Went there yesterday, on its first day (finishes Sunday). I've had a love/hate relationship with this event, returning last year after giving it a miss. Lucky to get a cut-price ticket from a lady who had a spare.
One thing I noticed was the larger number of traders who were taking cash only; were they in league with the NEC who had installed a large number of ATMs charging £2.50 per transaction. Lots of traders selling cheese and fudge!
Now for the real moans. In addition to the ATM charge and cash only trend, there's not enough seating unless you go out of the show; then you have your hand stamped so you can get back in. With the "olds" in tow, sitting down frequently is important. Went on train as parking now £12. None of staff seemed to know how often station shuttle bus ran, we waited around 20 minutes.
I'll keep comments about other visitors to myself, but why do people stare.......