How Does Entertainment in the UK Compare with the Rest of Europe?
People travel from the UK to other countries in Europe every day. They do so for a variety of reasons, including conducting business, visiting friends and family, and taking a break on holiday. Whatever the reasons for travel, people may want to take in some entertainment during their stay.
According to Statista, more than 56 million people travelled from the UK to other European countries in 2022. We are taking a look at their entertainment options compared to the UK. Using this information, you can see what entertainment looks like across Europe and how that compares with the experiences you can sample in the UK.
Gaming Events
For fans of video gaming, EGX is the largest event in the UK. It’s an opportunity for developers to unveil their latest offerings and for enthusiasts to try games that are just being released to the market. The cost of the cheapest entry ticket for the event is reasonable at £23.40, and there is always a buzz of excitement at ExCel London when it takes place. But be prepared to queue.
Compare this UK gaming event with Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. This is one of the biggest gaming conventions in Europe, with over 370,000 attending this platform for publishers and developers where people can play unreleased games and meet top gaming personalities. Tickets for the event cost a reasonable €27.
Casinos
The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, London, is one of the largest and most impressive in the UK. It’s home to three casinos, a poker floor, and a 326-seat theatre. Plus, there are numerous dining and drinking options. The Hippodrome also has an online presence where people can enjoy the games without travelling. The UK online casino industry overall is thriving, with 49 providers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and registered with GAMSTOP for safer gambling. Many players also use UK casinos not on gamstop that are licensed elsewhere in Europe.
Europe also has some top land-based casinos that provide entertainment for visitors. One of the most famous is the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco, France. It’s a stunning destination with more than 300 table and slot games. This casino was the one that inspired Ian Fleming to write Casino Royale, so it’s especially popular with James Bond fans.
Theatres
Shakespeare is famous across the world as one of the best playwrights. His plays are performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in their base at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Over one million people visit the town every year to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and see his plays performed.
The Wiener Staatsopper (Vienna State Opera) is home to a different branch of the arts. Visitors from the UK and across the world can visit the building that was originally built in the 19th century to see operas performed. The venue is also home to the Vienna State Ballet.
Comic-Con
Attending a Comic-Con is fun and exciting. 2023 saw the second instalment of Comic-Con Yorkshire taking place, with entertainment industry guests including James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Jamie McShane, and Georgie Farmer attending. It costs £27.50 to attend this event which is the latest in a long line of Comic-Cons across the UK in destinations including London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Comic-Cons are also popular across Europe, with Dublin being the closest location outside of the UK. Visitors to Comic-Con Dublin in 2023 can meet guests including Linda Hamilton, James Marsters, and Robert Patrick for a ticket price of €25.
The UK entertainment landscape compares favourably with the landscape across Europe. So, if you are travelling abroad or remaining in the UK, an array of excitement awaits.
