Hi Anastasio,
There is really not going to be a great deal of change, as I understand it. The start and finish times are not really up for negotiation. They are, in large part, driven by Alton Towers' commercial considerations - i.e. they need to ensure that people are dressed during the overlapping periods of check-in and check-out for the non-naturist guests. You can arrive earlier and leave later if you like, it's just that you need to respect the needs and views of the other guests (who will not be naturists).
I won't be able to get there until around 6:30PM - 7:00PM on Friday night anyway, as I have to go to University on that Friday and don't finish until 5:30PM. Strictly, I should go to a session on the Saturday too - but I've been looking forward to this weekend for ages and have made certain commitments (financial and otherwise), so I'm going to be naughty and miss the Saturday session (it's not like I don't spend every waking hour either working or reading - hence why I have been very quiet here lately. Off work for three days at the moment though, so have a bit more free time!)
We only have one hotel again - the Splash Landings Hotel. The original plan, in 2006, was to use both - but there wasn't enough interest in the end. I gather that there has been far more interest this year (I know that there has been within YBN, at least) and so if things go really well then I guess there is a possibility that could happen for 2008. You can use the spa, but as it is located within the other hotel, you do have to wear something.
I don't know what the events program is, to be honest. Most people just like to use the waterpark during the day and the bar during the night! There were films, speakers, presentations, etc last year and I expect there will be more of the same this year.
I think that reports from last year have got out pretty well. That is part of the reason why bookings are up this year. It also seems to be extremely popular with youth... it's a young person's kind of environment, really.
Anyway... I'm sure we can have a chat next month.
BTW, I'm interested in how you come to be both an AANR and BN member ??? That is very unusual! (I know that BN does have members who are not British though - we have at least one member from Luxembourg, for example!)
