Hey guys. This isn’t going to be a long one but something I thought you might all appreciate. After speaking to my friend Tom who works with WotC UK down in Newport, I was able to arrange a short interview with the Organised Play Manager for the UK and Ireland (and South Africa!?!?), Lee Singleton. When it comes to high level events in the UK, Lee is the man.
He took the time to answer some of my questions on Magic in the UK and what we can expect in the near future…
1) Firstly, congrats on what I felt was a very well run event. What do you feel were the major successes of M Fest?
I think the major success for us (WotC) is that nearly 600 UK based players turned up at one venue to play magic over one weekend. I also like to think that the Nationals ran very smoothly this year even though there were lots of distractions!
2) There were however, from a personal perspective, some problems. For example, from personal perspective, one GPT I took part in sat down to draft for top 8 after midnight - the final didn't finish until 3. What problems were you aware of in the event overall? What improvements can we expect for next year?
Well, event finishing times are what they are unfortunately. We have to have a mixture of events that appeal to a vast range of players that start at various different times. We will try and ensure that our events start at the specified time however and to ensure that events run smoothly and to schedule.
3) Can you explain how the decision making process went in integrating English, Welsh and Scottish Nationals into UK Nationals?
I’ve answered this elsewhere a few times but this is a discussion that we have had both in this office and with our colleagues throughout the various different offices around the world ever since the Nationals were first split apart. There are good arguments for running Nationals either as a GB Nationals or as three separate Nationals, in the end we decided that the arguments for a combined nationals made more sense to us to help us grow magic throughout the UK.
4) Is it the intention to have M Fest annually and will it always integrate UK Nationals? It was the original WotC intention for UK Nats to move between Wales, Scotland and England annually, has this plan been scrapped or are we going to have the opportunity to have UK Nats / M Fest in Glasgow or Swansea for example?
Yes we plan to have an M-Fest every year attached to a large event most probably either GB Nationals or a Grand Prix. The current plan (still subject to change) is to have it attached to GB Nationals in 2008. I would love to move the event throughout the UK unfortunately I can’t find a suitable affordable venue either in Wales or Scotland. Our current plan (again still subject to change) would be to keep M-Fest/ GB Nationals in/ around the Birmingham area for 2008 and then move it for 2009 and beyond (assuming of course that a suitable venue presented itself by then).
5) What was the turnout for M Fest like and was it above or below expectations? Obviously there was severe weather in the area at the time and I would be surprised if that didn't impact on numbers attending but a WotC perspective would be good.
Well as I said in an earlier question we had nearly 600 players attend M-Fest which was a little below our initial target numbers but considering the MET office kept advising people to stay indoors we are happy with the number of players who turned up over the four days. Obviously next year we would hope for more players to turn up – any suggestions on this greatly welcomed (please send to dciuk@hasbro.co.uk)
6) From my understanding, it was unofficial WotC policy to have a GP in the UK each year. M Fest, whilst a great event does not hold the worldwide prestige of a GP. Is this indicative of playing numbers in the UK in general?
Yes and No, Our main problem with a GP in the UK is that not enough UK based players travel to Grand Prix’s, this means choosing the right venue and time of year are very important. We also had trouble finding a venue that was free that wasn’t the weekend just after of just before M-Fest. In the end it was decided to push back the Grand Prix until the beginning of 2008, unfortunately the venue we want is not free until April/ May time which is when we will probably do the GP in the UK in 2008. Though this all still has to be confirmed.
7) Can you elaborate on the overall health of MtG in the UK?
Well Magic is ok at the moment, obviously though we would like more players!
8) What are the plans for top level events in the UK in 2008? Can we expect to see a top level event such as a GP in the UK next year? If so, can you give any details on location or format?
As I mentioned above next year we plan to have a GP some time around May, the venue will most likely be the NEC in Birmingham. Then in August next year we will have M-fest/ GB Nationals venue will possibly be Birmingham again though this is still to be confirmed. Going into 2009 and beyond depends really upon the attendance at the GP in 2008 and again attendance at M-Fest 2008. So the simple message is really travel to more big events in the UK!
Before I analyse any of this, I’d like to thank Lee for taking the time to answer my questions. What I also like is that he took the time to respond to me in a way that isn’t complete press-talk. As you can see, he was honest and candid which was totally refreshing.
Now, let’s look at some of the key points…
Attendance – They nearly hit the figures they hoped for. This is very good news because from what I am aware, M Fest was not a cheap event to run. If attendance had been poor, it would have been bad times for UK Magic. It might have even proved to have been the irrecoverable blow to the game we know and love in this fair isle.
Location – M Fest / UK Nats will continue to be at Birmingham and almost certainly at the NEC. I really like the NEC as a venue. As someone who had to travel a fair way to get there it was still very accessible and cheap. Of course, I am disappointed we won’t be in Scotland any time soon – we hold our breath for 2009 – but if it has to be in England, the NEC is good for me.
GP – There will be a Grand Prix in the UK next year. It’s likely to be in Birmingham, same venue, and it is likely to be around April / May. And reading between the lines, big attendances at both the GP and M Fest would give WotC UK the required leverage to make a push for an annual Grand Prix once again. It’s all down to us.
Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed this wee feature.
-Flame On-
Dave
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