Hi,

Don't know if anyone can help me on this one:

I managed to get tickets and am taking my mum to the final on Saturday as a treat for her 50th birthday. I know the beeb say admission from 3.45 but I know they over-subscribe the seats, so what time should we get there to be sure of getting in.

Has anyone been before - what should we expect?

Thanks!

Most DS members who have been to the live show turn up between Noon and 1pm....although for the final I`d be tempted to turn up earlier.I`am sure someone who has actually been will be along soon to give you some first hand advice.Enjoy the show.

Lucky you - final tickets!!

I have not been to a final before but like swnymor1963 has said I would be tempted to arrive earlier rather than later with it being the final - they do give out more tickets than seats and it would be awful to not be able to get in - esp as its a 50th birthday present - have a fabulous time

Take a small folding chair; your mum can wait inside if you save her place in the queue; apparently you can change into your fancy evening wear in the ladies loo So put your thermals on(you can change).As stated.. get there early to ensure you get in.Apparently they issue upto 30 more tickets than there are seats available.Its the final, so I would assume there will be no no-shows.

I got there at 1:15 but since you're going to the final, I'd get there quite a bit earlier - I'd be surprised if people don't turn up for that one.
Yeah as swynmor1963 said - wrap up warm. I wore a hoodie and jeans while queuing, the BBC don't care. You can change in the toilets when you get in - you have a good 1 1/2 hours in the canteen.
Oh and have something warm to wear with your fancy stuff as you have to queue outside when heading into the actual studio. Being Dec. it'll be freezing.
Oh and a pen would be good incase the dancers are hanging around in the courtyard when you're queuing. They're happy to sign stuff (well Bruno stayed in the corner smoking but...)

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help on this one.

Note to self: Jealousy is wrong. Jealousy is wrong...

I got there at noon and we were 11th and 12th in the queue. Most poeple didn't arrive until 1pm onwards, when the queue started really building, so anytime before 1pm should be safe.
Have a fabulous time!

Do you know where the best place to sit is? I heard they have upstairs seating aswell as the dancefloor level?

You will probably only be allowed to sit upstairs - it was a total fluke that we got downstairs. All the 'public' are seated upstairs, but try to get in the front row by getting in the queue as early as possible, both outside the Audience Entrance and inside when they call you to go in.

Upstiars is definitely the best view of the dancing as a whole - when I was downstairs I was distracted by the camera and everything else!!!

I've not been to SCD, but I've done a few BBC shows.

I'd aim for getting there for 12:00 - 12:30 and just accept you'll be standing around waiting for a fair while.

I know this is really bad but... if your mum is an, erm...'older lady' it can be quite helpful. Well mannered BBC employees tend to make sure little old ladies aren't inconvenienced too much...

Hope you have a really, really great time tonight xxx