SharonSSS

I was there last night. Was brilliant! And I had a really good view. I was around the centre of the stage and probably about 8-10 rows back - a few tall people that I had to look round at times, but plenty of short people too! Their queuing system does sound a bit crazy. I couldn't get there early and arrived about 7pm, saw the queue going along the front and down the side when I drove past. Came out of car park at back of Brighton Centre and they had the back entrance open with hardly any queue, so I went in that way.

I was there last night. Mika was as fab as ever! I had seats in the circle as I took my children with me. It was a really good view from up there - it was nice to actually be able to see the whole stage which you don't often get when standing! My 10 yr old loved it! The 12yr old seemed to enjoy it although at the age where he wouldn't want to admit to that. They're both boys and it was their first proper concert. I didn't really notice the technical issues from upstairs, maybe it was more obvious downstairs. I've got standing tickets for Brighton - will no doubt be looking at back of someone's head there, but at least I've seen it now, and I can just soak up the atmosphere in the thick of it!

There's usually parking available on the streets around the area where this car park is too. Probably free on a Sunday, but you'd have to check the signs to be sure. You can probably also park on the single yellow lines on Sundays - but again, you'd have to check.

If you get there at that time you should be able to get a nice position in the middle. I don't usually get to gigs until at least doors open time, but am always happy with where I end up standing and at the Apollo with the sloped floor it's not a problem. If you want the front few rows though then you have to get there early.

Mine haven't arrived yet. Don't panic, I'm sure they'll come soon.

Mellody - with those saver rooms at Travelodge you can only book for one night. You have to add first night to your basket and then select the second night and add that to your basket. This is what it says on their help pages.

On HMV.com they are advertising 'Front Circle' tickets. They don't say what the seat numbers actually are, but there is a customer support telephone number that you could try.

I would guess that it will finish between 10.30 and 11pm. I doubt that Mika will start any earlier than 9pm. Your mum driving you all sounds a much better idea. Although getting there by train isn't bad, getting home again sounds like it would be a nightmare.

Could you assign people to hand out numbers for an hour at a time. So get somebody to turn up at 11am with the queue numbers. Anybody already in the queue gets given a number and told to come back at 2pm, then continue handing out the numbers as people arrive. People can then go off and do what they want and come back at 2pm (if not back by 2.30pm though they would lose their place). So you'd need somebody to do 11 - 12, then 12 - 1 and 1 - 2

I just had a look at trains and there are some direct ones: Portsmouth Harbour: 15:29, 16:29, 16:40 Portsmouth & Southsea: 15:33, 16:33, 16:46 Are you planning to catch the train back that night - that might be trickier. If you look here, you will see where station is in relation to Brighton Centre: http://www.brightoncentre.co.uk/scripts/i5.exe?book=bc022006&page=Find.BCMap

The thing with Hammersmith Apollo is that wherever you stand you actually get a good view because the floor is sloped. I don't know if I dare say this as I think you all want to be in the front row. But if anybody is not wanting to queue for hours and not wanting to be right at the front, then I know from past experience that you can turn up at doors open time (ish) and still get a decent position and have a good time. I have this position in the middle of the room that I think is the optimum position on the sloped floor (as I've never been able to queue early). Anyway, I've got seats this time! Not usually my thing, but thought I'd treat the children. Will be standing at Brighton (where you really do need to be near the front to see!)

You did well. I managed to get online and was there right on the dot of 9 but only managed row K (but middle-ish). In fact it offered me P to start with, so had to grab other laptop and try again before my time ran out on original ones and then I got row K. I was booking 4 tickets though, so that probably doesn't help. After booking I noticed that you can get tickets on HMV.com for Hammersmith Apollo. But it just says 'Front Circle' but it doesn't tell you your seat numbers.

Jesterkevin - I've always hated this venue too. I've been there twice (Razorlight & Stereophonics), and I just find the place lacking in atmosphere, feels like a sports hall and because the floor is flat it means there's not much chance of a good view if you're not near the front. I find the Brighton Dome so much better, but I guess it doesn't have the capacity. Anyway, I have friend down there, so I will be going - don't think I'll be there before doors open time though (and sounds like it won't make much difference anyway!) Hoping to also go to Hammersmith Apollo which is a great venue for Mika and one of my favourite large venues.

Mine were right under the bit that says 'and look for the MIKA'S MAGIC NUMBERS logo' Two codes under that, each on a separate line. I didn't buy London tickets though.

Weird! Mine were there. Look closer!!