We're getting civilised in the august surroundings of the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, in York. It's gorgeous, it's posh and it's very English. Please to note: because of its beautiful mediaeval floors, stiletto heels are not permitted (please don't look so disappointed, gentlemen. We are happy to offer advice for sartorial substitutions.)
Both the ceremony and the hooley are being held in the one place, so all you have to do is turn up at five.
So where on earth is it?
It's right in the centre of the pretty little city of York, within walking distance of the railway station. (Leave about fifteen minutes for your walk. Alternatively, there are taxis at the railway station.)
But where is York? How am I supposed to get there?
Despite its picturesque location in the heart of the rolling Yorkshire countryside etc. etc., York is not actually hard to get to! Thus:
By train: York is on the main east coast line from Edinburgh to London King's Cross (just across the road from St. Pancras, should you wish to take the train from continental Europe).
It's also directly accessible from Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle via the Transpennine Express, and from Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham via Crosscountry Rail.
(It's also accessible from a host of gloriously named wee English towns in the neighbourhood, but if you live in Poppleton, Kettering or Pontefract Baghill, you'll probably know that already.)
By air: You can of course fly to London, Glasgow or Edinburgh and take the mainline train; however, the most convenient airports are
a) Manchester Airport, which has a train connection directly from the airport to York station and
b) Leeds-Bradford Airport, which has an aircoach service that will take you to York in about an hour.
By car: Erm, driving directions are on the Merchant Adventurers' site. More I cannot tell you. But Mary probably could, were you to ask her!
Accommodation:
Because it's a very touristy city, there is lots of accommodation available in York, for all budgets. If you'd like to make early bookings, York's tourist office is at Visit York.
