickets for our boss for Xmas. Sadly due to your inconsiderate desision none if us will be able to attend the show, it’s still snowing here and not safe to travel in. You really need to reconsider your desision Togo ahead with the show as you will be (1) putting people in danger if you expect them to travel in these weather conditions (2) leaving people out of pocket whilst filling your own. I’m sure you will loose a lot of dedicated fans due to your rash desision.
So disappointed had 4 tickets for Friday for myself, daughter, niece and mum (whose in her 70′s and not good on her feet). My car couldn’t even get out of our own street let alone get to mums to pick her up. Trains were being delayed and cancelled according to the press. Sunday replacement tickets would have been pointless – I’m looking at the Blizzard outside as I type. I understand it is not that easy just to put on another date, however a discount off next year would be a nice gesture.
We transferred our tickets from Friday but now the weather is even worse. We can’t get to the station even if there are trains. I think it is really bad that tickets cannot be transferred for another venue in the tour.
My ticket was a Christmas present for me and my daughter from my son. It is £150 he has lost. I managed to get a refund for most of the rail ticket so Virgin at least see sense.
Why oh why are the show encouraging people Togo against all advice and still try to get to the venue?
Absolutely disgusting they haven’t cancelled the show – we originally had tickets for Friday then got them transferred to today but the weather’s still awful! Disgusting they’re making us risk our lives. I find it ridiculous we can’t get a refund – appalling service
I too echo the feeling of all others on the forum. I live 120 miles away and with the motorways icy and more snow forecast I was not prepared to risk an accident to my family or others to try and get to the performance on Sat night. To be told the only alternative is a transfer to a performance tonight was churlish as the weather forecast was no different if not worse so why would I be able to go to this one instead? I didn’t particularly want a refund, I wanted to see the show so why couldn’t they offer a later date or a different location? They would still keep their money so what’s the problem. Mind you after seeing the reports in the paper this morning of Denise van Outen saying that “it’s only a bit of snow love” in answer to fans disappointment I don’t know why I am surprised. If the celebrities don’t care either Im beginning to wonder why I wanted to go in the first place.
Very disappointed that we were unable to get to the show yesterday afternoon. I had purchased 3 tickets and we sadly made what we thought was the sensible decision and decided not to travel to the NIA. We may well have been OK getting to the venue but were worried about the 2 hour return journey in the dark with ice and more snow forecast.
Come on promotors at least give us some hope of compensation or how about a discount on next year’s tour for those who through no fault of their own, could not attend the show.
My mum and I have tickets for tonight’s show but due to the road conditions we are unable to attend, we travelled 20 minutes before turning around. We have watched the show for 10 years and this was the first tour we have had tickets for. I hope that you decide to refund tickets as the BBC are telling people to say indoors! We are totally disappointed and have been looking forward to it since Christmas. It would be lovely if you could give us tickets for another showing or a discount on next year tickets? I am gutted and disappointed that you haven’t taken into consideration that we are being sensible by not wanting to risk our lives on icy roads, you should have postponed the show until a later date.
having bought these tickets for my mums 50th birthday she felt too guilty not to go to the show tonight as I checked on here and saw that there would be no refunds. She has now ended up being hit by someone who skidded in the snow on the way into the arena. Luckily it was only the vehicles damaged, but it could have been a very different story!
Thank you strictly for organising a snow show for us people what were unable to travel. Lovely gesture. first entry Booked in my diary for next year. Cheered me up no end. As still snowed in down in somerset.
We had tickets for the afternoon show on Saturday and had no problem getting there but we only live 20 miles away and all the main roads into and around Birmingham were clear. My son and DIL live in Aylesbury and they missed the show but it is great to know they will be able to see it next January. Thanks Strictly.