| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
50th anniversary ball
Rival ABTAevent planned
BOLTON-based agent Barrie Harthern is holding a northern version of ABTA’s 50th anniversary event because he feels the official event is overpriced.Harthern, chairman of Astley Bridge Travel, will charge just £30 for tickets to the ABTAnorthwest region’s 50th birthday ball on August 19 and hopes to attract 96 agents.
Retailers were furious that ABTA’s ball in London on July 6 will cost £160 a head (Travel Weekly April 17).
“It wasn’t just a few agents who were angry with the prices, I think the bulk of the north of England were,” said Harthern. “When you consider we would also have to stay in London for the event, it’s very expensive.
“We complained to ABTA and they suggested we do our own thing, so we have.”
The northern ball starts at 7pm with a round-trip train journey from Bury to Rawtenstall. There will be a jazz band and a five-course meal.
Contact Barrie Harthern on 01204 594711.