Really helpful, thanks so much! Based on that, I think if we know we don't really have another route there (that we can trust at this point, relying on friends to be able to still attend come next year etc), we'll grab now and take a calculated risk on attendance - not much could keep me away!
Glad to hear yours are sorted! I have one last question if you've used Nat Ex in the past - I've noticed that their departure times are as early as Tue. I know that the coach station comes into Gate A. For pre-gate coach arrivals, do you know if there a zig-zag queue system in the same coach area of gate A, or if you get put in the queue with the carpark folk?