Hello, good evening, and welcome Steven,
I'm afraid I can't help you with the tickets, although if you stay tuned, I'm sure you'll get a result.
As for the friends, that's not so straightforward. I used to have a couple of spare ones not far from here, but they got the hump at christmas after an unfortunate incident involving ancient relatives and ripe dates.
We do have a cycling correspondant on this forum, although sadly he rarely touches base these days, and I've heard he's always up for a lycra clad rendezvous; and to be honest, judging by his recent behaviour any sort of half civilised venue would be a result for him.
Best of luck, I hope things sort themselves out!
H
PS if you get an offer of tickets, pay cash, only cash, insist.