How to survive Ally Pally

Just back from the marathon of the K&S show at Ally Pally. Despite a heavy cold and a raw throat, I had a great time. I've been going to the show for years, long before I became a knitter. It's the most comprehensive show in the UK, but can be utterly exhausting. Here are my top ten tips for getting the most out of it:

1) Make a plan
Order the programme ahead of time, and mark what you want to see. This means you won't accidentally miss something and read about it later.

2) Don't be rigid about the plan
When there are thousands of people milling about, it's better to drift along and see the less crowded places. You'll take in some of the places on your plan, and can consult your plan when you stop for a break to check what's left

3) Don't take the tube
Driving seems the most luxurious way to get there, as you don't need to worry about bags, coats, timetables etc. However, if you don't/ won't drive, and can't find a willing chauffeur, I'd go with the coach. You can leave coats on it, deposit bags from time to time and knit, read or nap on the journey. Failing that, try the train. I did it for the first time this year, and found it much less crowded than the tube. It also has the advantage that you can walk from the train station to the show - if you don't mind the hill... It's not plain sailing with the train, and confusing that different lines operate on weekdays and weekends. The Moorgate trains are great, the King's Cross ones, not so much.
Avoid the tube. It's dirty, overcrowded, and dumps you miles from AP. You then have to wait, often for half an hour, to get the bus.

4) Dress for a sauna
Lightweight T shirt and the most comfortable shoes you own. Don't bother wearing a gorgeous handknit sweater; you will boil. Use the cloakroom (if you came by public transport). Expensive, but better than carting heavy bags around all day.

5) Take cash and chequebook
Most of the vendors do take cards, but the machines don't get a proper signal, and there are vendors who will only take cash or cheque.

6) Bring lunch and water
Unfortunately, the queues for food and drink are huge, and there isn't enough seating once you finally get something. It's worth buying something en route, so that you don't go hungry. Definitely bring a litre of water, and sip throughout the day.

7) Take in a class or show
It's very hot and crowded at AP. Plan to take a class or see the fashion show. This gives you a chance to sit down for an hour (seating at AP is notoriously inadequate), and makes all the difference between feeling utterly drained or refreshed enough to last the day. It's great to take home a new skill, and the teachers are usually well known.

8) Go twice
If there's lots you want to see and do, consider going on two days. I find it puts far less pressure on you to see everything, and allows you to ponder those luxury purchases before you splurge.

9) See the exhibitions in small chunks
I like seeing the exhibitions, but find my eyes glaze over if I try to tackle it all in one go. Alternate an exhibition with shopping, snacking and classes, and you'll appreciate it more.

10) Use the off peak hours
It's busiest between 12 and 4. If you can, arrive early, or leave late. You'll cover three times the ground in those off peak hours.

11) Grab a bargain, muse over the luxuries
If you see something you think is a real bargain, grab it. It will go. If you are investing in luxury yarn for a big project, make a note of the stand number, and keep going. See what else there is, then come back. It saves carrying around all day, and avoids finding something you like more later.

OK, eleven tips rather than ten. You're all set, enjoy!