Hey folks, I’m going to break the habit of a life time here and actually tell you about an event in enough time to make plans for it. Usually I’m a failmeister and only announce these things at the very last minute but I’m trying to fix that, so here goes. Next month there will be a release party for the new version of Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope, terrible name if you ask me) at the BBC in Manchester (UK), Friday 24th April at 7pm. I’ll be attending, barring any natural disasters and if you’re within easy traveling distance we’d love to see you there too. Perhaps even if you’re not within easy traveling distance but are ridiculously committed you could also come, don’t put yourself out too much though.

It’s all being fantastically organised by Lucy Bridges of Manchester Free Software fame. It’s really great that the BBC have agreed to host the event in their bar and a big thanks go to Ian Forrester of BBC Backstage for this. The address is New Broadcasting House, Oxford Road, Manchester M60 1SJ. Here’s the OpenStreetMap details:



View Larger Map

…and here’s the Google Map for those of us who hate freedom. If this offends you please avert your eyes and for the love of god keep scrolling, scroll like you’ve never scrolled before man (or woman)!!



View Larger Map

Ok so that’s the details out of the way. There’s no dress code that I know of and if you wait in the reception of the BBC building someone will come and escort you upstairs to the bar; tell one of the staff why you’re there though, that might help. Obviously if you turn up in your mankini or leather chaps they might have something to say about it but most outfits should be fine. You don’t have to be an Ubuntu user to come, you don’t even have to like Ubuntu that much (for all you haters out there). It’s a night of Free Software and fun, whatever your distribution or denomination. There’s an Upcoming event and also a Facebook event about this as well.

Apologies to folks in other parts of the world for whom this information is largely irrelevant but there may be a release party near you, have a look on the Ubuntu site and perhaps join a local party… for local people 😉

Hope to see some of you there to enjoy some drinks and geekery together,

Dan

Important: – Please see Lucy’s comment below and be sure to let her know if you’re coming to the event. This is a BBC requirement to comply with fire regulations. You don’t have to give anything other than a name, no official ID. Send a message via Identi.ca or add yourself to the Facebook or Upcoming events. Thank you! 🙂