Tickets

I’ve included all the different ticket types below, so that you can see your options. Remember that you’ll be getting $600 off the listed prices (more if you are are sharing a double/twin room with others who also bought a WAKE ticket).

Tickets include accommodation, events, food, and most drinks (the hotel bar isn't included). The only exception is the ‘Non-Residential ticket’, which includes everything except bed and breakfast.

WAKE 2020 | Options

Due to COVID-19, we’ve sadly had to cancel this years WAKE. This was a truly difficult and painful decision, but it was the only responsible thing to do given the circumstances.

For those of you who have already bought a ticket, we want to offer you three options,

• A full refund

• A ticket for Wake 2021 (date TBC)

• A deposit for SPARK (worth $600)

If you would like one of the first two options, fill out this brief form.

In terms of the third option, the plan is to make SPARK 2020 more like WAKE.

Basically, think of WAKE, still unkempt, but in a tuxedo.

SPARK is an all-inclusive event (except, obviously, for the hotel bar), so, although it’s more expensive than WAKE, your food and accommodation are covered, as well as plenty of alcohol. In addition to that, flights are much cheaper in October, and I’ll magically turn your $500 WAKE ticket into a $600 SPARK deposit.

There are also other ways of keeping the costs down, including sharing rooms or renting an airbnb close to the hotel and buying a non-resident ticket. I also have access to a cottage right beside the hotel that can easily accommodate four people (if the cottage is something you’d be interested in, email me for costs).

Of course, while many experts are predicting that things will improve post-May, it might not. So there’s always a chance that SPARK will have to be canceled as well. However, this will become clear in the next few months, and you will, of course, get a full refund if that happens.

If you’d like to take up this offer, just fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss options. I’ve listed all the ticket types on the other column so that you can see what’s available. Remember, you’ll be getting a $600 discount on the listed price (or more, depending on how many of you are sharing).

Dates

11 Oct (Registration from 2:00pm) - 15 Oct (finishing at 12pm).

setting

You'll be staying in the award-winning Crawfordsburn Inn for four incredible nights. The Inn dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and has been patronized by literary figures such as Swift, Trollope, and Dickens.

As well being a regular of contemporary artists like Van Morrison, it has housed Dick Turpin and Peter the Great. The Inn was also a favorite spot of C.S. Lewis, who celebrated his honeymoon there with Joy Davidman.

Indeed, the Inn overlooks a forest park that reputedly inspired Lewis' vision of Narnia. A forest that melts into a breathtaking coastline. All located just 20 minutes from Belfast (winner of World’s Best Region for Tourism in 2017 by Lonely Planet).

What’s included?

The event is fully inclusive (except for the hotel bar). Your ticket covers accommodation, meals and activities. It also includes wine receptions, as well as plenty of tea, coffee and other refreshments. In terms of the food, you'll enjoy a full Irish breakfast each morning, lunch every afternoon and a leisurely three-course meal every evening in the award-winning Lewis restaurant. The one exception is the ‘Non-Resident’ ticket, which includes everything except bed and breakfast).

What should I expect?

Think of it as a luxurious holiday, carefully crafted to help inspire and challenge you. I’ll be curating the content, so I'll be there speaking, facilitating discussions and answering questions, as well as bringing in various experts. There’ll also be plenty of time for walks, conversations and lounging around open fires with a drink in hand.

Can three or more people share a room?

Absolutely. There's one Super Deluxe Family Room that can accommodate up to 4 people (one double bed and two single beds) while many of the other rooms can be fitted with an extra, high quality, single bed.

Can I come early or stay later?

We'd recommend it! I’ll happily help you work out where to explore, or you can extend your stay with the Old Inn. We’ve negotiated a special rate for people who want to spend extra nights, all you need to do is contact them directly and let them know that you're attending my event. But be quick, as spaces might be limited. I'm also happy to recommend other places to stay.

What are my transportation options?

The closest airport is the George Best City (BHD). It’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the hotel, and there is a taxi rank at the airport (Uber also operates in Belfast). The other local airport is Belfast International (BFS). There is a bus at the airport that takes you directly into the city. From there, the best option is to grab a taxi from the station. Dublin airport (DUB) is also a great option, as the flights are often cheaper. It’s just under 2 hours from Belfast and there’s a bus outside the exit that will take you up (some of the buses don't take credit cards, so buy your ticket in advance or pay with Euros or Sterling).