It's happening again! Bigger and better and more anniversary-er than ever!
It may not have escaped your attention that Digitiser is celebrating 30 years of existence in 2023, and to celebrate, two years on from the triumph that was Digi Live 2.0, we're going to be hosting a full weekend of live nonsense, talks, panels and screenings.
We'll be joined by lots of special guests, and over two nights we intend to entertain the living hell out of you. Your body will be broken and shattered by the time we've finished with you. You'll be begging us to stop.
Read on for more details, or just throw caution to the wind and book your tickets to Night 1 here and to Night 2 here.
EDIT (20 Jan 2023):
If you want help with accommodation or travel, or have any questions, there's now a Facebook group set up for that: https://www.facebook.com/groups/726702425742043/
EDIT (2 Feb 2023):
We've requested that the start time of the Friday night be moved to 6.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Also - no interval, so that we don't finish too late.
It may not have escaped your attention that Digitiser is celebrating 30 years of existence in 2023, and to celebrate, two years on from the triumph that was Digi Live 2.0, we're going to be hosting a full weekend of live nonsense, talks, panels and screenings.
We'll be joined by lots of special guests, and over two nights we intend to entertain the living hell out of you. Your body will be broken and shattered by the time we've finished with you. You'll be begging us to stop.
Read on for more details, or just throw caution to the wind and book your tickets to Night 1 here and to Night 2 here.
EDIT (20 Jan 2023):
If you want help with accommodation or travel, or have any questions, there's now a Facebook group set up for that: https://www.facebook.com/groups/726702425742043/
EDIT (2 Feb 2023):
We've requested that the start time of the Friday night be moved to 6.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Also - no interval, so that we don't finish too late.
WHEN IS IT HAPPENING?
Friday July 28th and Saturday 29th 2023.
Friday night kicks off at 6.30pm - there will be longer programme of events that night (unhinged game shows, screenings, and what promises to be a VERY chaotic Q&A panel) - and the Saturday Digi Live show starts at 7pm. Doors to both nights will open about half an hour before showtime.
The shows will have no interval (but as per previous years, there might be a pre-show...).
There will be additional events (tbc) during Saturday afternoon, courtesy of the Chunky Fringe event.
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Harrow Arts Centre,
171 Uxbridge Road,
Hatch End,
HA5 4EA
If you have any questions about the venue, please contact them:
020 3773 7161
box.office@harrowarts.com
TICKETS
Unlike previous years, tickets are being sold by Harrow Arts directly, and are priced at £22 each, plus a £1 booking fee.
Also different this time is that seating is allocated, rather than the free-for-all it has been in the past. We've sold out in previous years - and by the time you read this, our Patrons have already been purchasing tickets - so we don't recommend waiting too long. We would urge you to only book if it's your intention to come, so as not to lead to disappointment for others.
Look! Here they are! Here are the tickets:
NIGHT 1 TICKETS
NIGHT 2 TICKETS
The first year we did a Digi Live, we managed to get #DigitiserLive trending on social media. It'd be brilliant if we could do that again - so spread the word once you've bought your tickets, and help us make this a success.
DO I HAVE TO BUY TICKETS TO BOTH NIGHTS?
No you don't, and we know it's not possible for everyone (which is why we've put them on sale separately), but we recommend that you try to come to both, as they form two parts of a whole.
Only attending one night means you'd be missing out on a lot of quality silliness, and you don't want to kick yourself afterwards when you find out what you could've been a part of. It'll be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime, weekend.
WHAT'S HAPPENING EACH NIGHT?
To be honest, as I write this it's mid-January so... we're not 100% sure yet. We've only just begun planning, and our first full production meeting isn't until next week.
We have loose plans however, and it's our intention that both nights will have the level of unnecessary ambition that many of you have come to expect from our events.
We're not ones for repeating ourselves, and so neither night will be like any Digi Live event you've been to before.
We can guarantee you will have fun, and that it'll be a weekend to remember. We've put on a few of these now, and we feel we're getting better and better at it.
As mentioned above, Friday is going to be broken up into a programme of different on-stage events and activities, while Saturday will be one show, beginning-to-end. It'll be a weekend full of nostalgia, laughs, and twists that we promise you won't see coming.
We're also hoping to host something special for our Patrons at some point over the weekend. If you'd like to sign up to that, you can do so here.
A complete itinerary of events across the weekend will be posted closer to the time.
WILL I NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH TELETEXT-ERA DIGI?
Not in the slightest. You know us: whatever we do will inevitably go off the rails regardless of plans. That's part of Digi Live's charm.
There might be a slightly higher retro gaming element than in the previous Digi Live, as we'll be giving a nod or three back to our roots, but both shows will span all eras of Digi - from Teletext, to Digitiser The Show, to its current YouTube incarnation, and Digi Level 2.
So, expect to see appearances from Fat Sow, The Man's Daddy, Snakes, Action Man, Beanus... and all that lot. As well as us and our mates, obviously.
But you'll be able to enjoy yourself even if you know nothing about Digitiser (and it's even more fun if you bring someone who you know won't get it).
WHO'S IN IT?
The shows will be hosted primarily by me, Mr Biffo, with assistance from the other Digi semi-regulars Paul Gannon, Sanja, and Eli Silverman. We’ll also hopefully be joined by lots of our Digi friends. And maybe a surprise guest or three - we've already had confirmation from some of them, with a few more to be confirmed nearer the date.
Due to the inclusion of the above filthy individuals, we recommend the show is for guests aged 16+.
Friday July 28th and Saturday 29th 2023.
Friday night kicks off at 6.30pm - there will be longer programme of events that night (unhinged game shows, screenings, and what promises to be a VERY chaotic Q&A panel) - and the Saturday Digi Live show starts at 7pm. Doors to both nights will open about half an hour before showtime.
The shows will have no interval (but as per previous years, there might be a pre-show...).
There will be additional events (tbc) during Saturday afternoon, courtesy of the Chunky Fringe event.
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Harrow Arts Centre,
171 Uxbridge Road,
Hatch End,
HA5 4EA
If you have any questions about the venue, please contact them:
020 3773 7161
box.office@harrowarts.com
TICKETS
Unlike previous years, tickets are being sold by Harrow Arts directly, and are priced at £22 each, plus a £1 booking fee.
Also different this time is that seating is allocated, rather than the free-for-all it has been in the past. We've sold out in previous years - and by the time you read this, our Patrons have already been purchasing tickets - so we don't recommend waiting too long. We would urge you to only book if it's your intention to come, so as not to lead to disappointment for others.
Look! Here they are! Here are the tickets:
NIGHT 1 TICKETS
NIGHT 2 TICKETS
The first year we did a Digi Live, we managed to get #DigitiserLive trending on social media. It'd be brilliant if we could do that again - so spread the word once you've bought your tickets, and help us make this a success.
DO I HAVE TO BUY TICKETS TO BOTH NIGHTS?
No you don't, and we know it's not possible for everyone (which is why we've put them on sale separately), but we recommend that you try to come to both, as they form two parts of a whole.
Only attending one night means you'd be missing out on a lot of quality silliness, and you don't want to kick yourself afterwards when you find out what you could've been a part of. It'll be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime, weekend.
WHAT'S HAPPENING EACH NIGHT?
To be honest, as I write this it's mid-January so... we're not 100% sure yet. We've only just begun planning, and our first full production meeting isn't until next week.
We have loose plans however, and it's our intention that both nights will have the level of unnecessary ambition that many of you have come to expect from our events.
We're not ones for repeating ourselves, and so neither night will be like any Digi Live event you've been to before.
We can guarantee you will have fun, and that it'll be a weekend to remember. We've put on a few of these now, and we feel we're getting better and better at it.
As mentioned above, Friday is going to be broken up into a programme of different on-stage events and activities, while Saturday will be one show, beginning-to-end. It'll be a weekend full of nostalgia, laughs, and twists that we promise you won't see coming.
We're also hoping to host something special for our Patrons at some point over the weekend. If you'd like to sign up to that, you can do so here.
A complete itinerary of events across the weekend will be posted closer to the time.
WILL I NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH TELETEXT-ERA DIGI?
Not in the slightest. You know us: whatever we do will inevitably go off the rails regardless of plans. That's part of Digi Live's charm.
There might be a slightly higher retro gaming element than in the previous Digi Live, as we'll be giving a nod or three back to our roots, but both shows will span all eras of Digi - from Teletext, to Digitiser The Show, to its current YouTube incarnation, and Digi Level 2.
So, expect to see appearances from Fat Sow, The Man's Daddy, Snakes, Action Man, Beanus... and all that lot. As well as us and our mates, obviously.
But you'll be able to enjoy yourself even if you know nothing about Digitiser (and it's even more fun if you bring someone who you know won't get it).
WHO'S IN IT?
The shows will be hosted primarily by me, Mr Biffo, with assistance from the other Digi semi-regulars Paul Gannon, Sanja, and Eli Silverman. We’ll also hopefully be joined by lots of our Digi friends. And maybe a surprise guest or three - we've already had confirmation from some of them, with a few more to be confirmed nearer the date.
Due to the inclusion of the above filthy individuals, we recommend the show is for guests aged 16+.
TRAVEL
Harrow Arts Centre is easily accessible by car and various methods of public transport.
BY BUS
The H14 and H12 stop directly outside Harrow Arts Centre. The 182 stops at Oxhey Lane, a 4-minute walk away.
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY CAR
Harrow Arts Centre is easily accessible via the A410 – Uxbridge Road.
Get directions to HA5 4EA on Google Maps
PARKING
There is free level parking for 90 cars at Harrow Arts Centre. Free overflow parking is available at the adjacent Morrisons car park. On performance nights, the Morrisons overflow car park will not be locked.
BY TRAIN
London Overground Trains run directly from London Euston to Hatch End in 40 minutes, and the line directly links to Willesden Junction and Watford Junction. Harrow Arts Centre is a 6-minute walk from Hatch End Overground Station
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY UNDERGROUND
The nearest London Underground stations are Harrow on the Hill or Pinner (Metropolitan Line), Harrow & Wealdstone (Bakerloo Line), Stanmore (Jubilee Line). Bus routes are available from all of these station to Harrow Arts Centre with an approximate journey time of 30-minutes.
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY COACH
Coaches can drop off passengers at the front entrance of Harrow Arts Centre using the service road between HAC at Morrisons. Unfortunately, we do not have any coach parking available on site.
Harrow Arts Centre is easily accessible by car and various methods of public transport.
BY BUS
The H14 and H12 stop directly outside Harrow Arts Centre. The 182 stops at Oxhey Lane, a 4-minute walk away.
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY CAR
Harrow Arts Centre is easily accessible via the A410 – Uxbridge Road.
Get directions to HA5 4EA on Google Maps
PARKING
There is free level parking for 90 cars at Harrow Arts Centre. Free overflow parking is available at the adjacent Morrisons car park. On performance nights, the Morrisons overflow car park will not be locked.
BY TRAIN
London Overground Trains run directly from London Euston to Hatch End in 40 minutes, and the line directly links to Willesden Junction and Watford Junction. Harrow Arts Centre is a 6-minute walk from Hatch End Overground Station
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY UNDERGROUND
The nearest London Underground stations are Harrow on the Hill or Pinner (Metropolitan Line), Harrow & Wealdstone (Bakerloo Line), Stanmore (Jubilee Line). Bus routes are available from all of these station to Harrow Arts Centre with an approximate journey time of 30-minutes.
Plan your journey with TFL Journey Planner
BY COACH
Coaches can drop off passengers at the front entrance of Harrow Arts Centre using the service road between HAC at Morrisons. Unfortunately, we do not have any coach parking available on site.
WHERE TO STAY
Obviously, the biggest change this time around is that we're spanning two nights. We've chosen to do this is obviously because it's our 30th anniversary this year - and we want to celebrate it with all of you. But also, because we know how much many of you appreciate the social aspect of Digi Live. Lots of you would stay over for past events anyway, so we thought, well, if you're already here...
However, this obviously means that for many of you it'll be a Digi sleepover for the first time. Fortunately, there are lots of options in the area (including Airbnb, should you want to go that route).
There's a Travelodge in central Harrow, and a Premier Inn in nearby Kenton. Both are a brief bus or cab journey from the venue.
Other hotels in the area can be found here.
If you'd like to stay somewhere with a bit of Digi/Biffo history, the grounds of the Grim's Dyke Hotel are where we've filmed a whole host of things, including two eps of Supernatural World (see if you can find Schwenk's ghost...!), the Sexy Christmas USA video, and a few Biffovision clips.
Another option would be to stay in Watford, as there's a direct train which is just a few stops from Hatch End station, and obviously you'll be near the mainline Watford Junction. And then you really won't be in London.
If you're completely mad, you might want to consider camping. We have Aldenham Country Park just 5 miles away - where we filmed our Winnie the Pooh day out.
Obviously, the biggest change this time around is that we're spanning two nights. We've chosen to do this is obviously because it's our 30th anniversary this year - and we want to celebrate it with all of you. But also, because we know how much many of you appreciate the social aspect of Digi Live. Lots of you would stay over for past events anyway, so we thought, well, if you're already here...
However, this obviously means that for many of you it'll be a Digi sleepover for the first time. Fortunately, there are lots of options in the area (including Airbnb, should you want to go that route).
There's a Travelodge in central Harrow, and a Premier Inn in nearby Kenton. Both are a brief bus or cab journey from the venue.
Other hotels in the area can be found here.
If you'd like to stay somewhere with a bit of Digi/Biffo history, the grounds of the Grim's Dyke Hotel are where we've filmed a whole host of things, including two eps of Supernatural World (see if you can find Schwenk's ghost...!), the Sexy Christmas USA video, and a few Biffovision clips.
Another option would be to stay in Watford, as there's a direct train which is just a few stops from Hatch End station, and obviously you'll be near the mainline Watford Junction. And then you really won't be in London.
If you're completely mad, you might want to consider camping. We have Aldenham Country Park just 5 miles away - where we filmed our Winnie the Pooh day out.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME?
Wait and see. We have plans.
WHAT IS CHUNKY FRINGE?
Chunky Fringe will be a space for retro technology enthusiasts to demonstrate their work. In the past it has featured panels, demonstrations, and guests. It will be a free event taking place during the afternoon on the Harrow Arts site.
CAN I HELP?
We’ve got all the backstage crew we need at the moment, but if that changes and we need volunteers, we’ll put out the call.
WILL THERE BE A MEET AND GREET?
Post-show on the Saturday, we’ll be hanging around to say hello, like we always do. There may be other opportunities as well, but we'll let you know.
WILL THERE BE MERCH?
Hopefully! Card payments only, but we might be doing pre-orders for some of it.
FOOD AND DRINK
The bar will be open before and after the shows.
There’s a Morrison’s supermarket right next door for sandwiches and whatnot. They also have a café.
A short walk will take you into Hatch End, which has a whole host of restaurants and a pub.
At previous Digi Lives, most people got there early and hung out in the car park and adjoining field. Harrow Arts are more than happy if you wish to do that again, weather permitting. Pray for sunshine!
WILL IT BE FILMED OR STREAMED?
It may be filmed - though we're considering not doing so this time - but we definitely won't be doing a live stream. Digi Live is something that should really be experienced in person.
CAN I COSPLAY?
Yes! We had a couple of people show up in costume last time, and it was BRILLIANT.
Wait and see. We have plans.
WHAT IS CHUNKY FRINGE?
Chunky Fringe will be a space for retro technology enthusiasts to demonstrate their work. In the past it has featured panels, demonstrations, and guests. It will be a free event taking place during the afternoon on the Harrow Arts site.
CAN I HELP?
We’ve got all the backstage crew we need at the moment, but if that changes and we need volunteers, we’ll put out the call.
WILL THERE BE A MEET AND GREET?
Post-show on the Saturday, we’ll be hanging around to say hello, like we always do. There may be other opportunities as well, but we'll let you know.
WILL THERE BE MERCH?
Hopefully! Card payments only, but we might be doing pre-orders for some of it.
FOOD AND DRINK
The bar will be open before and after the shows.
There’s a Morrison’s supermarket right next door for sandwiches and whatnot. They also have a café.
A short walk will take you into Hatch End, which has a whole host of restaurants and a pub.
At previous Digi Lives, most people got there early and hung out in the car park and adjoining field. Harrow Arts are more than happy if you wish to do that again, weather permitting. Pray for sunshine!
WILL IT BE FILMED OR STREAMED?
It may be filmed - though we're considering not doing so this time - but we definitely won't be doing a live stream. Digi Live is something that should really be experienced in person.
CAN I COSPLAY?
Yes! We had a couple of people show up in costume last time, and it was BRILLIANT.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Harrow Arts Centre is a certified Covid secure venue.
We are aware that for many of you, travelling to an event like this might be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Rest assured, the Digitiser community is incredibly warm, diverse, and welcoming. Everyone who attended a previous Digi Live remarked on what a lovely atmosphere it was. Whoever you are, you won't regret being there.
London can be an intimidating place for those who aren't used to it, but Harrow Arts Centre is in a quiet, leafy suburb right on the fringes of London.
We have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to anyone who fails to respect the personal space, beliefs, and views of others. Respect the choice of those who take additional Covid precautions. Harassing, disorderly, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
Anyone finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate the nearest member of security or staff.
Generally, just be respectful. You’ll be ejected from the venue and banned from all future Digitiser events if you fail to do so.
We’ve done what we can to consider those with photosensitive epilepsy, and are confident the show will be safe for most people. However, with any live event featuring lighting, video, and smoke, you attend at your own risk.
ACCESSIBILITY
Harrow Arts Centre has excellent access for all users.
There are ramps and lifts to all areas with adapted WCs throughout the centre, reserved disabled parking close to the building, and a lowered counter at the Box Office.
Seeing and hearing dogs are welcome, and water can be provided for all assistance dogs. An induction loop system is available in both of our performance spaces, Elliot Hall and The Studio Theatre.
To enhance your safety and to comply with fire regulations, we request that wheelchair-users are accompanied by a friend or companion.
If you have any other questions, please contact the box office.
Harrow Arts Centre is a certified Covid secure venue.
We are aware that for many of you, travelling to an event like this might be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Rest assured, the Digitiser community is incredibly warm, diverse, and welcoming. Everyone who attended a previous Digi Live remarked on what a lovely atmosphere it was. Whoever you are, you won't regret being there.
London can be an intimidating place for those who aren't used to it, but Harrow Arts Centre is in a quiet, leafy suburb right on the fringes of London.
We have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to anyone who fails to respect the personal space, beliefs, and views of others. Respect the choice of those who take additional Covid precautions. Harassing, disorderly, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
Anyone finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate the nearest member of security or staff.
Generally, just be respectful. You’ll be ejected from the venue and banned from all future Digitiser events if you fail to do so.
We’ve done what we can to consider those with photosensitive epilepsy, and are confident the show will be safe for most people. However, with any live event featuring lighting, video, and smoke, you attend at your own risk.
ACCESSIBILITY
Harrow Arts Centre has excellent access for all users.
There are ramps and lifts to all areas with adapted WCs throughout the centre, reserved disabled parking close to the building, and a lowered counter at the Box Office.
Seeing and hearing dogs are welcome, and water can be provided for all assistance dogs. An induction loop system is available in both of our performance spaces, Elliot Hall and The Studio Theatre.
To enhance your safety and to comply with fire regulations, we request that wheelchair-users are accompanied by a friend or companion.
If you have any other questions, please contact the box office.
ONE LAST THING...
We live in strange times, full of uncertainty. This is a big gamble for us in a lot of respects, and takes a huge amount of work. The Digi Weekend is more ambitious than the shows we've put on before - and two nights is a much bigger financial risk. We're not a huge channel. We're relying upon the enthusiasm of what we know is a fairly small audience, so this is a gamble.
But...
As many of you are aware, the last couple of years have been particularly tough for Sanja and I. Throughout it, the Digi community has been there for us. Though we're ostensibly celebrating 30 years of Digitiser, it's as much a celebration of this weird little community we've found ourselves at the heart of. One night just didn't seem enough.
Digi has been a constant - more or less - through more than half my life, and this may be the last excuse to really celebrate that. Never say never, but I can't imagine us doing this for the 40th anniversary in 10 years time.
We've gone from being the biggest games magazine in the country, to a cult YouTube channel with a relatively tiny fanbase, that somehow manages to hold successful crowdfunding campaigns, and sold out live events. This is down to all of you.
No, our audience isn't huge, but we wouldn't swap your passion, loyalty, and support for all the viewers in the world. The Digitiser Weekend is our chance to say thank you in person, and we hope as many of you as possible will join us. It promises to be an amazing weekend.
We'll update the FAQ over the coming months as the plans start to come into sharper focus.
If you've got any additional questions, please email us or the venue:
digitiser2000@gmail.com
box.office@harrowarts.com
We live in strange times, full of uncertainty. This is a big gamble for us in a lot of respects, and takes a huge amount of work. The Digi Weekend is more ambitious than the shows we've put on before - and two nights is a much bigger financial risk. We're not a huge channel. We're relying upon the enthusiasm of what we know is a fairly small audience, so this is a gamble.
But...
As many of you are aware, the last couple of years have been particularly tough for Sanja and I. Throughout it, the Digi community has been there for us. Though we're ostensibly celebrating 30 years of Digitiser, it's as much a celebration of this weird little community we've found ourselves at the heart of. One night just didn't seem enough.
Digi has been a constant - more or less - through more than half my life, and this may be the last excuse to really celebrate that. Never say never, but I can't imagine us doing this for the 40th anniversary in 10 years time.
We've gone from being the biggest games magazine in the country, to a cult YouTube channel with a relatively tiny fanbase, that somehow manages to hold successful crowdfunding campaigns, and sold out live events. This is down to all of you.
No, our audience isn't huge, but we wouldn't swap your passion, loyalty, and support for all the viewers in the world. The Digitiser Weekend is our chance to say thank you in person, and we hope as many of you as possible will join us. It promises to be an amazing weekend.
We'll update the FAQ over the coming months as the plans start to come into sharper focus.
If you've got any additional questions, please email us or the venue:
digitiser2000@gmail.com
box.office@harrowarts.com
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