Where should I stay?

Several people are staying at The Windmill in Clapham. There isn’t an official hotel and I wasn’t able to reserve a block of rooms there but if you want to stay with others who are traveling from the U.S. (including my family), that’s where they’ll be. I’ve also put together some other local recommendations and have made suggestions for where you might also consider if you’re looking to be more central.

See my accommodation suggestions

Why Balham and what is there to do there?

Why Balham, you ask? Because it’s the best…it’s also where I live! One of the reasons I decided to have a party is because I want to share the city I love with the people I love. Balham has been my home for the last 4 years and I can’t wait for you to see it!

Tell me more about Balham

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

From 8 January 2025, eligible non-European visitors to the UK, including children, who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK will require permission to travel through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Learn more about how to get your ETA

With all these events, will I have time to do other things?

For sure! I’m trying to only plan things for a few hours a day allowing you to explore as you desire before or after.

Do I have to attend all the events?

Nope. They’re completely optional for you to opt in or out of. Some will have a cost associated with them, though, and as I get a rough idea of attendees for each event, I will be able to give you more details about the costs.

Will you be offended if I can’t attend anything?

Absolutely not! I’ve invited you because you’re an important person in my life and I want you to know that. But I completely understand the costs and stress of travel and that you may have your 2025 vacation time allotted elsewhere. That’s totally fine!

What should I wear to the party?

The party is casual. There is no dress code or recommendation. It’s at a pub, so no need to be fancy!

How do I join the WhatsApp group?

You can use this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IDj6bdwqNF9D9RotftayrG. I’ll use the group to post periodic updates in the chat and keep everyone up to date, especially as the party gets closer. As a courtesy to your notifications, only I can send messages in the chat so if you have any questions, just respond to me directly.

Where can I find the past newsletter?

If you didn’t receive them or if they’re buried somewhere in your inbox, I’ve created a page where you can see all of the past newsletters. Here you go!

How can I pay you (Courtney) back for the events?

There are a few options for paying me:

UK Bank Transfer: I will send my account details for the WhatsApp group.
Sling Money: You can send money in any currency using Sling Money, just use this link to download the app and sign up.
ApplePay: Send $USD via ApplePay. Learn more about how here.
Venmo: You can Venmo Adrianne (my sister) $USD and she will send everything to me via ApplePay.