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Free Dome deal for rapper sides - updated version

Free tickets to the Millennium Dome in London have been negotiated for performers attending the DERT2000 rapper sword gathering in March.

The event's open to all rapper teams and is expected to be the biggest yet staged.

Members of Thrale's Rapper have worked hard to pull off the Dome deal - but for most people attending the weekend at Greenwich, the highlight is expected to be the DERT2000 tournament itself. The legendary High Spen rapper side is due to compete for the first time in several years.

The competition - including prizes for juniors, characters and musicians - takes place on the afternoon of Saturday, March 4. It's being staged at West Greenwich House, close to the centre of the historic naval town.

Organiser Andrew Kennedy is excited about the treats in store. He told The Donkey: "We have firm declarations of intent from eighteen teams, and suspect that there are another half-dozen or so hiding in the woodwork. This makes it potentially the biggest DERT yet.

"As the latest version of our website shows, we have separated the competition from the Dome - the competition will be on the Saturday, and on Sunday teams will dance at the Dome, allowing people more time to look around.

"The Dome deal is that teams have to turn up in kit and dance. We shall be arranging the programme, and it will not be onerous. As for remaining in kit thereafter, that's voluntary (but some people like it...). Each team is entitled to a maximum of 12 tickets, and these must be reserved through us by the 31st January.

"The workshops are still under negotiation, but might include Amble or Bedlington.

"Everything else is going well. There are lots of good rapper pubs in Greenwich for the warm-up dances, the competition is well-supported (even High Spen are intending to compete, after several years of exhibiting).

"We've got a relaxed but entertaining Saturday evening planned, and participants from all over the country will get free entry to the Dome. I thoroughly recommend coming."

For full details, including costs and a booking form, visit the DERT2000 web site (updated 7 January 2000)

©2000 Simon Pipe, Mark Rogers, The Outside Capering Crew

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