RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2015 Midi Report

Date: Friday 10 April to Sunday 12 April 2015
Venue: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy and Christine Hine, Adam Brown, Adrian and Katelyn Hikin, Alan Chilvers, Alan Hunt, Andy and Mary Knight, Barry Frost, Big Stevie B, Carol Hedges, Craig Smith, Dave Perry, Death, Debra Boggis, Doug and Charlie Turner, Gary, Liberty and Ellis Williams, Happy Helen, Heather Hall, Kelly Cameron, Lorraine Downing, Lorraine Pratchett, Lorraine White, Mark and Margo Lewis, Matt Walker, Maz Nixon, Paul Bailey, Peter, Laura and Aiden O'Brien, Planenut, Robin Antill, Ryan Hackett, Sophia Jones, Steven Caine.

DISCLAIMER: The above is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those who performed billed or Gong Show acts Saturday night, and/or who I spoke to / rode with over the weekend. I sincerely apologise to anyone else who was there and I've not listed. Not all attendees (whether or not listed above) attended the event in its entirety.

Introduction

The Club's annual UK mega-trip to start the new coaster season. Once again the Blackpool Bash was a great success, with two professional entertainers performing Friday evening, a day of riding Saturday daytime (including the morning ERS), a circus themed fancy dress party with songs, games, the Gong Show and a disco Saturday evening, and another ERS Sunday morning. A great turnout too with around 400 members from all over the UK (my list above is just a handful of them). I was determined as ever to attend the Blackpool Bash, and to take part in the Gong Show Saturday evening.

To make the rest of this report easier to read, I've split it into sections. Click the applicable link below to jump to the section you want to read:

Thursday 9 April
Day One - Friday 10 April
Day Two - Saturday 11 April (daytime)
Day Two - Saturday 11 April (evening)
Day Three - Sunday 12 April
Outro

Enjoy my report at your leisure.

Thursday 9 April

Getting To Blackpool

I travelled to Blackpool by train Thursday 9 April. My journey from Bath Spa to Blackpool North began on the 12:00 train from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads, followed by onward trains to Newport (Gwent), Stockport and Blackpool North. Having finally reached Blackpool North at 19:08 I tried catching a bus from a nearby stop to somewhere near Withnell Road, but ended up catching a tram from North Pier to South Pier. After reaching South Pier my hotel was a short walk away.

Thursday Evening

Having checked into my hotel I went to The Auctioneer (Wetherspoons) for dinner. I had a Curry Club meal: large Chicken Jalfrezi for main course, a pint of John Smiths Extra Smooth to drink and British Bramley apple crumble with custard for dessert. After 22:00 I returned to my hotel and relaxed in my room the rest of the evening.

More about Thursday available here

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Day One - Friday 10 April

Daytime

For me Friday began with a delicious breakfast: cereal, a full English breakfast and toast. I spent the day at Sandcastle Water Park, and was in the pool / slides area from approximately 10:45 until closing time of 18:00. A separate report about my day there is available here. After leaving I returned to my hotel for about half an hour.

Early Evening

Around 19:10 I went to Pablo's Fish and Chips for a Pablo's Special, i.e. fish, chips, mushy peas, bread and butter, plus fizzy drink for main course, followed by a strawberry Sundae Special for dessert.

Friday Fun

The Blackpool Bash officially began when the Paradise Room doors opened. I entered the Paradise Room around 20:00, bought myself half a Kingstone Press Cider and sat with Happy Helen and Sophia Jones. The fun began when Andy Hine appeared around 20:15 and said his annual catchphrase "Everybody say Blackpool". Afterwards he performed a trick with another member on stage.

The first official act was Billy Hunter, whose best bits were a mother and baby sketch (accompanied by the song "Three Little Fishes") and his coffin sketch, during which he sang "I Feel Good" whilst standing inside the coffin. He also told jokes during his act.

After a 20 minute interval Steve Royle entertained the audience for nearly an hour. His performance included asking the audience to sing the "Good King Wenceslas" chorus by means of baa, quack and woof sounds, jokes about quilts, a parody of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and juggling (accompanied by the song "Volare"). When Steve finished there was still time to finish our drinks, but we had to be out by 23:00. I spoke to, and had my picture taken with some other members before heading back to my hotel for the night.

Altogether a reasonable evening, though from my experience of attending the Blackpool Bash from 2008 to 2015 inclusive, I've seen better Friday Fun entertainment previous years. The best bit was speaking to other members of the Club face to face at various times of the evening.

More about Friday available here

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Day Two - Saturday 11 April (daytime)

First Thing

I awoke at 6:50, put on my "I'm Not An Adult I'm A Big Kid" T-shirt and had early breakfast at 8:00 so I could be at the Paradise Room at 9:00 or soon after. After breakfast I took everything I needed for the evening to the Paradise Room, and placed it back stage. Shortly afterwards I queued to be issued with my ride wristband and Park Pass.

Morning ERS

The day was billed to start with a one-hour ERS on Big One, Nickelodeon Streak and Blue Flyer, but due to strong winds it was necessary to replace Big One with Infusion. Thankfully the two wooden coasters Nickelodeon Streak and Blue Flyer were able to operate. Initially everyone gathered by Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic for group photos. Afterwards members headed for their chosen coaster. I enjoyed Infusion five times and Nickelodeon Streak once.

Morning Free Time

After the morning ERS ended, members dispersed around the Pleasure Beach and took over the rides. The rest of the morning I enjoyed riding Blue Flyer twice, followed by Backyardigans Pirate Treasure, Diego's Rainforest Rescue, Fairy World Taxi Spin and Big Dipper once each. After that, it was time for me to go to the Paradise Room for lunch.

Lunch At Paradise Room

Once inside I was handed my drinks voucher, which I exchanged for a Pepsi at the bar. Next I went to get my meal; I chose beefburger in a bun with chips and self-service salad. During lunch there were speeches from Nev and a member of Pleasure Beach staff. Club merchandise was available, but I didn't buy anything.

Afternoon Free Time

Around 14:15 I returned to the Pleasure Beach, and began with one go on Derby Racer followed by one go on Flying Machines. Although the RCCGB wasn't going to have an afternoon ERS on Grand National this year, I was nonetheless determined to ride it, particularly as Saturday was the day of the famous Grand National race at Aintree. I rode Grand National twice; on my first go my train went up the left lift hill, and lost. On my second go my train ascended the right lift hill, and won.

Next I rode River Caves, Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, Dora's World Voyage, Avalanche and Revolution once each. Late afternoon all three Steeplechase lanes were running, and I rode its red, yellow and green lanes once each. My horse lost every time! I rounded off my day's riding with one go on Grand Prix. After that the time was 18:40. Although the queue for Wild Mouse was now quite short, I resisted my temptation to ride it as I felt it was in my best interest to leave and go to the Paradise Room now for a rehearsal. Thus I ended up not riding Wild Mouse all day, which was a pity.

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Free Time Combined)

Ride	Total
Avalanche	1
Backyardigans Pirate Treasure	1
Big Dipper	1
Blue Flyer	2
Derby Racer	1
Diego's Rainforest Rescue	1
Dora's World Voyage	1
Fairy World Taxi Spin	1
Flying Machines	1
Grand National	2
Grand Prix	1
Infusion	5
Nickelodeon Streak	1
Revolution	1
River Caves	1
Steeplechase	3
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic	1
TOTAL	25

Altogether a great day's riding, and best of all it was sunny all day, albeit windy. It's a pity the strong wind forced Big One to be replaced by Infusion during the morning ERS, but I nonetheless enjoyed riding Infusion during that time. When Big One opened late afternoon, its long queue deterred me from riding it, so I ended up not riding Big One all day. As for the wooden coasters, I rode Nickelodeon Streak, Blue Flyer, Big Dipper and both lift hills of Grand National. It's a pity I missed Wild Mouse as I hoped to ride all five wooden coasters in one day. When I finished riding Steeplechase, I ought really to have queued for Wild Mouse instead of Grand Prix. Wearing my "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour" pink hi-vis waistcoat around the Pleasure Beach much of the day also added to the fun.

More about Saturday daytime available here

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Day Two - Saturday 11 April (evening)

Coaster Crazy Show

Having left the Pleasure Beach I went straight to the Paradise Room to choose my seat, set up my camcorder, rehearse my Gong Show act and put on my evening outfit. I also bought myself a drink and something to eat. Around 19:45 the doors opened to members not taking part. This year's theme was Circus, and many dressed in something circus themed. I wore a green wig, a red nose, a yellow and green striped Adidas long sleeved football shirt (with three red tissue paper carnations pinned to the front), a pair of clown gloves and pale grey Nike shell suit bottoms to resemble a clown.

The First Half

At 20:20 the show began with the big top tune "Entrance of the Gladiators". Heather Hall, Alan Hunt, Debra Boggis, Maz Nixon and Carol Hedges appeared, one of whom juggled batons and another had a hoop. When the tune finished Alan Chilvers joined them to sing "We Love The Circus". Next Nev gave his opening speech and invited Woody from Birmingham on stage to perform a trick on him. After Kelly Cameron sang "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", Nev was back to perform mind reading on Lorraine. Next Ella & Thrill Force performed a series of acrobatic moves on stage. Afterwards ten children entered the Kids' Gopher game. When called, they ran into the audience to fetch the item specified by Nev, e.g. watch, hotel key, camera, only to find one less chair on their return, thereby forcing the child unable to find a seat out each time. The winner was Ella. After that Liberty Williams sang the circus themed song "Clown" by Emily Sande.

The Gong Show

The Gong Show featured eight acts, starting with my Boogie Beebies dance Roll Up Roll Up. Although a circus themed dance, which I deliberately chose to tie in with the evening's circus theme, the horn went mid-way through the second chorus. The Coaster Kids performed circus skills including juggling and plate spinning, accompanied by big top music, but after a while the horn went. First-timers Peter, Laura and Aiden O'Brien as The Nutty Professors sang "Periodic Table". Despite initial boos, they reached the end without the horn going, and attracted much cheering and applause at the end. Ryan Hackett, who has entered the Gong Show before, returned with his latest mock advert, accompanied by the song "Don't You Wish Your Girlfriend". When the horn went, Nev joked "Should have gone to Money Supermarket". Lorraine White, another Gong Show first-timer, sang a fairground themed version of "Gypsies", but eventually the horn went. Death, who has been booed off as soon as his name has been called previous years, sang "Coaster Loopy", and surprisingly made it all the way to the end! Bizarrely the horn went at the end though. The remaining two acts were both Gong Show first-timers. Paul Bailey danced around the stage to the song "Star Trekkin'", whereas Lorraine Downing sang her own coaster themed version of the George Formby song "When I'm Cleaning Windows" called "When I'm Riding Coasters". Both reached the ends of their acts without the horn going, and attracted cheering and applause.

Top three: Death, Paul Bailey, Lorraine Downing; Nev declared all three as joint winners
Bottom two: Nemesis Nick, The Nutty Professors; Ultimate worst: Nemesis Nick

Rest of Coaster Crazy Show

Back to the billed acts. Gary Williams sang "Up All Night" from the Take That album "Circus". The final game of the night featured six adults each trying to spin a plate. The top two went into a second round of plate spinning. Cat won a night at the Big Blue Hotel and wristbands for two, whereas runner-up Miles won Hot Ice Show tickets, Ripleys and crazy golf. Afterwards Alan Chilvers walked on stage to sing the closing song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". As he sang, members who had performed earlier, including me, appeared on the stage to wave their arms in the air in time to the music. When the song finished, Nev gave his closing message and thanked all who had performed and the staff.

After Show Party

During Nev's closing speech the stage went down to form the dance floor for the one-hour disco which followed. Many including me danced along. Songs included "Happy Days", "YMCA", "My Old Silver Lining", "Glad All Over", "The Locomotion" and "Gangnam Style". Towards the end the following four songs were played in full:

Dancing Lasha Tumbai (Ryan and co appeared on stage just in front of the curtains doing the actions)
Amarillo
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
New York

The Warner Brothers cartoon "That's all folks" marked the end of the disco. Finally those who had dressed up assembled for a group photo. Afterwards members were asked to pack up and leave as quickly as possible. Around 23:30 I finally left the Paradise Room via the spiral stairs and was back at my hotel a few minutes later.

Summary of Evening

Show Opener: Alan Chilvers & Co.
Introduction: Andy Hine
Act 1: Kelly Cameron - "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"
Andy Hine - Mind Reading
Act 2: Ella & Thrill Force - Acrobatics
Game 1: Kids' Gopher
Act 3: Liberty Williams - "Clown" (Emily Sande)

The Gong Show
1: Nemesis Nick - Roll Up Roll Up (Boogie Beebies) horn went
2: The Coaster Kids - Circus Skills horn went
3: The Nutty Professors - "Periodic Table"
4: Ryan Hackett - Advert horn went
5: Lorraine White - "Gypsies" horn went
6: Death - "Coaster Loopy" horn went
7: Paul Bailey - "Star Trekkin'"
8: Lorraine Downing - "When I'm Riding Coasters"

Top three: Death, Paul Bailey, Lorraine Downing; all three declared joint winners
Bottom two: Nemesis Nick, The Nutty Professors; Ultimate worst: Nemesis Nick

Act 4: Gary Williams - "Up All Night" (Take That)
Game 2: In A Spin!
Finale: Alan Chilvers - "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
Andy Hine: Thank Yous

After Show Party (Disco)

Group photo

Altogether an excellent evening of entertainment; although performed by RCCGB members I think it was better than Friday night's entertainment. For me it was great to perform the circus themed Boogie Beebies dance "Roll Up Roll Up" in Gong Show. The after show disco provided a lively end to the evening.

More about Saturday evening available here

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Day Three - Sunday 12 April

First Thing

I awoke at 6:50, put on my RCCGB 25th anniversary T-shirt, packed and had breakfast at 8:00. After breakfast I went to the Casino Tower. Everyone was waiting inside it on the ground floor, dressed for the rain! At the main desk I exchanged my voucher for a wristband and gate pass. Nev said we would still be having the WOW ERS on Grand National, Big Dipper and Wild Mouse, despite the wind and rain. However WOW would now mean Wet On Wood rather than Wild On Wood.

Morning ERS

When ready the Club entered through the gates for the morning ERS. I began with four goes on Grand National. On my first and third goes my train ascended left lift hill, but the opposing train won. However on my second and fourth goes, my train went up the right lift hill and won. It seemed from this that whichever train went up the right lift hill was guaranteed to win! Each time the ride was considerably rougher than when I rode it Saturday afternoon, presumably due to the wet track. During the rest of the ERS I rode Wild Mouse once followed by Big Dipper twice.

After ERS

The ERS finished at 10:47. No further events were scheduled for Sunday. Members with Sunday wristbands stayed and continued riding. Those without Sunday wristbands left and went straight home or visited other Blackpool attractions. Since I had a Sunday wristband I continued riding until just after 16:00, but didn't re-ride Grand National, Wild Mouse or Big Dipper the rest of the day.

I went into Nickelodeon Land and enjoyed Nickelodeon Streak twice followed by Blue Flyer twice. Thus I had now ridden all five wooden coasters, one after another, Sunday morning. Afterwards I rode SpongeBob's Splash Bash, Avalanche, Crazy Daisy and Krusty Krab Order Up once each. At this point I went into Big Pizza Kitchen, where I saw Nev and several others having pizza; I spoke to Nev for a few minutes, but for various reasons chose not to get myself pizza. Having left, I rode Backyardigans Pirate Treasure and Diego's Rainforest Rescue once each.

Suddenly I met Big Stevie B, Kelly Cameron and others outside Big Pizza Kitchen. After having a few pictures taken together there we had one go on Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic. I sat in the same car as Kelly Cameron and Big Stevie B. This was my last known time of riding with other RCCGB members. Afterwards it was raining heavily again, so I went to the Ice Arena for a hot dog. I met and spoke to a few other RCCGB after finishing my hot dog.

Next I enjoyed riding River Caves, Alice Ride, Derby Racer and Ice Blast once each. After a much-needed cappuccino at a café, I had about one and a quarter hours riding time left until I needed to leave around 16:00. My final Nickelodeon Land ride of the day was Avatar Airbender. Next I had to wait for enough other riders to accompany me on Revolution, as the wind necessitated having several riders on the train at once. Fortunately I didn't have to wait long for enough other riders. Afterwards I enjoyed one go on Steeplechase green track, but the horse on the red track won.

At last the Big One opened, and its queue was an acceptable length, so I had one go on it. After the U-bend the train evidently had to contend with the wind because it seemed to slow down as it neared the hill tops but thankfully made it back to the station without stalling. Finally there was just enough time for me to enjoy three goes on Infusion before leaving the Park around 16:20.

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERS and Free Time Combined)

Ride	Total
Alice Ride	1
Avalanche	1
Avatar Airbender	1
Backyardigans Pirate Treasure	1
Big Dipper	2
Blue Flyer	2
Crazy Daisy	1
Derby Racer	1
Diego's Rainforest Rescue	1
Grand National	4
Ice Blast	1
Infusion	3
Krusty Krab Order Up	1
Nickelodeon Streak	2
Revolution	1
River Caves	1
SpongeBob's Splash Bash	1
Steeplechase	1
The Big One	1
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic	1
Wild Mouse	1
TOTAL	29

Altogether another great day's riding, despite the wind and rain much of the day. It was good that I managed to have one ride with a few other RCCGB members more than two hours after the WOW ERS had ended, it's a pity I didn't get a few more rides with other members after the ERS. At least I managed to get one go on the Big One late afternoon; that being my only go on it the whole weekend.

Sunday Late Afternoon

Having left the Pleasure Beach I collected my luggage from my hotel and walked to South Pier tram stop, whereupon I caught a tram to North Pier. Next I enjoyed fish, chips and mushy peas at nearby Frying Squad.

Journey Home

After I finishing my meal I walked to Blackpool North station and had a small Americano in Pumpkin café before catching the 17:44 train to Preston. From there my journey continued aboard four onward trains to Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa. I finally reached Bath Spa at 22:22.

More about Sunday available here

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Outro

Highlights

Meeting members I've met on previous Club trips again (including Andy and Christine Hine, Alan Chilvers, Barry Frost, Death, Happy Helen, Sophia Jones, Kelly Cameron, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Doug and Charlie).
Saturday morning ERS on Infusion, Nickelodeon Streak and Blue Flyer.
Sunday morning WOW ERS on Grand National, Big Dipper and Wild Mouse.
Good overall ride count both Saturday and Sunday (during morning ERS and normal time).
Riding all five wooden coasters (including both lift hills of Grand National) in succession Sunday morning.
Two nights of entertainment, plus dancing in the disco Saturday evening.
Performing "Roll Up Roll Up" from Boogie Beebies in the Gong Show Saturday evening
Dry, sunny weather Saturday (albeit a bit windy).

Lowlights

High winds put Big One out of action much of Saturday and Sunday (including the time reserved for the Saturday morning ERS).
Rain on and off Sunday.

Unexpected Surprises

Death reaching the end of his song in the Gong Show and being one of three joint winners.

Summing Up

Another mega excellent weekend away at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Granadaland, my eighth Blackpool Bash to-date. It was great riding the Big One, Grand National, Infusion and other rides again, and catching up with other members. Thanks a million to Andy Hine for all the effort involved in organising a trip of this nature. At the Blackpool Bash, the ERSs and other riding are only part of the fun. The other major chunk of the fun includes the Friday evening entertainment, Saturday lunch and Saturday evening Coaster Crazy Show and disco. It was great to be in the Gong Show for the sixth time to-date, but I'm still surprised how my act failed to impress the audience when it was directly connected with Saturday evening's circus theme. No wonder Nev says in the Blackpool Bash invite "If you can only make one Club trip this year, make it this one".

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