There is always a significant percentage of first timers at each event. The long term regulars tend to know each other but they are also, generally, the most active in terms of meeting new folk and introducing themselves.
All sounds good then! The timing works so this should my first HN meetup. Plus the booze inflation up north has reached such a point now where I no longer faint at the price of a pint in London.
You know we provide a mountain of free beer & pizza at the event right? Get in early though.