About the Venue

Tolkien 2005 will be taking place at Aston University, Birmingham.

Why There?

Birmingham is the city of Tolkien's childhood. It is the place that helped formulate many of his early ideas and the foundation upon which his later writings are based.

The entrance to the Main Building, Aston University

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The entrance to the Main Building, Aston University

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Aston University is simply the best venue in Birmingham for the type of event that we want to hold. It has good on-site accommodation, with nearby off-site accommodation for those who want to stay in a hotel. There is a good range of function rooms. The entire campus is compact with little need for extended walking between locations. Their conference staff are knowledgable and helpful and their catering has a good reputation.

The site is easily reached both by public transport and by car. Birmingham's three railway stations and the coach station are only a mile away, or less. The UK motorway network is ½ mile away; there is car parking on-site. Birmingham International Airport is also easily reached within a few minutes by train from Birmingham New Street Station.

The entrance to the Main Building, Aston University

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Birmingham has a good range of facilities, second only in England to London. Live theatre, good restaurants, vibrant night-life; all are easily available either within a short walk or a short taxi journey.

Cost-wise the facilities give reasonable value for money. While it may be possible to find somewhere slightly cheaper, there is nowhere that does all we require for a lower price.


Travel Information

This now has a page to itself: How to Get There.