‘Stangs Take On
the WORLD
JamFest Europe
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Manchester, England
JamFest Europe - ITINERARY
Tuesday, May 27 - Tuesday, June 2 - Practice Days (Times TBA - will work around Elite Choreo)
Tuesday, June 3 - Last Practice and Earliest Departure Day
10:00 - noon - Last Practice in Dallas; first option to travel to Europe this afternoon
Earliest Departure Date for any flight leaving after 10:00 a.m. Practice
Wednesday, June 4 - Optional Travel Day
Thursday, June 5 - Optional Travel Day
Friday, June 6 - Travel Day, Arrival Day in Manchester
All Athletes arrive in Manchester
10:13 a.m. to 12:19 p.m. - Avanti Train from London Euston to Manchester (Man) Picadilly
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Practice - Meet in Edwardian Hotel Lobby at 2:00 to walk to St. John’s Gardens for practice (location is tentative)
3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy downtown Manchester or the hotel
6:30 p.m. - Team Dinner at Albert Schloss across the street from Edwardian Hotel
Saturday, June 7 - Competition Day!
Times TBA (Latest Block Schedule Below)
Note: Because the current blocks predict we will have performances and awards throughout the day, we recommend staying the night in Manchester. We know a handful need to leave (e.g. some are heading to camp!) so we will update our site asap with performance times as soon as we have them so that you can finalize travel.
Sunday, June 8 - Travel Day from Manchester
L3 - U14 - Mustang United - 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
L2 - U12 - Globetrotters - 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
L3 - U16 Small - 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. (Note: We think we are “small” however Varsity has not distinguished between the regular L3 U16 Division in the later time block and the “small” division
Awards times not specified
Manchester Hotel Information
Edwardian Hotel
Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP, United Kingdom
BOOKING DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 6th
The Edwardian Hotel is conveniently located across the street from the Convention Center and downtown central to restaurants and shopping. Because this event is not a “stay-to-play,” you are welcome to stay at any hotel of your choice!
Booking Instructions:
Call: 011-44-161-835-9929 (press 1 and then 2)
Code: MUST060625
Deposit: Credit Card needed at time of booking, no funds taken at time of booking
Cancellation Policy: 7-day cancellation policy, cancel within 7 days forfeit the whole stay
Booking Dates - Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th
For additional assistance, contact Mustang’s travel agent, Katie Roach at katie@strongtravel.com
ROOM CONFIGURATIONS:
2 People
Superior King - (No rollaway available for this room) 267pounds per night including VAT
Superior Twin Room (No rollaway available for this room) - 267pounds per night including VAT
3 People
Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pull out - No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability
4 People
Superior King connected to Superior Twin Beds - 534pounds per night including VAT
Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pull out (rollaway can be accommodated if needed)- No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability (Max 4 people in an Alfresco Suite)
5+ People
Alfresco Suite connected to Alfresco Suite - King Bed with Sofa Pullout connected to King Bed with Sofa Pullout - No contract rate available for Alfresco suites, subject to current rate and availability
Train from London to Manchester
Manchester Picadilly
If you would like to travel with Mustang from London to Manchester on Friday, June 6th, see plans below!
Meet Time: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Square outside of Euston Station (with large train schedule on screens)
Ticket Booking: Book Avanti West train from London Euston to Manchester Picadilly
Departure: 10:13 a.m. Arrival: 12:19 p.m.
NEW! UK Visa Application Requirement
NEW UK Visa applications are required for all adults and children. To make the process easier, we recommend using the app rather than the website.
You can find all the details by CLICKING HERE.
London Hotel Options
The Londoner Hotel - Leicester Square
Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7451 0101
While our deadline for the block has expired, our travel agent, Katie Roach, can assist you with reservations.
Radisson Blu Hotel - Leicester Square
Address: 31-36 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7839 9399
The Radisson is located next to the Londoner Hotel and a good alternative to the Londoner.
JamFest Competition Information
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Varsity will keep its event site updated in the coming weeks!
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Tickets are now on sale! All of our teams will compete on Saturday so only purchase a two-day pass if you would like to watch both days of the competition.
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London Sightseeing and and Restaurant Ideas
Theme: “Royal and Historic London” Full Day Itinerary
Combining iconic landmarks, regal history, dramatic stories, and just the right amount of fun. Think castles, crowns, carriages, and a few Instagrammable stops too!
9:30 AM – Visit the Tower of London
Why: Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders (“Beefeaters”), raven legends, and tales of queens & intrigue.
Website: hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
Tickets: Book here
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines at the Crown Jewels.
11:30 AM – Tower Bridge Experience
Why: Walk across glass floors high above the Thames, and learn about Victorian engineering.
Website: towerbridge.org.uk
Tickets: Book here
12:30 PM – Lunch at Borough Market
Why: London’s most iconic food market — grab a gourmet grilled cheese, tacos, or crepes.
Website: boroughmarket.org.uk
Booking: No tickets needed, just walk in.
1:30 PM – Stroll Along the South Bank (Optional: London Eye or Thames Cruise)
Why: Gorgeous river views, street art, live performers, and optional stops:
London Eye: londoneye.com
Thames River Cruise: cityexperiences.com
3:00 PM – Buckingham Palace & St. James’s Park
Why: Royal palace photo ops and possibly Changing of the Guard (check schedule).
Website (Palace): rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
Park: royalparks.org.uk
Tickets: Buckingham Palace interior tours available in summer; otherwise enjoy the grounds.
4:00 PM – Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace (or Sketch)
Option A: The Rubens at the Palace
Regal afternoon tea overlooking the Royal Mews.
Website: rubenshotel.com
Option B: Sketch (The Gallery)
Funky, artsy afternoon tea in iconic pink or yellow rooms.
Website: sketch.london
5:30 PM – Explore Westminster Abbey (if still open) or Take Photos at Big B
Why: One of the most historic and beautiful churches in the world, site of royal coronations.
Website: westminster-abbey.org
Tickets: Book here
7:00 PM – Dinner at The Ivy Victoria or Brown’s Hotel
Option A: The Ivy Victoria
Glamorous yet relaxed, classic British food with flair.
Option B: Charlie’s at Brown’s Hotel
Elegant setting with a heritage twist.
Bonus Add-On Ideas:
Kensington Palace (Princess Diana exhibit): rct.uk
Royal Mews (Carriages & Horses): rct.uk
Changing of the Guard Times: householddivision.org.uk
Theme: “Chic Shopping & Selfies” Full Day Itinerary
London Itinerary for a trendy 14-year-old girl and her parents — filled with stylish boutiques, selfie moments, and plenty of café stops to recharge.
10:00 AM – Brunch at EL&N Café (Mayfair or Oxford Circus)
Why: Pink floral walls, heart-shaped waffles, glitter lattes — perfect Insta start.
Website: elnlondon.com
11:15 AM – Selfie Factory or Dopamine Land
Option A: Selfie Factory (Westfield White City)
Rooms like pink phone booths, neon signs, milkshake bar sets.
Option B: Dopamine Land (Kensington/High Street)
Immersive joy rooms — ball pits, mirror rooms, glowing bubbles.
1:00 PM – Covent Garden: Shopping + Street Style
Why: Boutiques (Glossier, Charlotte Tilbury, M.A.C), Apple Market, fun street performers.
Snack Tip: Grab a bubble tea at CUPP or an ice cream at Milk Train (cotton candy cones).
Website: coventgarden.london
2:30 PM – Walk to Neal’s Yard (5 mins)
Why: One of London’s most colorful hidden courtyards — ideal photo spot.
Shops/Cafés: Wild Food Café, Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Free to visit
3:00 PM – Visit Glossier London (just off Covent Garden)
Why: Stylish makeup/skincare store that feels like a beauty playground.
Address: 43 King St, London WC2E 8JY
Website: glossier.com
4:00 PM – Peggy Porschen (Belgravia or Chelsea)
Why: Iconic pastel-pink bakery covered in flowers — cakes are cute and delicious.
Website: peggyporschen.com
5:00 PM – King’s Road or Carnaby Street for Late Shopping
Option A: King’s Road (Chelsea)
Chic boutiques, vintage shops, and cool cafés.
Option B: Carnaby Street (Soho)
Edgier, more youthful — shops like Brandy Melville, Skinnydip, Urban Outfitters.
6:30 PM – Dinner at Circolo Popolare or Gloria
Why: Over-the-top Italian food, twinkly lights, and giant desserts to share.
Website (Both): bigmammagroup.com