Tag: network (Page 2 of 12)

European Tour Dates – How to cross the UK / EU Border Using a Carnet

If you are a band with European Tour Dates and are travelling in a Splitter Van with a Carnet across the UK/EU Border for the first time since Brexit, Mark at Iron Man Records explains how to keep it simple.

Mipso European Tour June 2022

I took an Americana Band called Mipso across Europe in June 2022. I learned a lot about post Brexit Border crossing. Here’s what I would recommend if you have Tour Dates to play, the UK/EU Border to cross, and a Carnet to deal with.

The first thing to do is go by Eurotunnel. Get a “passenger” ticket for a 9 seat Splitter van as it is classified as “a passenger carrying vehicle.” Don’t go on a “Freight” ticket. Avoid the Ferry, I know it’s cheaper, but the risk of huge queues and all sorts of other issues can make things complicated. I would choose a “Standard Refundable” ticket as it’s valid for a year from date of purchase, ideal if plans change, and you need to move the booking to a later date. The ticket is also refundable if something happens. Book your departure to be two hours later than needed. If you are delayed getting the Carnet processed or get stuck in Traffic you will still turn up on time. If you turn up early you can still take an earlier crossing up to two hours before your scheduled departure.

UK Outbound (export)

If you are going to choose an Inland Border Facility to present your Carnet, go to STOP 24. There are many Inland Border Facilities to choose from, I just find STOP 24 easy as it’s close to Eurotunnel. It easy to find on your way to Eurotunnel check in and easy to get to when you return. You don’t need to book in advance, you can turn up anytime you like. Stop 24 Folkestone Services is located at Junction 11 of the M20 and is the closest motorway services to the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover. Full address: STOP 24, Folkestone Services, Junction 11, M20, Hythe CT21 4BL https://www.stop24.co.uk

Drive in and go past the petrol station. Follow the road all the way round to the back of the services where all the trucks are parked up. Using What3words Head to ///simulates.rope.weaned where there is a barrier. You will need to put your number plate in before the barrier opens. Drive all the way round until you find the van parking spaces at ///menu.oxidation.shelters. Don’t park in the truck spaces. Wear your High Vis when moving around in the truck park.

When you walk into the Services you will see the Channel Ports Office, it’s right opposite the public toilets, that’s where you need to present the Carnet.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

STOP 24 has got to be one of the worst services in the UK. Don’t have any high hopes for good food or drink of any quality. The amenities on offer are basic, but if you get stuck for hours, there are places to get hot and cold food and coffee and so on. So it’s bearable. They even have picnic tables outside. Try and stay positive.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

I use Rock-It Cargo whenever I need a Carnet. I put The Carnet in the name of Iron Man Records at the Iron Man Records address. You can list yourself and any member of the band/crew as ‘named representatives’ so any member of the travelling group can present the Carnet.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

You need to present ID with the Carnet to show you are either the holder or a named representative.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Make sure the Green front page of the Carnet is signed and I had to then fill out a Yellow “exportation” voucher. You can do all of this in advance but you must sign the yellow voucher in front of the clerk you are handing it to. You should also have copies of your general list in case of inspection.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Once the staff at the Customs office window have your Carnet they will ask you for a mobile phone number. They keep all your paperwork and give you a slip/receipt and you go and wait for a text. Be sure to wait where there is plenty of phone signal. Stop 24 has poor signal in some areas.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

The first time I had to visit Stop 24 I got a text after nearly 3 hours saying everything was fine and to collect the paperwork. Typically the wait might be 20 minutes, but be prepared for a longer wait on occasion. If I had been picked for inspection that would have added extra time to inspect the goods against the general list.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Once you have the Carnet back, return to the Truck Park Exit and the barrier lifts automatically. You don’t have to pay for the parking.

When you arrive at check in for Eurotunnel, use the passenger check in, don’t get in the freight line. Here are some numbers should you want to ask about anything in advance or ask about Merch.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

EU Inbound (import)

When exiting Eurotunnel, passenger cars and vans go right. Look out for the orange sign that says SIVEP. As you follow the road out of Eurotunnel, the first slip road on the right is the one you will need to take. There is a SIVEP sign to direct you too. If you find yourself going past the Total Garage you have missed the turning and will need to use your Sat Nav to find your way.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

You can search for the Sotracom Office Calais on Bd de L’Europe, 62100 Calais, France on Google Maps. The easiest way is to use What Three Words using ///class.massive.abolish where there is a gate and a buzzer that you ring and say you have a Carnet that needs stamping as you are importing from UK to EU. Then they will let you in and you park up and walk to the office.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Take ID & your Carnet with completed white importation voucher and copy of general list, sign it in front of them and hand it over. Then you get given a number, and you sit and wait for your number to be called and your paperwork will be ready to collect. The process took less than ten minutes and there was no inspection. There was a van driving round the car park with a bloke in a high Vis asking truck drivers questions. I timed it just right to be sure I got into the van and drove away without any further discussion. I have no idea what was going on but I didn’t want to hang around and find out. The golden rule with all of these things is return to your vehicle as quickly as possible and drive away as fast as possible before anyone decides to inspect the vehicle. But don’t make it look like you are returning to your vehicle as quickly as possible or driving away as fast as possible. Try and look relaxed. There’s no gate or buzzer on the way out, you can just drive away no problem.

EU Outbound (re-export)

You need to go somewhere different at Calais Eurotunnel on the way back to the UK to get the carnet stamped.

Follow the Eurotunnel signs to the tourist terminal at Junction 42b (Don’t get in the freight queue).

Go through Eurotunnel check in as usual.

Turn right into the passenger terminal car park as if you are going to get a coffee or visit the toilets (if you have gone through border control you have missed it!)

Walk into the terminal and turn right. Follow the signs for the Toilets. Go past WH Smith and on the left-hand side before the toilets there is a customs window (Douanes)

They process your white re-exportation voucher that you have filled in and sign in front of them etc. As mentioned before, it took 5 minutes. Keep quiet and let them process it as you stand at the window. They are no more interested in your Carnet than you are. Let them do the work while you wait.

This office is the same place that process your duty-free refunds. The staff told me they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week but there can sometimes be a slight delay if the shifts are changing over. So 5 minutes is typical but be prepared for a longer wait if they pick you for inspection or the shifts are changing over.

UK Inbound (re-import)

Return to Stop 24 as you did before. Same procedure. Park up in the van parking, hand your carnet in at the office window. You will need to get your yellow re-importation voucher stamped.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

If that’s the end of your trip you have to return the Carnet to Rock-it Cargo or whoever supplied the Carnet.

It seems to me that no one is inspecting vehicles outbound or inbound unless they have good reason to do so. Always tell the others in the travelling group to keep quiet when you are being questioned by Customs or Border Force Staff. Be sure to cooperate fully but don’t talk too much or make silly comments or jokes in case it attracts more detailed questions. Answer the questions in full as simply and clearly as possible. Get your passports stamped and get going. Don’t mess around or you may win a full inspection. And then you may be in all sorts of trouble if they find anything not listed on the carnet.

Tour Management: Crossing the UK/EU Border Using a Carnet

Useful Addresses:

UK to EU

Stop 24, Folkestone Services, Junction 11, M20, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4BL

Eurotunnel UK Terminal, Ashford Road, Folkestone, CT18 8XX

Bureau de controle douane calais port tunnel, 62100 Calais, France.

Sotracom Office Calais on Bd de L’Europe on Google Maps sotracom Office calais, 62100 Calais, France

EU to UK

Calais Eurotunnel Arrival Point, Avenue de France, 62231 Coquelles, France

Stop 24, Folkestone Services, Junction 11, M20, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4BL

Rock-it Cargo

Watch and Learn about all things Music and Brexit here: UK Europe Arts Work

For Hire: Iron Man Records Tour Management Services

October 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 2nd October 2014

Present: Mark Badger, Michelle Dawes, Vix and her Mischiefs, Dan Joyce, Diane Wiltshire, Ferzana Alcram, Josh Herring, Raul Fermoselle, Harpreet Sohal, Richard Blades, Dennis gig promotion and management, Sunjay Kohli, Dave Taylor and a few latecomers…..

Apologies: Nicola Toms, Anthony Hughes

New Points:

Raul – Has access to a good recording space for recording and the studio is available for free. Raul is Looking for local bands to come and record for free. raul explained it’s part of a educational project so no costs involved for bands but engineers and technicians are all students who will be working as part of their course and gaining experience working with real bands and musicians. If you are in a local band and would like to access the free recording facilities in exchange for giving students a chance to work on your music as part of their course in touch. The Studio is based in millennium point.
Contact: Raul.fermoselle@gmail.com 07508037521

Harpreet: Engineer and producer looking for more bands to record. harpreet is based in Birmingham, the studio is based in Dudley. Recently harpreet has recorded the peoples orchestra. Contact Harpreet 07706955678
hsohal92@hotmail.com

Richard – Stop Motion Animation.
Richard has done corporate videos and work for writers and small businesses also training films and small commissions. He is looking for new work and is always interested in finding music to use and effects sounds which he often finds on the internet. if you are after a good stop motin animator get in touch.
www.bladesanimation.co.uk
richard@bladesanimation.co.uk

SunJay.Kohli@Nubimagazine.com
NUBI magazine
The magazine has had 2 million hits on website in past few months
The Writers are all students
Many of them are from BCU, they create their own stories and put them up for them. if you are a local artist, film maker, musician or creative who would like exposure for your work, get in touch with Sunjay and he may be able to get some of the student writers to take an interest in your work. The platform has a huge readership so this may be an alternative route to finding promotion for your creative projects.

Vix and her Mischiefs
The band have Recorded an EP with Gavin at Magic Garden
Putting the record out through Artists without a Label
Discussion followed with suggestions of online platforms, crowdfunding, press contacts.
Suggestions about video and other ways to get the word out.
Discussion of booking agents and other contacts.
www.Vix.uk.com

Dennis – Gig promotion and management
Dennis has a background in advertising and event management and is looking to set up gigs and music promotion actrivities in Birmingham. he is looking at venues from 200 capacity upwards. if you have any suggestions or ideas for dennis or if you are in a band and would like to be considered for future shows get in touch.
Contact Dennis: dkomis@bunnyhop.eu
Dennis is looking for bands that play music in the general style of  Amercana, Alt country, Alternative rock
Discussion followed about Tower of Song and The Roadhouse, also The Bullshead, and the Dark Horse in moseley

Dan: Works with 16-25 year olds, runs workshops for young people and looking to match young people with work experience.
Access to Music Exhibition takes place on 22nd October. Dan is looking for people to talk to young people about what they do, why they do it and where in the hope of inspiring some of the young people he works with to choose a career that may involve music or music related activities.
Dannyj@foyer.net
The exhibition will be at Access to Music College at Fazeley studios, Birmingham.
If anyone wants to come and talk, set up a stall, talk to young people get in touch

Nicola Toms: looking for some help to spread the word about a project she is working on.  There are some wonderful volunteer opportunities on offer. Our Big Gig EXTRA Birmingham needs you! Love music? Want to shape future events across Birmingham. If you are looking for some fantastic music industry experience then this could be the project for you. We are looking for a team of volunteers to plan and deliver several large scale music events in communities across the city.  Volunteers will be invited to attend a residential training course delivered by industry experts.  The Birmingham team will be led by an experienced project manager and given funding to curate and execute some amazing musical experiences.

Closing date for applications Monday 6th October

More information here:

http://www.superact.org.uk/blog/entry/our-big-gig-extra-to-launch-five-new-music-development-networks
Or contact Nicola Toms, nicola@superact.org.uk 07743 593439 for more details.

Diane – Artist and Creative Director at Nottingham University
Looking at interviewing musicians as part of an artistic project that is looking at the relationship beween music and emotion.
Diane.wiltshire@gmail.com
http://sentimentart.tumblr.com
Diane Wiltshire Artist on Facebook
Funded by Horizon
Digital arts and the arts council. Get in touch with Diane if you are a musician and would like to participate in her project.

Ferzana Setting up a consultancy to help connect birmingham artists and musicians. The project is still in an early stage but she will be back with more detail to share with the group.

Josh – Based at the Conservatoire, Plays in a band called Steady Hands
Josh has done some recordings, got website
discussions about getting his music out
discussion followed as Josh is looking for advice and guidance.
www.steadyhandsmusic.co.uk

Birmingham City Sessions
They record and film bands and its free as part of a student education programme. if you want to get involved with your band or music project contact
birminghamcitysessions@gmail.com

March 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 27th March 2014

Present:

Mark Sampson, Morgan Gleave aka Ruke, Fonzi Neutron, Debra Undarumhi, Otis Gordon, Nykolas Godwin, Joshua Spritz Visionnaire, Adrian Kimberline, Hugh McGuiness, Richard Blades, Anneliese Grand Chapel Studio Recording Studio, Sue Nicholls, Sarah Ann Cromwell Diva Gigs, Anthony Hughes, Richard,

Apologies: Clare Edwards

New Points:

Screen Image Network – Anthony Hughes:

Looking to talk to people for collaboration, music and screen. The Screen Image network will be joining Birmingham Music Network for meetings this year to encourage networking between Screen Image Network and Music Network contributors.

Sarah Ann Cromwell – Diva Gigs: A Week in the life of a Diva!

Britain’s first award winning Comedic Operatic Cabaret Diva Gigs: A Week in the Life of a Diva, is an unforgettable romp into the operatic world of Birmingham Conservatoire trained Soprano and comedian: Sarah-Ann Cromwell. “Diva Gigs, a show about opera, is enjoyable even for people who would shudder at the thought of it.” (Broadway Baby) Described as hilarious, charming, brilliant, unusual and vivacious Sarah-Ann’s lung busting voice, funny stories and expert characterisations provide a family friendly “show for all ages and nationalities, for the posh and the proudly working-class and proves that both music and laughter are pretty much universal.” Diva Gigs is an unforgettable musical performance which dispels any myth that opera is exclusively posh!

TIME OUT LONDON

Diva Gigs is far from a gimmicky show: it’s simply a pleasure, partly because of the quality of Cromwell’s voice but also because of her enormous charm, engaging humour and relaxed manner. 4 ? TIME OUT LONDON

FRINGEGURU

A highly enjoyable evening of music, hosted by possibly the most down-to-earth diva 4 ? FringeGuru

Sarah talked about doing it herself and working with Independents. More info www.divagigs.com Continue reading

February 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 27th February 2014

Present:

Yaz Alexander – Singer in Jazz and Reggae
Ian Bourne – singer songwriter
Gary Davies – guitarist from Skullfox
Tony Guice – delivers music workshops in youth centres and does gig promotions
Matt Davis – Musicians – Popular Music Practice
Sue Nicolls – Works Tour manages Steve Poults
Sarah Ann Cromwell – Comedic Opera – Diva Gigs
Matt Fisher- Giraffe Audio – supply studio equipment
Nick Romluc – Giraffe Audio
Anthony Hughes – Screen Image Network/University of Birmingham
Michael Bickerton – BCU michael.bickerton@bcu.ac.uk
Clare Edwards – Freelance Producer

Apologies: Mark Badger

New Points:

Sue Nicholls – Birmingham Opera Company are looking for a space for their next opera – they need a very large empty space in Birmingham that they haven’t used before – but they have used a lot of places! Any good ideas post them here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/11136136266/?fref=ts

Yaz Alexander – Dome Club – has a blow up Dome that can be used for creative purposes. They would like to find a home for it within Birmingham for local creative people to use it. Does anyone know any venues that could house it? For more information www.domeclub.co.uk

Giraffe Audio have a launch event week with lots of suppliers doing demonstrations etc 31st March – 4th April – more news on their website coming soon so look out for updates – www.giraffeaudio.com

Tony Guice – is working with a band called the Radio Charmers and they have a single coming out in March – with a launch at Academy 3 on 15th March – tickets here – http://www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk/event/63144/radio-charmers-tickets
He is also working on a new festival on 19th and 20th September FinFest just outside Lichfield. More information here  www.finfest.co.uk

Gary Davies – Skullfox have done some Birmingham City Sessions at BCU and they have made 5 videos and they are being released on Youtube over 5 consecutive Saturdays. This is something other bands can apply to take part in but it is oversubscribed. Follow each video here https://twitter.com/SkullFox

Yaz Alexander is working with the Drum to  to develop a new platform for local artists called the Simmer Down Lounge  to feature music of black origin – more information coming soon here – http://www.the-drum.org.uk

There was then a general discussion about platforms for artists in Birmingham  and how artists network and gain the right contacts. There was also a discussion about the differences between the scenes in Birmingham, London and Manchester.

Michael Bickerton from BCU talked about how BCU students are making TV programmes and are looking for content and how local artists can take advantage of this to prepare for actual TV appearances. To offer content email Diane Kemp – diane.kemp@bcu.ac.uk. Also if you want to have a pop promo made for your band email Michael –   michael.bickerton@bcu.ac.uk

Clare Edwards promoted a project that is looking for people to take part – Crowd Out – On 8 June 2014 – 1000 individuals will give the world premiere performances of Crowd Out, David Lang’s new piece for 1000 voices, at Millennium Point. BCMG is holding a Crowd Out discovery workshop from 7.30-9pm on Thursday 13 March 2014 at CBSO Centre, for those interested in being one of the 1000. For more information – http://www.bcmg.org.uk/whats-on/insight-events-2013-14/crowd-out-discovery-workshop-2/

January 2014 Music Network Meeting Minutes

Birmingham Music Network Meeting – 30th January 2014

Present: Robin Valk – Radio To Go, Matt Fisher – Giraffe Audio, Nick Romluc – Giraffe Audio, Yaz Alexander – Domeclub / Indie Artist, Mark Sampson – Iron Man Records / Birmingham Music Network, Adrian Kimberline – Exit Recording, Dave Simcox – Lichfield Arts, Dan Griffin – Illustrator / Animator, Dan Nicholas – Interested in Music Platforms, Peter Murtagh – Freelance Audio Engineer, Laura – Student BCU, Patrick – Student BCU

New Points

Robin Valk – Radio To Go

Talked about some of the articles on his blog:

Boat to Row: The hot topics are a tour, a single on vinyl and download, their own label, and a video shot for very little money. We’re weighing up what they should charge for the single launch gig on February 28th, with the vinyl thrown in. http://radiotogo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/Boat-To-Row-Rock.html

The BBC in the midlands: I’m a big BBC fan. I see and hear inspiring stuff on the Beeb. More often than not, I give up in boredom, despair or disbelief watching and listening to anyone else. I use the BBC website every day. I respect Reithian principles. http://radiotogo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/Desolation-Of-Smug-BBC-InMidlands.html

Read more here: http://radiotogo.blogspot.co.uk

Yaz Alexander

We’re currently looking for an inexpensive venue for the dome, so we can run commercial shows & work with local students & artists. If you love art, film and music you’ll love this – for everyone interested in digital film, photography, graphic design, 360 degree film technology, art, music, dance, theatre, drama, script-writing, collaborative work and much more check out www.domeclub.co.uk

18:00 – Best of DomeFest : http://bit.ly/dcbodf
19:30 – Jena Festival 2013 : http://bit.ly/dcj13
21:00 – Dark Side of the Moon : http://bit.ly/dcdsotm (sold out)

To book your tickets click the link above for the show you’d like to see! (No password required)

This is an exciting new medium that needs to be seen in person to get the full experience.

Dome Club has enjoyed a superb first season at The Custard Factory. All tickets sold out half way through the month and the happy customers and encouraging comments on our Facebook page – as well as a number of positive reviews elsewhere – bear witness to the appeal of the fulldome experience.

We’re putting on an extra event this Friday 31st January consisting of three special performances.

We’ve reduced tickets to only 30 per performance, so don’t delay.

The events have been going well and the Pink Floyd shows have been selling out each time so get your tickets early.

Dome Club are looking for people to create content for showing on the Dome Screen

Ideas suggested to get in touch with Alex Patterson, The Orb, John Sinclair, Youth about the 360 dome club idea….

Discussion followed….

“success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”

mention of gerv at mission print and lunar festival

Nick Giraffe Audio

A few questions about Dome Club and discussion followed.

Dave Simcox

www.lichfieldarts.org.uk 07989 165361 dave.simcox@lichfieldarts.org.uk
Lichfield is only 30mins from Birmingham city center
In March they have a rock night, with three bands for £6
Idea to bring out a younger audience
Fred Zeppelin are playing
Fuse festival happens every year
Dance Circus skills, spoken word. A lot of work is going into programming interesting events in Lichfield for younger audiences right up to the more senior audiences. Anyone with good ideas or suggestions is welcome to get in touch. Dave would like to hear from good bands, booking agents, theatre or event organisers with pitches for events to be considered by Lichfield Arts.

Dan Griffin
Animator…had a few points to make and questions about Dome Club. He is interested in providing content for the 360 screen.

Peter Murtagh
freelance audio editor looking for work
peterjmurtagh@gmail.com

Laura – student at BCU

Looking for work experience in the music industry. Music Management, A&R. A number of suggestions made and offer of work experience from Iron Man Records.

Next meeting will be last Thursday of February from 4pm-5.30pm

« Older posts Newer posts »