If your seriously interested and think you could honestly attend something like this... Vote! Also if you think you have a better place write so! Basically we just need a place that can easily host alot of people, has convention centers, is reasonably affordable, and has lots of transportation!

Nice long posts people. If i should seriously get to work on this... i would love to arrange something like this... really i would. Even if it just ends up being only about 100 people that would still be awesome!

I have voted for Scotland. It was my first choice, because it is the location of Hogwarts (or at least it is always assumed so). Also, J.K. Rowling lives in Scotland, so if we invited her and she could (and wanted) to come, it would make things easier for her. It would also make it easier for Katie Leung to attend, and wouldn't be so far from England that other actors wouldn't come. One thing we may need to consider is that there may be some fees involved for actors...

I don't mind the expense if coming from the states, since we probably have 2-3 years (most likely 3, as Jo said she wouldn't even start book seven until this autumn) to save up for it. I have always wanted to go to the UK, and this would be the perfect start to a two-week (at least) holiday!

There are also 2-3 years for underagers to grow up, 2-3 years for kids to plead with their parents (he he), and 1-2 years to find the best place to have this, so we'll all soon have a ballpark figure we know we have to shoot for. There are plenty of currency converters online so we can get approximate amounts for everyone in their own currency.

You can mark me down, Mae. Darcy from South Dakota.

Oh, P.S.! Do not vote on this poll if you aren't going, or won't be allowed to go, just for the fun of voting! This is for seriously interested parties only!

I voted for London.. I dunno, that's just where I think it should be held.. it just seems 'official' Allthough I was torn between England and Scotland.. tough choice.. but I actually think both places would be awsome! Oh, and I hope your talking about London, England right?

I live in Canada, and would like to travel anywhere really.. nothing interesting happens here anyways.. Well, hope this turns out well
-Dominique

I'm making a list... trust me. This already has a binder on my desk. I have hardcore organization issues. So this bash is kind of already in the making.

i thought i heard book 7 was coming out in 2007. so about 2 years. i was planning august. middle of august. Noone is in school and i know eupoean countries have no work then... so it would be easy for some people to get off. There are still hotels though... i know that!

I chose Chicago becasue it is my favorite city and I think it has the most beautiful skyline! It is also the closest city to me. It is only 2 1/2 hours away...

But come to think of it, it should probably be in London as that is in the United Kingdom where the books originate. I wish I lived in the UK...

Oh, I know! There should be one in every major city around the world! Then everyone is happy! Or if the owner of a bookshop or some other place decides they want to throw a party, they should be able to!

I picked Orlando. I've got plenty of relatives in the south, and I may even be in Myrtle Beach that summer anyway with my best friend. Also, since I'll be 16, and I'm very trustworthy, I'm sure my parents will let me go, but it's likely that someone will have to come with me, just in case. My other choice would be Manhattan, since it's closer to me, but Orlando seemed less expensive, and altogether a better place to host this.

I'm going to go with London. I've never been and would love to go there. It also has mass public transportation and is large enough to host a large amount of people. That and wouldn't it be funny to see how many people actually try to walk through the barrier between 9/10 at Kings Cross Station.... I'm just kidding by the way...about the train station....

If not London, then Manhattan for some of the same reasons as above- mass transit, etc...

Ill add my vote i guess...

London. The money issue isn't that big of a deal for me. Two years of $20 a week adds up. Well my dad will be paying for it anyways so...

But i think London would be the best. Kind of Harry Potter central. Easy to reserve rooms, the underground, and busses. Economically it's not that expensive. other than a plne ticket for me... it wouldn't cost that much.

I cant wait!! Haha...it just sounded like such a fun, cool, great, amazing idea!! I think it will be difficult, viewing the outcome as of now, to settle on 1 city, though!!! I voted for NYC because I live in NY and there is a slim to none chance that I will be able to go overseas or across the country for a few days!!

Plus, isnt this "HP Bash" for AFTER book 7 comes out, so we can all ed the series together? We should not get too carried away so soon considering not even JKR herself knows when HP7 is coming out yet!

david.

I cast my vote for Orlando. Cost would be an issue for me so unless the bash is within driving distance I will not be able to attend. London will also be a nice place for the party but out of my budget.

I voted for London. Why? Because I could DRIVE from Germany and not get onto a FREAKING AIRPLANE! *lol*

Awe... but what is worse? Airplane or tunnel? *shiver* What the heck - I will apperate. Need to work on the blue flash though, so I can impress you. *lol*

Yeah, London I could definitely handle. Hey, who knows, maybe we can find Diagon Alley somewhere? Or the ministry? I will check out each and every phonebooth... wat was the number again? *lol*

Yeah, make it London and I will be there! *twinke*

Flutterflie

Oh, and keepstar - are you gonna fly via Frankfurt/Main in December? Because if you are, I will come see you. Hehe... You can't run, you can't hide... *twinkle*

I'm really sorry to chuck a damp towel over this, but I'm afraid I do need to say a few things.

Firstly, I don't think that you can attach VTM's name to this without consultation with Matthew. The thing is that if anything were to go wrong for whatever reason, VTM would be held responsible, so this is something that you need to consider.

Secondly, I very much doubt that younger members would be allowed to come without their parents. Some sort of age limit would have to be set for both legal and practical reasons.

Thirdly, to organise something this huge is one serious undertaking and I don't think I can condone what will eventually have to happen, and that's the exchange of money with people that you will hardly know - actually, it's likely that most will be complete strangers

Before everyone gets too far ahead of themselves over this, I really think that Matthew should be consulted if this is to carry VTM's name - especially if you are, as you seem to be, serious about this.

Again, sorry for the dampener, but practicalities are a major consideration.

Okay, Dana just raised some good points, Mae, so you probably want to consider them before jumping head first into this, but on that note, I'm all for it! I originally voted Vegas because its close to me, so its the only city that guarantees I could come, everythings walking distance, there are plenty of convention centers, and awesome food. Since reading Darcy's post though, Scotland seems a really interesting idea, and she's right, we have a couple years to save up the money. London also makes sense, and she raises a good point about the possibility that the actors and JKRowling could come if they wanted. This idea kind of reminds me of the triwizard tournament--you know, strengthening ties with other countries with the same interests. How many other parties would draw people from all over with such a huge common interest!? Sounds like a once in a lifetime oppurtunity! I know there are several of you I feel like I know, and would love to meet face to face.

I guess i'll go with the majority and vote for london. Though as its 2 hours away from where i live that's where i would vote for anyway! Im seriously up for this, and bear in mind that in 2 years time, the situation would be different for a lot of people.

It sounds like you're serious about this Mae. So i would recommend you get in touch with Matthew, because, as Dana says, if it was your forum, you wouldnt want people using your name without your permission, Being practical about this, is the only way its going to work at the end of the day. But given its likely to be 2 years before we have to face the end of HP we have plenty of time to sort things out.

It would be really awesome to meet all you guys, particularly the one's i count amongst my friends now, so i really hope we can do something. But, without sounding like a damp squib, practicalities need to be thought of. Its a long way off, so we can do this guys, with or without the VTM name.

EDIT: BTW, given my proximity to London i might be able to have a scout around and find some venues, if London is in fact the venue we go for. I could probably get my organisation head on!

Well I'm definitely going if I have the ability. I voted for London because I think it just fits, also I had already made plans to take a trip to London around my nineteenth birthday so it works out great.

But if we don't do London, then I'd have to definitely say Scotland, it's the second best place in my opinion. As for getting this all planned out, Dana had some pretty good points, and I'd be glad to help out in any way possible. But I'm not sure how much help I can be, I don't have a lot of resources at present being under eighteen, but if you think I can help in any way just email me and I'll see what I can do.

Umm, that's really all I have to post right now, but if I think of anything else I'll make sure to put it up.

P.S. If you would like to get my email address, you can wither view my profile or Privet Message me, thank you.

I'm all for London - it seems like the ideal place for an HP bash, plus I just really want to go to London Although Chicago wouldn't be too bad, seeing as I live there...

its gotta be london innit!!

Hiya Hermy and welcome to the forums!!

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Hiya all. sorry i've been busy with school. And i just wanted to take some time to respond. Dana did bring up some good points, and i have already done some research and worked around them. here we go!

As for using VTM's name. i wouldn't do anything official until i had talked to matthew. Also there is legal ways so that VTM could not be held responsible for anything that happened. Just a simple clause that would go on the application/ paperwork. Basically that VTM and all it's affiliates can not be held responsible for... well... anything.

Point two... age limit. This is a hard one since i know so many younger people would want to go. i was going to say 17... since that seems the acceptable age parents would allow their children to go (maybe to a foreign country unattended). Those memeber who were 17 would need to have their parents sign additional documentation to legally allow their children to go. Also i think that fans under the age of 17 can go, if they have a parent or guardian present. Also that no other members can be held accountable as their "guardian".

I know the fact of giving your money to someone is quite daunting. I would never do it, no matter how close i thought i knew them over the internet. If this does happen, everything would be handled by an intermediary. Most likely a travel agent through American Express. There would be payment plans and all payments would go to them. Since they are a respectable and well known company. Also anyone at any time would be able to ask questions of this intermediary and get in touch with them.

Right now im just doing research and getting a basic fell of who/what is going to happen. in the near future (after getting some more planning done) im going to be talking to the 'head honchos" and figuring the little things out.

Oh an by the way, if anyone has question your more than free to Pm me!

~Mae

well, MY CHOICE is obvious.

Wichita, Kansas.

WHY???

becuase Matthew, and... Mattew, reside there. just as Emerson lived (close to) chicago, we should have a vtm one in matthew's hometown.

-- Thomas

Oh my word, you lot are getting organised...

I voted for scotland (for obvious reasons) But i reckon that Dana said some really important points that we should all consider long and hard before doing any thing further.

But if everything'sall legal and the like, and you have plans in order that will protect people (and there money) I'm in. We are talking about a few years away yeah? cos i'm uber skint at the moment.

Ps Vote Scotland....it's pretty! London would be good though too. I could fly there pretty easily.

I voted for scotland cause it is most of the films are filmed and JK is scottish it just seems right

Hm, I'm one of the two who voted for Chicago. Well, since I live in St.Louis, Chicago's the closest of the choices. I would love for this to happen, but it may not be that great of an idea because there are way to many people who are just joining (which is a good thing, of course), but most of them still need help around here and it wouldn't be fair just to spring this up on them. Well, even if I was 17 (I'm 13), my 'dear, sweet mother' would still accompany me because she's afraid someone will kidnapp me. She'll never leave me on my own..

Has this been shot down? Or are there no other ideas? Just curious .Just to say- I chose London, because I've always wanted to go there, but my second choice would be Scotland.

Love,
Anjali

EDIT: Sorry, this just sounds so selfish! Please forgive me...

oh definately london. london london london, i cant say why it just feels like the right place to have the harry potter bash, plus i live near london . yeah i would want it to be in london.

Wow it's great that someone seriously thinks about this!
I vote for London because firstly I want to see it and secondly it's the nearest for me. If it was wherever in America there's no way I would go...
(Only place which was nearer is Paris but it doesn't fit at all )
And my second choice would be perhaps Scotland.
But "little" thing is that now I'm only 14 and won't be 17 in one or two years. My parents wouldn't allow me to go alone but I don't either think they would go with me... But perhaps we could go whole family for a week or two...
So if it was in august... it would be great!

I think that's a fantastic idea and if you could somehow get it out there to convince all the actors to come then it would be well worth it. Of course you'd have to let VTM know so then everyone can find out about it. And then you'd have to find a suitable location. I believe London would work the best. Besides, I'm planning on going and if you set a date after J.K. says when she'll publish I wouldn't mind working around that.

Tah

Well i would definately be there. I voted london because im from the uk so probably london or scotland would be easier for me. but if it was anywhere in america that would be ok too, ive been to orlando a few times, love it there! so anywhere gets my vote!

Sydney of course! Why wasn't that on the list! I would be so excited !!!! What if some of the actors/actresses from the movies came??? That would be so good! lol

I voted Las Vegas cause the place is huge. We could hold it in the Monte Cito.But I would also like to hold it in Australia. Somewhere like Brisbane or Gold Coast.

London or Scotland would probably be the best choices. But airfare is quite expensive so I head to go for Orlando, I live in Fl. That is a pretty awesome idea though

I choose London because that's the main HP place. It's where most of those HP places are at so London it is! Only it would be awesome of there was one near my place...

I chose London but New Orleans should be on the list! Then I wouldn't have to drive anywhere!

Ohhh...Operation Ocelot as i like to call it!

Well logistically it has to be London. I mean the two biggest fan bases are the U.K. and the U.S. However as the books are set in the U.k., it has absolutely nothing to do with me living there , then i suggest we go for Oxford University in the U.k.

For more info see Operation Ocelot,lol , thread in Suggestions!

LONDON, LONDON!!!
well, i'm for it! but it still will be difficult for me to persuade my parents to give me permisson... i think i'd manage that! i HAVE to!
oxford university would be cooool!

Booking an Oxford college takes more than a year of advance notice and planning. It would be fantastic, but to organise it would be a nightmare, the number of underage participants requiring chaperoning of some sort would make the whole thing horrendously complicated. Plus, it would take a lot of money that has to be paid up front a long time in advance. Probably more than the average piggy-bank would hold, and that is without taking the travel into account.

We're already too late for anything in summer 1997. Perhaps late 1997 is still a possibility, and I can still get my hand on some planning scenarios if anyone wants to get serious about it. The first thing we have to do is to form a committee of adult members that can make a commitment to the realisation of this venue and are in a good geographical location to do so. We'd probably have to get together a few times to find solutions to the problems, and some problems are huge! This is a task not to be taken lightly. Anyone seriously interested can drop me a PM, and I'd be glad to elaborate a bit more.

I chose Chicago only because it's the closest to where I live. It would be kind of weird having it there though, because Harry Potter is a much bigger thing in London which is where it should truely be held, if there was one of course.

i would say have it in London because well that is where the Whole Harry Potter Films take place and that is where they all live so they can make a visit as well. and Plus London Rocks and i wish i could go there some day

i went with london!...because it is the setting for the books and it's "harry potter land" Basicly i live in Australia and i just got back from london...and i LOVED it there!...i know it might sound a little extreme but i would fly all the way to the uk for this! dont see why not! the only thing is people from out side the uk would need alot of notice to plan, book, get off work, save so on so forth, i would come at a click of the finger though! just tell work i have someting very important to do and be off!

I voted for London.Many of you have said already how it is like the setting of the books and that is where the HP films take place.Not to mention that i really want to go there.So i definitely agree with most of you when you voted for London. What better place to celebrate a HP Bash then in London!

I voted for Scotland because that's where I think Hogwarts is located. Yeah well that's pretty much why I chose it.

If there was to be a huge thing for HP, naturally we would need to decide soon because of planning... wherever it was, I would be there!!!

~Albus

I voted for Manhattan, but London is great as well.

I voted other, but I suppose London would be alright.
I think New York would be a fun place, that's why I said other... yup.

Sydney Australia Dude! we have the most beautiful ahrbour in the world, stunning weather 90% of the time, and can u imagine having a gorgeous harbour cruise. it would be stunning.

Belfast, Ireland!!!!!
1. My parents would TOTALLY not let me go if it was any further
2. I know a LOT of Harry Potter fans in Belfast who would love to come
3. It's in the U.K (nice and close to all the actors, and of course, Jo)
4. Belfast is quite a big city, it has two airports and plenty of transport (meaning there is a bus literally every two seconds).
5. We have a Hilton and they serve big parties all the time so I'm sure we could go there (though people staying in Belfast might want to stay there, they charge £150 a night)
6. It's a change from London, where absolutely EVERYTHING is held.
7. Anyone wanting a U.K holiday has LOADS of stuff* to do in Ireland, and we're really close to Scotland (for those of you who want to visit 'Hogwarts')


* Watersports and beaches all around the coast, The Giant's Causeway,Guinness Tower, Carrickfergus Castle,looooooooooaaaaaaaads of countryside, etc.(i could go on.... and on and on...)

my vote would seriously bne my front yard!!!! lol! but I thhought I would be different and say something like New York because that is the most famous city near my house and it is a very very popular place. Dan Radcliffe has been there. I am sure most of the other actors have too. It seems to be an almost perfect place. Think sbout it. I would totally attend.

definatly belfast! theres loads of harry potter fans here and i wrobably wouldnt be able to come if it was far away but yeah it would be fun. or we could just have loads of different ones all at the exact time in different places but it wouldnt be as fun......

Although it would be cool to have it in an American city, I think it should take place in London. It would be the best place to have it, due to Harry's nationality. Although, I would be fitting to have it in Scotland, because isnt that were J.K. Rowling is from?