Destination Star Trek London 2021

[Sebine_91]

Couldn't see an existing thread for this year's event. Was wondering if anyone else is planning on heading to this event or has been to previous ones. I've been meaning to go since 2012 but something's always got in the way so thinking this year I'll finally do it. Been deliberating over which package to go for, thinking of Commander. Any hints and tips would be great thanks.

 

[Weyoun 251]

Dude, it's literally next door to me!

So glad I saw your post as, having just moved to London, I'd have had no idea these things were going on.

I'll at the very least be going on the Saturday - TBD whether I day ticket it or get one of the packages.

Now I just need a TNG era uniform and to either grow my beard out (and maybe dye away the ginger) for the late era Riker look or try and shed a few pounds and have a shave for the early era look

 

[Sebine_91]

Glad I could be of help!

I'm not far from London so it's also close. I'm also deliberating over how to do it really. I'm a new wheelchair user and have decided to go for the whole weekend as even just doing the Saturday I'd need a hotel Friday night as it's an early start and I want to avoid any potential travel issues so figure I'll check it out Friday afternoon and if I'm doing two days may as well do three.

The packages are something of a conundrum though. Main thing for me is getting to the talks. I'd also like a few photos or autographs. The Commander package seems to be a good all round one but then Lieutenant gives you the choice of what autographs to get. Commander has the bonuses of the parties (plan on going by myself though so don't know if it'll be worth going to them on my own!) and and a couple more talks though.

In terms of cosplay, thinking of getting a DS9/Voyager jumpsuit from the ST store.

 

[Weyoun 251]

Glad I could be of help!

I'm not far from London so it's also close. I'm also deliberating over how to do it really. I'm a new wheelchair user and have decided to go for the whole weekend as even just doing the Saturday I'd need a hotel Friday night as it's an early start and I want to avoid any potential travel issues so figure I'll check it out Friday afternoon and if I'm doing two days may as well do three.

The packages are something of a conundrum though. Main thing for me is getting to the talks. I'd also like a few photos or autographs. The Commander package seems to be a good all round one but then Lieutenant gives you the choice of what autographs to get. Commander has the bonuses of the parties (plan on going by myself though so don't know if it'll be worth going to them on my own!) and and a couple more talks though.

In terms of cosplay, thinking of getting a DS9/Voyager jumpsuit from the ST store.

I'm pretty sure both Lt and Cmdr give a choice on the autographs and photos - both of them give you the vouchers, right?

I've been trying to find info on the parties as to what they entail. I'd be going solo as well but in what world would one not get chatting to people at this sort of thing?

 

[Sebine_91]

I'm pretty sure both Lt and Cmdr give a choice on the autographs and photos - both of them give you the vouchers, right?

I've been trying to find info on the parties as to what they entail. I'd be going solo as well but in what world would one not get chatting to people at this sort of thing?

No autographs or photos included in Lieutenant and for the Commander one, only autographs - two are assigned (1 assigned tier 1 guest, 1 assigned tier 2 guest and 3 vouchers worth £15 for the guests charging that amount - i.e. Alice Krige, Marianna Hill, Hannah Cheesman etc.). I'm guessing this year the tier 1 will be George Takei, Kate Mulgrew, Jeri Ryan or Doug Jones. They email you closer to the event in terms of what autos/talks you get. It seems to be a good package for the overall experience but not great if you have specific guests in mind. However, having said that you have an easier time queueing for autographs with Commander.

I'm thinking of going for Commander because of what's included over the weekend and the perks and maybe getting one or two things on top closer to the event. In previous years when I was thinking of going I figured a three day pass was a false economy as it didn't include any paid talks or parties. However, to go for just a one day for specific guests you're probably better off just getting a day pass and getting things individually.

Re the parties, looking at comments I've seen about previous events they were held at nearby hotels and I'm sure recall seeing comments about some actors being at them. I know Tim Russ' blues band played at one a few years back. This year they're being held at the Excel itself. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit different because of Covid. I'll probably head to them though as you're right, I'm sure I'll get talking to people at the event!

 

[Rocky6]

I'm coming on Saturday. I'll be travelling from Manchester. This will be my first convention so I'm super excited about it.

I have a silly question for people who already attended similar events - do actors wear Star Trek uniforms or are they in casual clothes?

 

[Sebine_91]

I'm coming on Saturday. I'll be travelling from Manchester. This will be my first convention so I'm super excited about it.

I have a silly question for people who already attended similar events - do actors wear Star Trek uniforms or are they in casual clothes?

It'll be my first Trek convention as well (done a bunch of Doctor Who ones in the past though). Not a silly question at all - haven't been but I know in previous years they were doing photo shoots with characters in make up and costumes. I wonder if that's not a thing this year because of Covid.

 

[Weyoun 251]

No autographs or photos included in Lieutenant and for the Commander one, only autographs - two are assigned (1 assigned tier 1 guest, 1 assigned tier 2 guest and 3 vouchers worth £15 for the guests charging that amount - i.e. Alice Krige, Marianna Hill, Hannah Cheesman etc.). I'm guessing this year the tier 1 will be George Takei, Kate Mulgrew, Jeri Ryan or Doug Jones. They email you closer to the event in terms of what autos/talks you get. It seems to be a good package for the overall experience but not great if you have specific guests in mind. However, having said that you have an easier time queueing for autographs with Commander.

I'm thinking of going for Commander because of what's included over the weekend and the perks and maybe getting one or two things on top closer to the event. In previous years when I was thinking of going I figured a three day pass was a false economy as it didn't include any paid talks or parties. However, to go for just a one day for specific guests you're probably better off just getting a day pass and getting things individually.

Re the parties, looking at comments I've seen about previous events they were held at nearby hotels and I'm sure recall seeing comments about some actors being at them. I know Tim Russ' blues band played at one a few years back. This year they're being held at the Excel itself. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit different because of Covid. I'll probably head to them though as you're right, I'm sure I'll get talking to people at the event!

You're right - I misread it.

Might splash out for the Cmdr one - I'm not exactly a collector and have never been that bothered with photos or celebs or autographs but this feels like a different set of circumstances that would make it worth it.

Be interesting to see what the party consists of - I assume it'll be good old fashioned get pissed, dance, watch someone throw up whilst queuing for a piss that we English do so well.

Calling it now - after party at my place!

 

[Weyoun 251]

For anyone who is going, couple of places of interest while in the area -

Wake Up - wakeboarding and beach bar. Open all day until 10pmish so great for a post event drink

The Oiler - converted refueling ship in the Dock. Open until 9 and does a great pizza as well as having a brilliant selection of drinks. Staff are proper sound too.

Would be pretty cool to have a TrekBBS beer/drink of your choosing with some of you guys and these would be appropriate locales should the situation suit

 

[Sebine_91]

You're right - I misread it.

Might splash out for the Cmdr one - I'm not exactly a collector and have never been that bothered with photos or celebs or autographs but this feels like a different set of circumstances that would make it worth it.

Be interesting to see what the party consists of - I assume it'll be good old fashioned get pissed, dance, watch someone throw up whilst queuing for a piss that we English do so well.

Calling it now - after party at my place!

For anyone who is going, couple of places of interest while in the area -

Wake Up - wakeboarding and beach bar. Open all day until 10pmish so great for a post event drink

The Oiler - converted refueling ship in the Dock. Open until 9 and does a great pizza as well as having a brilliant selection of drinks. Staff are proper sound too.

Would be pretty cool to have a TrekBBS beer/drink of your choosing with some of you guys and these would be appropriate locales should the situation suit

Would definitely be up for a board meetup! Just a heads up - Tried to order a Commander Package but it wanted me to select a batch for 'Lieutenant' as well even though I was only getting one package. I have emailed the event organisers for clarification.

I get what you mean about autographs and photos. I'm tempted by the special photos like Doug Jones with the chair and George Takei on the bridge. Don't think my budget will extend to the Voyager cast bridge shoot alas!

I'm also curious about the parties - I've seen comments in previous years about Jason Isaacs there when he was there with the Disco cast so do wonder if there will be any stars there.

 

[Weyoun 251]

Would definitely be up for a board meetup! Just a heads up - Tried to order a Commander Package but it wanted me to select a batch for 'Lieutenant' as well even though I was only getting one package. I have emailed the event organisers for clarification.

I get what you mean about autographs and photos. I'm tempted by the special photos like Doug Jones with the chair and George Takei on the bridge. Don't think my budget will extend to the Voyager cast bridge shoot alas!

I'm also curious about the parties - I've seen comments in previous years about Jason Isaacs there when he was there with the Disco cast so do wonder if there will be any stars there.

Let me knownwhat the feedback is - trying to talk myself up to Cmdr from Lt.

This would be my first ever con of any kind so all a bit new to me but should be fun.

Garak is a must have for me. Think The Doctor or Paris would be the next two in my rankings.

Wonder how many people have met Garret Wang and given him a new pip so he is finally not an ensign?

Doubt anyone is getting the Barman from Fairhaven though...

Would be good to hear from anyone more experienced than myself about what the parties are like - honestly can't really picture them!

If it is like the after show parties I've been to with gigs then it should be good craic.

 

[Sebine_91]

Let me knownwhat the feedback is - trying to talk myself up to Cmdr from Lt.

This would be my first ever con of any kind so all a bit new to me but should be fun.

Garak is a must have for me. Think The Doctor or Paris would be the next two in my rankings.

Wonder how many people have met Garret Wang and given him a new pip so he is finally not an ensign?

Doubt anyone is getting the Barman from Fairhaven though...

Would be good to hear from anyone more experienced than myself about what the parties are like - honestly can't really picture them!

If it is like the after show parties I've been to with gigs then it should be good craic.

Will do! It's a hard one re Lieutenant or Commander. Normally I'd go for photos rather than autographs but not sure how it'd work in a wheelchair due to the height difference bar the ones with the actors sitting on the bridge. I'd be curious to see what people who have gone before think about the packages value wise.

Yeah, some info on the parties would be great. I've read bits and bobs online but never really seen an in-depth thing about them. I've looked at the official event forum but it seems to be very quiet.

Trying to source a decent uniform for cosplay. The ones on the official site don't seem great. Seen some good reviews for an eBay store and have got a Pike Cage era top coming. Tempted to get a Disco era Pike one if the sizing works out (I often have issues with sizes due to my shoulders).

 

[Weyoun 251]

Will do! It's a hard one re Lieutenant or Commander. Normally I'd go for photos rather than autographs but not sure how it'd work in a wheelchair due to the height difference bar the ones with the actors sitting on the bridge. I'd be curious to see what people who have gone before think about the packages value wise.

Yeah, some info on the parties would be great. I've read bits and bobs online but never really seen an in-depth thing about them. I've looked at the official event forum but it seems to be very quiet.

Trying to source a decent uniform for cosplay. The ones on the official site don't seem great. Seen some good reviews for an eBay store and have got a Pike Cage era top coming. Tempted to get a Disco era Pike one if the sizing works out (I often have issues with sizes due to my shoulders).

Nice one mate.

If there is access to the parties for those below Cmdr - whether queueing or buying a separate ticket - then I'd probably Lt it but if not then I'll go all in.

I found some costumes on https://coshd.co.uk/collections/star-trek?page=1

But I can't get a feel for the quality of them.

Think I'd have to go for the FC uniform - they styling was one of my favourites.

 

[Sebine_91]

Nice one mate.

If there is access to the parties for those below Cmdr - whether queueing or buying a separate ticket - then I'd probably Lt it but if not then I'll go all in.

I found some costumes on https://coshd.co.uk/collections/star-trek?page=1

But I can't get a feel for the quality of them.

Think I'd have to go for the FC uniform - they styling was one of my favourites.

You can get tickets to the parties separately for £20 each. I've just joined a DST FB group asking for advice re Lieutenant/Commander. I think Commander will probably be better value for me as I'd be happy with any autograph allocation in terms of guests and I'd just spend extra on the talks and parties.

Re costumes, this is the eBay shop I found (there seem to multiple ones on eBay from the same seller) https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/halloweencosplayprops. Some dispatch from the UK which should make any returns easier. Positive feedback on the whole but some comments re sizing. I've gone a couple of sizes up which was the advice in the comments and I'll see how the fit is.

 

[Rocky6]

Re costumes, this is the eBay shop I found (there seem to multiple ones on eBay from the same seller) https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/halloweencosplayprops. Some dispatch from the UK which should make any returns easier. Positive feedback on the whole but some comments re sizing. I've gone a couple of sizes up which was the advice in the comments and I'll see how the fit is.

I have bought the TNG red costume (from different seller but exactly the same item) and I can confirm that it's a good quality. I've bought size L and I normally wear size L but it's a tight fit. You'll need to get boots and pants separately though.

 

[Sebine_91]

I have bought the TNG red costume (from different seller but exactly the same item) and I can confirm that it's a good quality. I've bought size L and I normally wear size L but it's a tight fit. You'll need to get boots and pants separately though.

Ah, I'm either L or XL (tend to go XL for jumpers/jackets etc.) so went XXL based on the measurements. The TNG uniforms look great. Shame they don't do the DS9/Voyager ones with the undershirt included.

 

[Sebine_91]

Following some advice and comments on a DST Facebook group, I've opted to just go for a standard three day pass with an eye to getting extras on top as I prefer photos to autographs and being a wheelchair user, I'll probably be in a disabled area for talks anyway. I also think I'm better off buying talks individually as the ones included with a package could clash with photo shoots and you can't change them. Covid's also a concern in that if it postponed and/or guests change then I may not want to go to as many talks. Plus, lots of the free talks look great - I'm particularly interested in checking out the ones by the European Space Agency. I've just booked my 'essentials' as it were - Bridge shoot with George Takei, Captain's Chair with Doug Jones and a Jeri Ryan photo. There are other guests I'd love to get shoots with but will try my luck once the timetable's been released and it's looking like it'll definitely happen.

Really hope it goes ahead as it'd be a wonderful end to what's been an awful year due to Long Covid issues.

Whilst the lineup seems pretty set, I'm still hoping for a Strange New Worlds presence given that all the other current shows have one. I wouldn't be surprised if Mount and/or Peck are flown in for a panel or something like Sir Patrick Stewart was for Picard a couple of years ago.

 

[Rocky6]

They've just announced that David Ajala (Cleveland Booker from Discovery) will be joining the event.
https://www.destinationstartrek.com/guests/473-david-ajala

 

[Rocky6]

Another guest announced:

We’re pleased to announce that our favourite counsellor Deanna Troi, MARINA SIRTIS, will be joining us in London this November for Destination Star Trek!
Marina always enjoys meeting the fans and her stories from the set of The Next Generation are always worth a listen.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit the website here - http://bit.ly/DSTLondon

 

[Weyoun 251]

The plunge has been taken.
Tickets bought, photos bought, AP obviously bought.
Most importantly uniform bought