I'm going with a good friend of mine (who never saw anything of the series, but she will do so with me to prepare her...). We bought the weekend ticket as saturday was already sold out. I'm really looking forward especially for the information about John's life as a soldier and the sets and props. I just want to take a glimpse behind the curtains of this show, maybe talk to some people and just have one or two nice days at the convention.
I'm not sure yet if I'm going to try my luck for a fotoshoot ticket with Benedict. I can understand the thoughts and concerns about this fotoshoots some of you mentioned. But as I live in Germany and will not often have the opportunity to meet him in person on some event in the UK... I'm not sure if I can explain my thoughts about it properly, but let me try:
Benedict is an actor. PR is part of his job. If he does this on the red carpet or on an organised photoshoot - it's still part of his job. If he is so kind to sign something for a fan waiting at the red carpet or near a set, of course it's nice of him. It's something he personally choses to do. And on this occasions I think it's absolutely okay to ask him for an autograph or a foto. What I would never do is (and can't understand, how people can do this), is to disturb his privacy. Even if I met him somehow somewhere in the world - I would never go over and talk to him. First of all I wouldn't get a coherent sentence out of my mouth. But the important point is: He is a real person with a real life. We tend to forget this. We see him as a public person, and I'm pretty sure that some people just forget that. I made this experience with other fans of my favourite band. This is just not cool, it's rude and embarassing.
So the point is - if Benedict is at the convention and has agreed to fotoshoots and autographs, than I'm fine with that. It's work for him, and he get's paid for his work. I'm pretty sure he won't be there for 10 hours signing things and smiling for fotos. I guess it will be only one or two hours. And I think he can endure two hours of smiling and giving autographs.
And talking about the prices... of course it's a ridiculous amount of money for a VIP Pass. But hey - if one can afford it and is willing to pay so much money: I'm okay with it. I know similar VIP tickets from my favourite band, and believe me: they are always sold out. Always. No matter how expensive.
What ever will happen on those days, I'm absolutely willing to enjoy my time there - if I see Benedict or not. And I am a big fan of Benedict, I really am, and of course I would be so happy to meet him in person. Maybe I can catch a glimpse of him and be happy. Maybe there's one of the other actors who is easier to get through. Maybe I meet some other fans from Germany (feel free to contact me here). It's a once in a lifetime event for me. So I'm really excited and glad I can be there.