RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017

Date: Friday 21 April 2017 to Sunday 23 April 2017
Venue: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy and Christine Hine, Adrian and Katelyn Hikin, Andy and Mary Knight, Barry Frost, Big Stevie B, Chris Bell, Chris Fletcher, Dan Ould, Dave Maryan, David Harrington, David Sung, Death, Debra Boggis, Derek Eddy, Ethan Russell, Gareth Preece, Heather Hall, June Ross, Leila Clemo, Mark and Margo Lewis, Martin Spruce, Matt Walker, Paul Heaney, Peter, Laura and Aiden O'Brien, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Wendy Adams Evans.

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 three professional entertainers performing Friday evening, a day of riding Saturday daytime (including the morning ERS), a Carry On films 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 over 300 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 20 April 2017
Day One - Friday 21 April 2017
Day Two - Saturday 22 April 2017 (daytime)
Day Two - Saturday 22 April 2017 (evening)
Day Three - Sunday 23 April 2017
Monday 24 April 2017
Outro

Enjoy my report at your leisure.

Thursday 20 April 2017

Getting to Blackpool

I travelled to Blackpool by train Thursday 20 April. My journey from Bath Spa to Blackpool North, which required three trains, began on the 11:29 GWR train from Bath Spa to Newport (Gwent), followed by the 13:04 Arriva Trains Wales train to Manchester Piccadilly, and finally the 16:46 Northern train to Blackpool North. Having finally reached Blackpool North at 18:05, I walked to the nearby bus stop opposite Wilko, initially hoping to catch a bus to somewhere near Withnell Road. However after a few minutes I gave up waiting there and instead walked to the seafront, hoping to catch a tram instead. I ended up catching the 18:23 tram from North Pier to South Pier. Having finally reached South Pier about ten minutes later, I had just a short walk to my pre-booked hotel, where I checked in for four nights. It was the same hotel, close to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which I stayed at 2008 to 2016 inclusive.

Thursday Evening

Having checked into my hotel I went to The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon) for an evening meal. Since it was Curry Club night, I decided to have a Curry Club meal. For main course I chose large Chicken Jalfrezi, which included rice, one naan bread, two puppodums, one onion bhaji and one vegetable samosa. A drink from the range specified on the Curry Club menu was included; I chose a pint of Fosters. For a supplementary fee I was able to add any dessert from the main menu, I chose vanilla cheesecake. Having finished my meal I returned to my hotel and relaxed in my room the rest of the evening.

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Day One - Friday 21 April 2017

Daytime

Travelling Thursday afternoon gained me a day in Blackpool. For me Friday began with a delicious breakfast: cereal (I chose cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full English breakfast, four triangles of toast and a pot of coffee. I spent the day at Sandcastle Water Park, and was in the pool / slides area from approximately 11:20 until closing time of 17:00. A separate report about my day there is available here. After leaving Sandcastle Water Park I returned to my hotel room to relax for about an hour, and get changed for the evening.

Early Evening

Around 18:50 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 (I chose Sprite). Fish and chips are a must-have in Blackpool. Whilst I was at the servery, I saw Mark and Margo Lewis, so having paid for my order I sat with them whilst enjoying my Pablo's Special. Having finished my Pablo's Special I went straight to the Paradise Room.

Friday Fun

The Blackpool Bash officially began when the Paradise Room doors opened around 19:30. I entered the Casino Tower building via the entrance at the north end of the building. At the time I was wearing my self-designed black "RCCGB Fun Night" T-shirt (made by Gildan). Inside the foyer I removed my jogging bottoms to reveal my fluorescent pink sports shorts and my fluorescent pink football socks which were underneath. Without further ado I ascended the stairs at the north end of the building and entered the Paradise Room around 19:45. Once inside, I found myself a seat and bought myself a half a pint of Heineken.

Andy's Welcome

The fun really began when Andy Hine appeared at 20:18 and said his annual catchphrase "Everybody say Blackpool". He gave his welcome speech, and mentioned some of the new RCCGB merchandise which was to go on sale Saturday lunchtime. This was followed by three acts.

Act 1: Bob Wooding

The first official act was Bob Wooding. He did mostly magic, including a trick with five cards, the illusion of cutting a RCCGB member's hand in half and sticking a long pin through a balloon without it bursting. Interestingly for the pin through the balloon trick, I noticed he inserted it at a particular point and pushed the pin out through the opposite end at a certain point and it stayed inflated. When he removed the pin and stuck it in somewhere else, the balloon burst, so evidently there must have been something special about the points through which the pin was initially inserted to prevent the balloon bursting. He also inflated a long modelling balloon, asked an audience member to specify and animal and shaped the balloon into that animal.

Act 2: Ashley Webber

The second act was Ashley Webber, who sang the following songs, in the following order:

Elvis Presley - ''All Shook Up"
Jerry Lee Lewis - "Chantilly Lace" (That's What I Like)
Buddy Holly - "Every Day"
Neil Diamond - "Sweet Caroline"
Louis Armstrong - "What a wonderful world"

He asked the audience to join in at certain parts of the songs e.g. making sounds or singing a whole line.

Interval

After Ashley Webber had finished singing, the interval began. During this time someone bought me half a pint of orange juice and lemonade. At the end of the interval Nev reappeared to introduce the final act of the night, Rick Sheehan.

Act 3: Rick Sheehan

After the interval the final act of the evening was Rick Sheehan. His act was the longest of the night, at just over an hour. He began with a few vintage TV adverts. After the 1970s Thames ident jingle he performed an awards show. The rest of the evening he did impressions of Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, David Dickinson, Jim Royle, Alan Carr, Liam Galagher, Ozzy Osbourne, Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Amy Whinehouse. For his pop star impressions he sang bits of some of their songs, e.g. "Congratulations" for Cliff Richard. His final impression was Mrs Brown, during which he intermingled into the audience immediately in front of the stage.

Drinking Up Time

When Rick finished performing around 22:40, Nev announced that Friday Fun was over. 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 a few other members before heading back to my hotel for the night.

Friday Fun Summary

On the whole, an excellent selection of entertainment to start the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017. Many members liked my black "RCCGB Fun Night" T-shirt (with fluorescent pink lettering), my fluorescent pink sports shorts and my fluorescent pink football socks. The T-shirt was my own design, which I had printed at John Moore Sports, Bath mid-March 2016, ready for the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2016 Friday Fun Night, but this was my first time of wearing the pink socks which I bought a couple of weeks before the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017.

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Day Two - Saturday 22 April 2017 (daytime)

First Thing

Having awoke at 6:30 I put on my red RCCGB T-shirt (made by Gildan). I asked for an early breakfast at 8:00 so that I could be at the Paradise Room before 9:00. Just like Friday morning, I had cereal (I chose cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full English breakfast, four triangles of toast and a pot of coffee.

Initial Meet-Up

Members were asked to meet in the Paradise Room from 8:30. I entered via the spiral stairs at Noah's Ark end of the building. To save having to return to my hotel early evening, I took everything I needed for the evening (camcorder and tripod, pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers, etc.) in my large bag, and placed it in a dressing room back stage. Shortly afterwards I queued to be issued with my ride wristband and Park Pass. Drinks vouchers were also given out at the time. Before everyone left the Paradise Room, the whole Club gathered in front of the stage for a group photo. When the signal was given the Club entered the Pleasure Beach through the gate. It was dry and sunny at the time.

Morning ERS

The day began with a one-hour ERS on The Big One, Revolution and Blue Flyer.

The Big One

This Arrow Dynamics Hyper Coaster has been operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 28 May 1994. From 1994 to 2011 it was called Pepsi Max Big One, but since 2012 it has been known simply as The Big One. Nonetheless the giant Pepsi Max can tunnel that the train goes through just after leaving the station is still there. The Big One is one of five coasters of this model currently operating worldwide. Back in 1994 The Big One was the tallest, fastest, steepest coaster in Europe, but sadly that's no longer the case. Although its maximum height of 213' (64.9 m) means it's still the UK's tallest coaster, it's now only the fourth tallest coaster operating in Europe. According to the Roller Coaster Database, Big One's top speed of 74 mph means it's now only the second fastest coaster in the UK, and seventh fastest currently operating coaster in Europe. It's certainly not the steepest any more, now there's Stealth, Rage and Mumbo Jumbo. This time I don't recall hearing a station announcement claiming any records. I began the day by having two goes on the Big One, as follows:
First go: second row
Second go: fifth row, sat next to Dan Ould

Both times the train exited the station, went through the Pepsi Max can tunnel, up the lift hill, down the steep first drop, over the subsequent undulations and back to the station. Altogether a mega fun ride on what is one of my favourite steel coasters. The only drawback was feeling the cold wind going up the lift hill, down the first drop and over the subsequent undulations at high speed. My desire to have my first go showing my new blue Team Bath hoody (made by Surridge) was a mistake, and I felt the need to put my body warmer and one of my cagoules on prior to my second go.

Revolution

This Arrow Dynamics Launched Loop sit down steel coaster has been operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 1979. According to the RCDB, this is one of three coasters of this type operating worldwide. This one was originally called Revolution from 1979 to sometime in the 1990s. From then until 2011 it was called Irn-Bru Revolution. Early 2012 the orange structure was repainted grey and the ride reverted to its original name Revolution. The train set off, went downhill, around the vertical loop, uphill and along a flat section where it suddenly ground to an abrupt halt. After a brief pause, the train went backwards through the loop until it was back at the station. Wow, a fast and thrilling ride, but I'm not sure whether going forwards or backwards was better. For now I limited myself to just one go on Revolution.

By the time I descended the steps and got to the Revolution photo booth, the morning ERS was officially over.

Summary of my rides during the Saturday morning ERS: The Big One 2, Revolution 1. Did anyone beat me on that?

Morning Free Time

After the morning ERS ended, members spread themselves around the Pleasure Beach and took over the rides.

Steeplechase

This Arrow Dynamics Special Coaster Systems steel coaster has been operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 1977. There are three separate tracks, completely independent of each other, which is why Steeplechase is sometimes regarded as three separate coasters. Coaster-Count classes it as three coasters, whereas Ride Count classes the three tracks as one coaster. Each track has individual horses as ride cars, and each horse can seat two riders. All three lanes were running, so I was determined to re-ride all three tracks. However it is possible to have just one or two tracks running. The best thing about this coaster is its racing element, hoping to be first home. I had three goes as follows:

First go: I rode horse number 4 on the red track. The horse on the green track won, and my horse finished last.
Second go: I rode horse number 10 on the green track. The hose on the yellow track won, whereas my horse was second. That said the horse on the yellow track had a head start, which wasn't fair!
Third go: I rode a horse on the yellow track. There was a neck and neck finish between the yellow and red horses.

On each go I sang "Giddy up giddy up brave prince" and shouted "giddy up", in the hope my horse would win. Unfortunately that didn't help much on my first two goes, and the winner was unclear on my final go, worse luck. Anyway on the way around the tracks I noticed the area which has been excavated for the new coaster Icon which opens next year.

Gallopers

Self-explanatory, this carousel is located next-door to Steeplechase. I had one go on the horse called Nick.

Having left Gallopers I spent the rest of the morning in Nickelodeon Land.

Blue Flyer

Although the ERS had now ended, I wanted to ride Blue Flyer anyway. This wooden coaster (built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.) originally operated as Zipper Dipper from 1934 to 2010. At the start of 2011 it was repainted blue and re-themed as Blue Flyer, part of Nickelodeon Land. Although the resort's smallest wooden coaster, it was great fun. I enjoyed two goes. The waiting time was minimal both goes.

Nickelodeon Streak

This classic woodie was built by Charles Paige and was originally called Roller Coaster from 1933 to 2010. Early 2011 it was repainted orange and re-themed Nickelodeon Streak, as part of Nickelodeon Land. With a maximum height of 61' (18.6 m) Nickelodeon Streak is surprisingly taller than Big Dipper (60' or 18.3 m). The queue for Nickelodeon Streak was considerably longer than the queue for Blue Flyer. When it was my turn I sat in the back row. For now I limited myself to just one go on Nickelodeon Streak, and didn't return to it later.

Krusty Krab Order Up

Formerly known as Fruit Shoot The Ride in the Beaver Creek section until 2010, this Moser Rides drop tower was re-themed and renamed The Krusty Krab Order Up for inclusion in Nickelodeon Land in 2011. It has two seat units (one each side of the tower). Obviously this is only a baby tower compared to the Ice Blast, and quite a quite a tame ride really. Just like any other Moser Rides drop tower I've been on elsewhere, the seat unit went up and down a few times and that was it, nothing scary about it. I only had one go on this.

SpongeBob's Splash Bash

This was introduced as part of Nickelodeon Land in 2011. It comprises sets of circular boats on small turntables. The small turntables spin on a larger turntable which also spins. The effect is a bit like riding a twister or waltzer ride but not as fast. At the start of the ride the turntables sink so the area is flooded. Each boat has water cannons, so whilst the ride is in motion you can squirt riders on other boats, and on-lookers outside the ride. Be warned though, riders on other boats may squirt you back! There are also water cannons outside the ride, which allow on-lookers to squirt riders. Being as you will probably get a bit wet on this ride, I put my turquoise cagoule on to keep me dry on this ride. Altogether a fun ride, but my one go now was my only go on this all day.

Dora's World Voyage

A boat ride introduced as part of Nickelodeon Land in 2011. I got into a boat which sailed around the canal start to finish through different zones: France, Russia, Tanzania and China. A song was played on the boat, repeatedly mentioning "Hello" in the applicable language, e.g. Bonjour in France. Obviously the words changed at the zone transitions. My one go now was my only ride on here all day. This also ended up being my final ride before lunch

Lunch at Paradise Room

Around 12:40 I left the Pleasure Beach to go to the Paradise Room for lunch. As soon as I got there found a seat. Having done that, I exchanged my drinks voucher for a Pepsi at the bar. Next I went to get my meal. Members could choose two of the following: beefburger, hot dog sausage, chicken burger; I chose beefburger and chicken burger. A portion of chips was also included. Buns were available to put the chosen items in and side salad was also available; I put my beefburger in a bun. During lunch Nev gave a speech. After he finished, a member of Pleasure Beach staff gave a speech about the new coaster Icon which is due open next year. Nev's recent 50th birthday was also mentioned, and therefore three birthday cakes to commemorate his 50th birthday were unveiled. Several members including me photographed the cakes, but they weren't cut at this stage. Club merchandise was available, including the red, purple and black RCCGB T-shirts (made by Gildan) which first appeared at the Blackpool Bash 2016. Since I bought myself a red one in 2016 (and was wearing it this time) I bought myself a purple one this time. However I didn't buy any other Club merchandise this time.

Afternoon Free Time

After lunch I returned to the Pleasure Beach eager to enjoy some more rides, starting with Grand National.

Grand National

Until 2014 the RCCGB had a one-hour ERS on Grand National late afternoon on the Saturday of the Blackpool Bash weekend, but that didn't happen this year. Nonetheless I was determined to ride it anyway Saturday afternoon. This classic twin track Möbius racing wooden coaster was built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and has been operating since 1935. According to the RCDB, its maximum height of 62' (18.9 m) makes it the tallest of the five wooden coasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but only the third tallest currently operating wooden coaster in the UK. Due to the way the coaster is designed, on one go you depart from one platform and return to the station on the opposite platform. The platform you depart from at the start of your ride dictates which lift hill (left or right facing upwards) your train ascends. Doing a complete circuit of the track back to where you get on would require two consecutive goes without getting off in between. Consequently you could class this coaster as two coasters. Coaster-Count classes it as two coasters; whereas Ride Count classes the whole thing as one coaster. The greatest fun of this racing coaster is hoping that the train you travel in will be the first past the winning post. I enjoyed two goes as follows.

First go (left lift hill): I sat in the maroon train which climbed the left lift hill. Opponent blue train on the right lift hill. The blue train won and the maroon train I was on lost.
Second go (right lift hill): I sat in the green train which climbed the right lift hill. Opponent red train on the left lift hill. The green train which I was on won.

Thus my train lost on my first go and won on my second go. A fair result I suppose. I noticed plenty of airtime on both goes.

River Caves

My next ride was River Caves. This boat ride was almost walk-on when I got there. I got into a boat, which sailed through a series of chambers, each with a different scene. One chamber featured dinosaurs, another chamber featured stalagmites and stalactites. Towards the end, my boat went uphill, along the outdoor section (which you can see from the path) and down a drop, to create a splash. This was my only go on here all day.

Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic

This first opened soon after the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2013, and therefore I first rode this during the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2014. Being as I spent so much time finding the official (main) Gromit sculptures and mini Gromit sculptures around Bristol and beyond during summer 2013, and the Shaun the Sheep sculptures around Bristol during summer 2015, I was determined to ride this. The ride car went around a circuit through several rooms, featuring elements from the films including the space ship and crackers from "A Grand Day Out" and techno trousers from "The Wrong Trousers". Along the way I saw Shaun the sheep and Feathers the penguin, as well as Wallace & Gromit. This was my only go on this ride all day.

Coffee Break

By now I felt like a cup of coffee. Being as I happened to be near T Café, I went to T Café to get myself a cup of coffee.

Big Dipper

So far I hadn't ridden Big Dipper, so I was determined to ride it next. This sit down wooden coaster was built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and has been operating since 1923. I sat in the fourth row. The train set off around the bend, through the tunnel, around another bend, up the lift hill, around another bend, down the first drop and over all the subsequent undulations out and back to the station. Altogether an exciting ride, with plenty of airtime. Afterwards I had another go, this time in the front row. Sitting in the front row gave me the advantage of an unobstructed view of the track all the way around.

Infusion

This Vekoma SLC (689m Standard) inverted steel coaster originally operated as Traumatizer at Pleasureland Southport from 1999 to 5 Sep 2006. Since 2 May 2007 it has been operating as Infusion at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Its 689 metre (2260' 6") track length explains its model name. When I approached Infusion, its waiting time was quite short. I sat in the second row. The train climbed the lift hill to a maximum height of 109' 3.6" (33.3 m), descended the first drop and went around a vertical loop followed by many more thrilling features. Altogether a fun ride. Afterwards I had a second go, this time in the back row.

Coffee Break

Having left Infusion I felt like a coffee again, so I headed back towards T Café. Along the way I met Peter O'Brien by the Wallace and Gromit ride, and spoke to him for a few minutes before going to T Café for a cup of coffee.

Avalanche

This Mack Rides Bobsled coaster has been operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 22 June 1988, the same year as the RCCGB started. According to the RCDB, it is one of five coasters of this model currently operating worldwide. Avalanche has a track length of 1490' (454.2 m) and no inversions. Seated in the back row, I remained quiet and totally relaxed for the entire journey. As far as I'm concerned, it's not scary at all; more a gentle rest ride. My one go on Avalanche now was my only go on this all day.

Revolution

Since I had only ridden Revolution once during the morning ERS, I fancied another go on it now. Its queuing time was quite short when I got there. The ride experience forwards through the loop and backwards through the loop was just the same as during the morning ERS. Although great fun, I limited myself to just one go as I wanted to go on other rides after this.

Having left Revolution I headed towards Nickelodeon Land. When I got there, I saw several Nickelodeon Land characters dancing, so I stood and watched the dance. When they had finished I had my photo taken among them.

Diego's Rainforest Rescue

One of the rides introduced as part of Nickelodeon Land in 2011, a set of balloons around a tower. I got into one of the baskets. The balloons began travelling around the tower. Shortly afterwards the set of balloons rose to the tower top where they continued travelling around the tower high up. Eventually the balloon cluster descended to ground level and the ride completely stopped. This was my only go on Diego's Rainforest Rescue all day, and my final Nickelodeon Land ride for Saturday.

I was hoping to go on Wild Mouse next, as that was the only wooden coaster I hadn't ridden so far Saturday. Unfortunately that was closed when I passed it, worse luck. Thus I ended up not riding Wild Mouse all day Saturday.

Ice Blast

Thankfully Ice Blast was operating, and its waiting time was quite short, so I decided to ride that next. This S&S Worldwide Space Shot ride is one of the best thrill rides in the Pleasure Beach. Its seat unit wraps around its 210 feet (64 metres) tall tower. Once seated and harnessed in, a blast of air sent the seat unit to the top of the tower. After a short delay, the seat unit dropped to the ground again, its descent somehow slowed as it neared the ground. Wow, an amazing ride experience! Nonetheless I limited myself to just one go. This was my final ride on Saturday.

Summary of my day in order of activity

Morning ERS: The Big One 2, Revolution 1

Steeplechase red track 1
Steeplechase green track 1
Steeplechase yellow track 1
Gallopers 1
Blue Flyer 2
Nickelodeon Streak 1
Krusty Krab Order Up 1
SpongeBob's Splash Bash 1
Dora's World Voyage 1

Lunch at Paradise Room

Grand National left lift hill 1
Grand National right lift hill 1
River Caves 1
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic 1

Coffee at T Café

Big Dipper 2
Infusion 2

Coffee at T Café

Avalanche 1
Revolution 1
Diego's Rainforest Rescue 1
Ice Blast 1

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

Ride	Total
Avalanche	1
Big Dipper	2
Blue Flyer	2
Diego's Rainforest Rescue	1
Dora's World Voyage	1
Gallopers	1
Grand National left lift hill	1
Grand National right lift hill	1
Ice Blast	1
Infusion	2
Krusty Krab Order Up	1
Nickelodeon Streak	1
Revolution	2
River Caves	1
SpongeBob's Splash Bash	1
Steeplechase green track	1
Steeplechase red track	1
Steeplechase yellow track	1
The Big One	2
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic	1
TOTAL	25

Altogether a fun day of riding. The morning ERS went well, it's a pity I missed Blue Flyer in that time, but at least I rode it twice later in the morning. During the rest of the morning and after lunch I enjoyed plenty more rides including Nickelodeon Streak, Grand National, Big Dipper, Infusion and Ice Blast. Best of all it was dry and sunny all day.

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Day Two - Saturday 22 April 2017 (evening)

Having left the Pleasure Beach around 18:15 I walked straight to the ground floor of the Casino Tower. I showed my Back Stage Pass as proof that I was taking part in the Coaster Crazy Show. Knowing that the Paradise Room doors at the top of the spiral stairs would most likely be locked at this stage, a member of staff led me and some other RCCGB members with back stage passes, through a door marked "Private" and up a back staircase to the Paradise Room. We were all asked to sign in prior to going upstairs via that staircase. I chose my seat, set up my camcorder and put on my evening outfit. Since there were several acts wanting rehearsals, I had to wait for a few acts to be rehearsed before it was my turn to rehearse my Gong Show act once through on stage.

Around 19:30 the doors at the top of the spiral stairs opened to members not taking part. This year's theme was Carry On (as in the films), and many dressed in something connected with Carry On films. I wore navy pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers to be a patient from Carry on Doctor. Food was on sale, so I bought myself curry and rice, and also a drink.

Show Opener: Wendy & Co.- "Blackpool"

The Coaster Crazy Show began around 20:15 with Wendy Adams Evans singing a coaster themed variation of Love Shack, with Blackpool in place of Love Shack, and other words related to coaster riding in place of the original lyrics elsewhere. Wendy was joined by four other members, one of whom was Heather Hall, clapping their hands and swaying along with the music.

Introduction: Andy Hine

When the above act ended, Nev entered the stage to give his opening speech, including some jokes. Next he said he wanted the audience to recreate the Pleasure Beach fountains. Members of the audience were asked to wave their arms in the air whilst doing stand-up / sit down movements, accompanied by the song "Hands Up". After that he thanked all those who had dressed up for the Carry On films theme, and identified some of the Carry On films to which peoples' outfits represented.

Act 1: Carry On Girls - Ballad of Barry & Freda

A trio who had never performed together before, three ladies going under the name Carry On Girls appeared on stage to sing their own coaster-themed version of The Ballad of Barry and Freda, with "Let's Ride It" in place of "Let's Do It", and other Pleasure Beach / ride themed replacement lyrics including The Big One, Paradise Room and Coaster Crazy. Furthermore the tune sounded as though it was a recording of an organ, presumably the Blackpool Tower Ballroom organ, instead of a piano.

Game 1: Lottery

The first game of the night, Nev asked for six adults who were attending their first Club trip to go on to the stage and stand in front of a chair. The idea of the game was to pick six numbers which people might want to use for a Lotto entry the following Saturday. Nev had 49 cards, each with a number 1 to 49. Nev showed each participant the cards, each of whom had to pick a number and remember it. Nev then called out 6, 11, 17, 28, 39, and 45. He then said "If I said your number, sit down now". Five of the six participants sat down. The remaining standee was asked what number he chose, and he replied "22". Nev told him to take the envelope off the back of his chair, open it, and the number 22 was pre-printed on the piece of paper removed from the envelope. Amazing. If Nev printed that page in advance, it's a miracle how he could predict beforehand what number a random member of the audience would choose during the game. Finally it's worth pointing out that for the last couple of years, Lotto has gone from 1 to 59, not just 1 to 49 as it originally did, so there ought really to have been 59 cards.

Act 2: CJ (Ella & Mollie) - Dancing

Two girls Ella & Mollie, performing under the stage name CJ, appeared on stage to do a dance routine. The routine began with Ella & Mollie doing a cartwheel. Subsequent elements included synchronised spins and arm movements. Part way through the dance one girl did a few star jumps. Altogether an excellent, well-choreographed sequence of movements accompanied by the Martin Jensen song "Solo Dance".

Game 2: Kids' Gopher

It was now time for the second game, this one solely for children under 12. Ten children entered at the start. When called, they ran into the audience to fetch an item specified by Nev, e.g. hotel key, camera. The time it took all the children to find the required item varied considerably. Each time they returned there was one less chair, forcing the child unable to find a seat out, just like musical chairs.

Here is the complete list of items the children were asked to get:
Round of 10: Card with name printed or embossed on it
Round of 9: Camera (not mobile phone)
Round of 8: Hat (the child who was eliminated on this round fell over and knocked his wobbly milk tooth out on return to the stage. Nev said this was the first time a tooth had come out on stage)
Round of 7: Hotel key
Round of 6: New £1 coin (12-sided)
Round of 5: Diary (since only two of the five children participating in this round were able to find one, the remaining three were asked to get a right sock)
Round of 4: Hair spray or hair gel
Round of 3: New £5 note (polymer) Unfortunately one chair was pulled away as the girl who was officially back first was about to sit in it, so Nev declared this round void and kept all three children participating in this round in the game.
Replacement round of 3: Table sign
Round of 2: Come back and sit on a man wearing a skirt The man who one child ended up sitting on was actually wearing what Nev described as a dress (not a skirt), so he declared both children who took part in this round joint winners.

As soon as the Kids' Gopher game ended I went back stage to get ready for the Gong Show. Back stage I removed my dressing gown, pyjamas and slippers, and put on my plain yellow T-shirt, fluorescent pink sports shorts and trainers as I felt that would be more appropriate attire for my Gong Show act.

Act 3: June & David - Twokulele

June Ross & David Sung appeared on stage, each with a ukulele, hence why they performed under the name Twokulele. June sang Caro Emerald's song "Liquid Lunch", whilst both of them played their ukulele.

The Gong Show

It was now time for the famous Gong Show, which was originally planned to feature eight acts, however a ninth act not shown on the printed list back stage was added late.

Gong Act 1: David Harrington - "Let It Be"

The first act was David Harrington. He brought his electronic keyboard on to the stage, connected it to the sound system and played "Let It Be" by The Beatles. David's attempt at playing "Let It Be" on his keyboard generally went quite well, bar one or two incorrect notes, and a few pauses. Although this attracted plenty of boo and off calls from the audience, particularly early on, David made it to the end of the tune without the horn going, and the audience gave much cheering and applause at the end.

Gong Act 2: Death - "Roller Coaster"

There was a time when Death would be booed off as soon as his name was called, but the last couple of years he has enjoyed more success in the Gong Show. This year he was back to perform his coaster-themed variation of "Combine Harvester" (The Wurzels), with instances of "combine harvester" changed to "roller coaster" He made it to the end of the song without the horn going. When he finished singing, he said "I'm afraid I must dash, I'll let you carry on at your convenience". The audience cheered and applauded at the end of this act.

Gong Act 3: Gemma & Leila - Disney Lip Sync Medley HORN WENT

Two first-timers, Gemma & Leila, appeared on stage with a case of props. A medley of clips from their favourite Disney songs followed. Gemma & Leila did actions along with those songs, several of which required use of their props, as follows:
1) "Circle Of Life" from the Lion King (cuddly lion)
2) "Hakuna Matata" from the Lion King (waving jungle leaves in the air)
3) "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid (fish on string hung from hangers that got a bit knotted)
4) "Bare Necessities" from the Jungle Book (no props)
5) "Unbirthday Song" from Alice in wonderland (no props)
6) "Zero To Hero" from Hercules (waving cheer poms and sign)
7) "A Whole New World" from Aladdin (sitting on a carpet)
8) "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (umbrella)
9) "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast (throwing paper plates towards the audience)
10) "You've Got A Friend In Me" from Toy Story (they put on cowboy hats)
11) "Let It Go" from Frozen (they put sparkly fabric as capes from the film around their backs and tossed cotton wool balls in the air for snow). This bit attracted boing from the audience, and thus the horn went.

Despite the horn eventually going, Gemma & Leila did well to get that far; a well-thought out series of actions to accompany their choice of song excerpts.

At this point Nev admitted the quality is getting too high, and he wants people to come up with some proper cack for 2018 (30th anniversary year). He gave past examples of the sort of quality he wants. The audience laughed at his statement.

Gong Act 4: Chris Bell - "Pheasant Pluckers Son" HORN WENT

Chris Bell, whose first Gong Show appearance was in 2016 returned this year. This time he entered the stage wearing a white coat, and sang "Pheasant Pluckers Son". At the start he asked the audience to join in if they know the words. His performance attracted plenty of booing from the audience, and part way through the song the horn went.

Gong Act 5: Ethan Russell - Rubik's cube challenge

A table, with three Rubik's cubes on, had to be brought on for this act. Once on stage Ethan announced that he had been doing Rubik's cubes for about a year and got pretty good at them. He said he hoped to solve all three cubes within two and a half minutes. Ethan asked three volunteers to scramble them, Nev scrambled one and two members of the audience scrambled the other two. Once all three were returned to the table, the tune "Ride Of The Valkyries" (Richard Wagner) began and Ethan solved them as the music played. The audience clapped and cheered as Ethan solved the cubes, and there was even more cheering and applause at the moment all three were solved. Nev formally announced that Ethan solved all three cubes in 1 minute and 46 seconds.

Gong Act 6: Nemesis Nick - "Aga-Doo" HORN WENT

Now for my performance of the 1980s Black Lace song "Aga-Doo". I must admit, some of my actions during the chorus were somewhat different to those seen in the Black Lace "Aga-Doo" video (available on YouTube), e.g. my "shake the tree" action and my dancing around the stage during the line "Come and dance every night, sing with a hula melody" instead of just clapping. Still you could say my actions were my interpretation of the lyrics, if nothing else, a livelier version. I also tried singing at the same time, though singing the chorus into the microphone on its stand proved impossible at the same time as doing the actions the way I did. Anyway just after the line "She showed me much more, not only to dance...", the horn went. As I left the stage Nev said "Well done Nick". The next day someone said my "shake the tree" action was a bit violent.

Gong Act 7: Ryan, Matt, Rachel & Dan - Carry On Drinking

When announcing this act, Nev told the audience to join in if they know the actions. This act featured Ryan, Matt, Rachel & Dan, of whom Dan had a giant Fosters costume, whereas the other three had giant beer glass costumes. They danced around the stage, waving their arms, accompanied by the song "Alcohol Is Free" by Koza Mostra feat. Agathon Iakovidis (which represented Greece in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest). After they made it to the end of the song, the audience clapped and cheered, but for some odd reason Nev gave a short horn blast. Nev joked "The more booze the better eh?" A good pun there, booze (as in drink) against boos (as in requests for an act to leave early).

Gong Act 8: Martin Spruce - Poem HORN WENT

This began with Martin talking back stage, which included the phrase "I'm late, I'm late". Suddenly he walked through the curtains with a rucksack on his back, at which point he said "Made it". He put the rucksack on the stage, pulled out a ring binder and started reading a poem which mentioned rides such as Nemesis and Megafobia. As he read the poem he attracted lots of boos and "get off" requests from the audience, but he was allowed to continue reading for quite some time, until eventually the horn went.

Once the horn went, Martin announced that two birthdays were happening. Firstly Nev's birthday, he wished Nev a happy birthday and gave him a present. Nev said "I'll take back that gong". Secondly Martin said most people received a raffle ticket at the start of the show, so he drew the winning ticket. He called the ticket holder up to the stage to collect the prize.

At this point Nev announced that it was genuinely Peter O'Brien's birthday. He went on stage and Nev wished him happy birthday and gave him tickets to play adventure golf next door to the theatre.

Gong Act 9: Medieval Madness HORN WENT

The final act was a late addition. Nev reckoned the artists went up to him lunchtime Saturday and asked if they could take part. A male member entered the stage to act as narrator. Once he started speaking, three ladies entered the stage waving pink ribbons, someone else walked on wearing a dragon outfit, and two more members, wrapped in cooking foil, walked on. This act attracted plenty of booing and off calls from the audience, until eventually the horn went. At the end Nev said "That's the sort of cack we want".

Vote for Best Act

Top two: Death, Ethan Russell
Winner: Ethan Russell

Vote for Worst Act

Bottom two: Medieval Madness, Carry On Drinking
Ultimate worst: Medieval Madness

Fair enough, I wasn't in the top two this year, but I wasn't in the bottom two either.

At this point Nev announced that Medieval Madness was the worst Gong Show act of 2017. He then said "If you think you can do worse, come back and join us next year, because we do need some worse acts than this year".

Once the Gong Show was over, I put my navy pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers back on for the rest of the evening. Having returned to the main part of the Paradise Room, I bought myself another drink whilst Act 4 was in progress.

Act 4: Dave Maryan - "Don't Rain on My Parade" / "Human"

Back to the billed acts next. Dave Maryan, who has performed at the Blackpool Bash before, was back this year to sing two songs. Firstly he sang "Don't Rain on My Parade" with no additional performers on stage. Secondly he sang "Human" (The Killers). Shortly after he started singing this song, two children Alice and Harry, under the stage name CJ Junior, entered the stage to dance around the stage as he sang "Human". For the very last line, Dave sang "Are we human, aren't they great dancers?". Well done to Dave for singing both those songs, and to Alice and Harry dancing along to the second song.

Once Dave had finished his act, the show was running behind schedule. Therefore Nev announced that the final game, "Wood v Steel - The Race", which was billed to follow next, was being dropped to save time. Without further ado the finale followed next. I had only just returned to my seat after buying my drink, so I had to leave my drink on my table and go back stage to appear in the finale.

Finale: Wendy Adams Evans - "Do Wah Woody"

It was now time for the closing song of the show. Wendy Adams Evans sang "Do Wah Woody" (a coaster themed version of the Manfred Mann song "Do Wah Diddy"). During this song, members who had taken part during the show, including me, appeared on stage to wave their arms in the air in time to the music. At the end Wendy said "Have a good night everyone".

Andy Hine: Thank Yous

When the song finished, Nev appeared on stage and said "Ladies and gentlemen, that was your Coaster Crazy Show tonight, I hope you've enjoyed it". He gave his closing message, and said thank you to the individual billed performers, all those who participated in the Gong Show (collectively), and the staff. He particularly thanked Paul Heaney for being his stage assistant.

After Show Party

During Nev's closing speech the stage went down to form the dance floor for the after-show disco, which lasted about an hour. Many including me danced along. The mix of song snippets had been changed a bit compared to recent years; as well as the usual "YMCA" (Village People), "Can-Can", "The Locomotion", there were several modern hits that haven't featured in previous years. On the other hand, I noticed clips of some songs such as "My Old Silver Lining" and "Glad All Over" that had featured in the past were absent this time. 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

Finally the Warner Brothers cartoon "That's all folks" marked the end of the disco.

When the disco ended, all those who had dressed up assembled in front of the curtains for the group photo. After that members were asked to pack up and leave as quickly as possible. I collected my belongings from my dressing room, along with my other items at the table where I sat much of the show. Around 23:35 I finally left the Paradise Room via the spiral stairs. Back on the ground floor I had to go through the door marked "Private" (which I went through earlier) in order to sign out before leaving the building. A few minutes later I was back at my hotel room.

Summary of Evening

Show Opener: Wendy & Co.- "Blackpool"
Introduction: Andy Hine
Act 1: Carry On Girls - Ballad of Barry & Freda
Game 1: Lottery
Act 2: CJ (Ella & Mollie) - Dancing
Game 2: Kids' Gopher
Act 3: June & David - Twokulele

The Gong Show
1: David Harrington - "Let It Be"
2: Death - "Roller Coaster"
3: Gemma & Leila - Disney Lip Sync Medley HORN WENT
4: Chris Bell - "Pheasant Pluckers Son" HORN WENT
5: Ethan Russell - Rubik's cube challenge
6: Nemesis Nick - "Aga-Doo" HORN WENT
7: Ryan, Matt, Rachel & Dan - Carry On Drinking
8: Martin Spruce - Poem HORN WENT
9: Medieval Madness HORN WENT

Top two: Death, Ethan Russell; Winner: Ethan Russell
Bottom two: Medieval Madness, Carry On Drinking; Ultimate worst: Medieval Madness

Act 4: Dave Maryan - "Don't Rain on My Parade" / "Human"
Finale: Wendy Adams Evans - "Do Wah Woody"
Andy Hine: Thank Yous

After Show Party (Disco)

Group photo

Altogether an excellent evening of entertainment. For me it was great to perform "Aga-Doo" in the Gong Show. The after show disco provided a lively end to the evening.

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Day Three - Sunday 23 April 2017

First Thing

After an action packed Saturday I awoke at 6:50 and felt thirsty for more. Since it was St George's Day, I put on my navy St George's flag T-shirt. I had an early breakfast at 8:20, consisting of cereal (I chose cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full English breakfast, four triangles of toast and a pot of coffee.

Initial Meet-Up

After breakfast I left my hotel and walked to the Pleasure Beach as quickly as possible. Just like Saturday morning, it was dry and sunny outside. A few minutes later I got to the Casino Tower. Everyone was waiting inside the tower on the ground floor. I went to the main desk to exchange my Sunday Wristband Voucher for my wristband and gate pass. Whilst there I spoke to Mark and Margo Lewis.

WOW ERS

Around 9:45 the Club entered through the gates for the WOW ERS on Big Dipper, Wild Mouse and Grand National. Unfortunately only Big Dipper and Wild Mouse were open at the start. For some mysterious reason, Grand National was due to open later in the ERS.

Big Dipper

I began with one go on Big Dipper. Having completed that go, I was hoping to have a second go on Big Dipper, but when I saw its increased queue length, I decided to approach Wild Mouse or Grand National instead.

Wild Mouse

Since Grand National was still closed, I decided to ride Wild Mouse next, particularly as I didn't ride it at all on Saturday. According to the Roller Coaster Database, this wooden mouse coaster was built in-house by Frank Wright, and has been operating since 1958. Unfortunately due to the queue length, and only three cars in service, it took me longer than I expected or wanted to get on it. Hence I limited myself to just one go on Wild Mouse. The car climbed the lift hill, and worked its way downwards through several sharp hairpin bends along the way. This made for quite a rough ride.

Grand National

Although the RCCGB did not have a Grand National ERS Saturday late afternoon for the third year running, Grand National was one of the three coasters included in the Sunday morning ERS. When it finally opened around 10:30 I was eager to ride it, and so were many other RCCGB members.

First go: Left lift hill. It took me until after the train had reached the top of the lift hill for me to realise I still had my glasses on. Although it meant that I was able to see the distant scenery clearly I had to hold one hand near my face to prevent me losing them! I put them, within their case, in my rucksack on all subsequent goes.
Second go: Right lift hill

At this point members were informed that the RCCGB was having exclusive use of Grand National (but not Big Dipper or Wild Mouse) until 12:00 due to the later-than-expected opening of Grand National. However, very soon afterwards, Club usage of Grand National thinned out considerably, leaving only a few members per train. I was mystified as to why that happened, because it in the past Grand National has been well-used by Blackpool Bash attendees throughout the ERSs on it. My guess was that many members may have had other plans of their own (e.g. a pre-booked timed ticket for some other Blackpool attraction, visiting another park on their way home) which meant they had to leave when the WOW ERS was originally intended to finish (e.g. 11:00), and not stay for the whole of the extended ERS. Nonetheless, it did mean the few members who continued riding Grand National during the extra exclusive time were able to have lots of goes on it. I continued riding Grand National as follows:

Third go: Left lift hill
Fourth go: Right lift hill
Fifth go: Left lift hill red train front row (against green train)
Sixth go: Right lift hill red train back row (against green train)
Seventh go: Left lift hill red train second row
Eighth go: Right lift hill red train front row. On this go the train stopped momentarily near the top of the lift hill, but just a few seconds later it started again and the rest of the journey went without a hitch. This was my final go on Grand National.

By now the time was 11:50. Although the ERS was due to end at 12:00, I now felt in need of a break from riding, so I left Grand National and went to get myself a coffee.

Summary of my rides during the Sunday morning ERS: Big Dipper 1, Wild Mouse 1, Grand National 8 (left lift hill 4, right lift hill 4). Did anyone beat me on that?

Coffee Break

I ended up getting a coffee at the café near the fountains. Whilst there I saw Nev, Planenut and a few other RCCGB members, and spoke to them whilst drinking my coffee. Whilst I was there the extended Grand National ERS ended at 12:00.

After ERS

The Blackpool Bash 2017 was to all intents and purposes over when the extended ERS finished at 12:00. No further Club activities (e.g. lunch, later ERS) were scheduled for Sunday. Members with Sunday wristbands stayed and continued riding. Those without Sunday wristbands left and went straight home (perhaps stopping at another park en route) or visited other Blackpool attractions. Since I had a Sunday wristband for the fourth year running, I continued riding until the Pleasure Beach closed at 17:00. During the rest of the day I enjoyed plenty more rides, however I didn't re-ride Big Dipper, Wild Mouse or Grand National the rest of the day.

Nickelodeon Streak

My fourth wooden coaster for Sunday was Nickelodeon Streak. I enjoyed two goes on this, back row followed by fifth row.

Blue Flyer

Having ridden four out of the five wooden coasters so far on Sunday, it made sense for me to ride the smallest wooden coaster, Blue Flyer next. This was walk-on, and I enjoyed two goes: back row followed by second-from-back row.

Now that I had ridden all five wooden coasters (including both lift hills of Grand National) one after another, I turned to various other rides around the Pleasure Beach. Funnily enough I didn't ride any of the wooden coasters again later.

Krusty Krab Order Up

Being as I was in Nickelodeon Land, I decided to ride this mini drop tower next. My one go on this now was my only go on it all day. In fact, this ended up being my final Nickelodeon Land ride of the day.

At this point I left Nickelodeon Land and headed to the rides at the southern end of the Pleasure Beach. I ended up not returning to Nickelodeon Land the rest of the day.

Revolution

My first steel coaster ride for Sunday was Revolution. There were very few people in front of me at the top of the stairs so I managed to get on quickly. I sat in the second row. My one go on Revolution now was my only go on it all day.

The Big One

Now was a convenient time for me to ride The Big One. Its queue was considerably longer than for Revolution. Surprisingly I saw Barry Frost and Derek Eddy ahead of me, and they ended up on the same train as me, albeit a few rows in front of me. My one go on The Big One now was my only go on it all day.

At this point, I felt like a light snack of some sort, so without further ado I headed for T Café. I didn't return to the far southern end of the Pleasure Beach again later in the day, hence I ended up not riding any of the Steeplechase tracks on Sunday. Furthermore I don't recall seeing Barry or Derek again the rest of Sunday; in fact I hardly saw any other RCCGB Blackpool Bash attendees the rest of Sunday.

Mid-Afternoon Snack at T Café

When I got to T Café around 14:00 I decided to have a chicken salad baguette and lemonade. That's all I felt like eating at the time. The baguette and drink were available, along with a packet of crisps of one's own choice, as a meal deal. I didn't really want crisps at the time, but since there was no discount for not having them, I had them as part of the meal deal anyway; I chose ready salted. Having consumed my baguette and drink inside the café I put the unopened packet of crisps in my rucksack for future consumption.

Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic

My first ride after my mid-afternoon snack was Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic. I didn't have to wait long to get on this. Once I got on the ride I enjoyed travelling through several rooms, seeing Shaun the sheep, Feathers the penguin, and Wallace & Gromit, as well as elements from the films. As far as I'm concerned, this is the sort of ride you can go on immediately after eating. My one go on this now was my only go on this all day.

Grand Prix

Being as I didn't ride Grand Prix on Saturday, and its queue was reasonably short, I decided to ride Grand Prix next. It's a car ride, whereby the cars run on what resembles a giant Scalextric track. Having got into one of the cars, I was taken down the spiral (like in a multi-storey car park), towards Big One and back, then up the spiral back to the station. Depending on your take of things, you could perhaps class it as a coaster, considering it has ride cars which run on a track, that spirals down and uphill. What do you think? Coaster or not coaster? Although quite a tame ride really, it was worth one go to say I'd been on it this trip.

River Caves

Next I decided to ride River Caves, and thankfully the waiting time was quite short. I sat in boat 2. The journey through the chambers was just the same as when I rode this on Saturday afternoon. My one go on here now was my only go on this all day.

Flying Machines

Flying Machines was another ride I missed on Saturday, so I was determined to ride this Sunday, and now happened to be a convenient time to ride it. Thankfully I was able to get on its next run. I rode in plane GT8. The planes start going anticlockwise close to the platform, and are gradually angled further outwards. At the maximum extent you are sitting at a fairly steep angle. Eventually the planes head back inwards, until you're back with the platform. During the ride I could really feel the cold breeze when the planes were at their maximum extent, but not so much when they were close to the platform at the start and end of the ride. My one go on Flying Machines now was my only go on them all day.

Ice Blast

Being as this tall drop tower is right next to Flying Machines, I decided to ride Ice Blast next. I approached the waiting point and was able to get onto its next run. Once seated and harnessed in, a blast of air sent the seat unit to the top of the tower. After a short delay, the seat unit dropped to the ground again, its descent somehow slowed as it neared the ground. Although a fun ride, I limited myself to just one go on Ice Blast.

Derby Racer

Another ride I missed on Saturday, I decided to ride Derby Racer next. Basically this is a giant version of galloping horses. Although not a particularly thrilling ride, it was nonetheless great fun. My one go on this now ended up being my only go on it all day.

Unexpectedly I saw two other RCCGB Blackpool Bash attendees on the hill somewhere between Alice Ride and T Café, so I spoke to them briefly. This was my last sighting of any other RCCGB members on the trip Sunday afternoon.

Avalanche

I was determined to ride this bobsleigh coaster before closing time, so I approached this next. The waiting time was longer than I would have liked; the queue extended most of the way down the stairs and once past the turnstile, I had to wait a couple of runs to get on. Anyway when it was my turn I sat in the back row. I remained quiet and relaxed throughout the ride. A fun ride, but I limited myself to just one go because of the queuing time.

Infusion

Finally I headed across the Pleasure Beach to the inverted coaster Infusion, and thankfully its waiting time was very short. Hence I managed to enjoy three goes on it (back row, sixth row, seventh row) before it and all the other rides closed at 17:00.

Having left Infusion all rides were closed as time was 17:00. Without further ado I headed back towards the main exit. When I got to Grand National, which obviously was now closed, I saw its attendants and thanked them for the RCCGB's extended time on it Sunday morning. Soon afterwards I left the Pleasure Beach for the final time. I don't recall seeing any RCCGB members whilst passing through the exit building below Noah's Ark, or just outside. Was I really the only RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017 attendee to have stayed in the Pleasure Beach until closing time?

Summary of my day in order of activity

WOW ERS
Big Dipper 1
Wild Mouse 1
Grand National left and right lift hills in sequence 4 times over

After ERS:
Coffee at café near fountains

Nickelodeon Streak 2
Blue Flyer 2
Krusty Krab Order Up 1
Revolution 1
The Big One 1

Mid-Afternoon Snack at T Café

Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic 1
Grand Prix 1
River Caves 1
Flying Machines 1
Ice Blast 1
Derby Racer 1
Avalanche 1
Infusion 3

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

Ride	Total
Avalanche	1
Big Dipper	1
Blue Flyer	2
Derby Racer	1
Flying Machines	1
Grand National left lift hill	4
Grand National right lift hill	4
Grand Prix	1
Ice Blast	1
Infusion	3
Krusty Krab Order Up	1
Nickelodeon Streak	2
Revolution	1
River Caves	1
The Big One	1
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic	1
Wild Mouse	1
TOTAL	27

Altogether a coaster crazy final day of the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017. It's a pity Grand National opened later than expected during the morning ERS, and hence Big Dipper and Wild Mouse were rather busy as a result. Fortunately the Club had Grand National until midday to make up for it, but it's a pity so few wanted to ride it after 11:00. Although the few like me who did ride it beyond 11:00 managed to get lots of rides on it, the atmosphere and enjoyment one would normally expect from a Grand National ERS was lost with so few members on each train. I was surprised how few RCCGB members stayed in the Pleasure Beach after the ERS ended, but anyway the rest of the day I enjoyed many more rides including Nickelodeon Streak, Blue Flyer, Revolution, The Big One, Ice Blast and Infusion. Best of all it was dry and sunny all day.

Sunday Evening

For the first time ever, I stayed Sunday night in Blackpool. Having left Blackpool Pleasure Beach around 17:15, I returned to my hotel room and relaxed for a couple of hours. I must admit, it did feel strange being in my room for what was to be my final night, rather than a flying visit to collect my luggage upon leaving the Pleasure Beach as was the case in previous years.

Around 19:15 I went out again. Initially I went for a brief walk around South Pier (but didn't go on any rides or play any games), and then went on the part of the beach near South Pier for a few minutes. After that I went to The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon) for my evening meal. I took a while looking at the menu deciding what to have, but eventually I decided to have BBQ Chicken Melt (grilled chicken with bacon, cheese and barbecue sauce), served with chips, peas, a mushroom and a tomato for main course. A drink was included in that meal; I chose one pint of Thatcher's Gold cider. As if that wasn't enough I decided to have a dessert as well: Bramley apple crumble with custard. Altogether a delicious two-course meal on my last night in Blackpool. Having left The Velvet Coaster, I returned to my hotel room and relaxed the rest of the evening.

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Monday 24 April 2017

Monday First Thing

This was my first ever time of waking up in Blackpool on the Monday morning after the Blackpool Bash since I first attended the RCCGB Blackpool Bash in 2008. Nonetheless, I was determined to make the most of my extra day in Blackpool. I put on my self-designed "I'm Not An Adult I'm A Big Kid!" T-shirt (made by Gildan) and began packing. Unlike Saturday and Sunday, I was able to have breakfast within the normal serving time of 8:30 to 9:30; I actually went to the dining room around 8:40. Just like the previous three mornings, my breakfast consisted of cereal (I chose cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full English breakfast, four triangles of toast and a pot of coffee. Having finished my breakfast I returned to my room, finished packing and vacated my room around 10:00.

Madame Tussauds

To fill up my final day, I decided to visit Madame Tussauds Blackpool. After leaving the hotel I caught a tram from South Pier to Central Pier. I entered Madame Tussauds around 10:30. Once admitted I saw plenty of waxwork representations of TV celebrities, sports stars, pop stars and comedians spread over three floors. Figures included: Simon Cowell, Chris Tarrant, Torvill and Dean, Jeremy Kyle, Graham Norton, Alan Titchmarsh, David Attenborough, Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney. About mid-way around I got to the recreation of the Rovers Return Inn on the second floor. There I saw figures of Hilda Ogden, Jack and Vera Duckworth, Ken and Deirdre Barlow and Bet Lynch. Visitors can purchase drinks at the bar there, so I took time to enjoy a pint of Boddington there. Figures I saw the rest of the way around included Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Benny Hill, HM The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, The Beatles, Tommy Cooper, Dame Edna Everage and The Two Ronnies. Finally beside the exit door I saw a figure of Bruce Forsyth. I photographed many of the sculptures and had my picture taken beside several of them.

Monday Late Afternoon

After leaving Madame Tussauds Blackpool around 15:00, I caught a tram from Central Pier to South Pier, returned to the hotel where I stayed to collect my luggage, and caught another tram from South Pier to North Pier. When I got to North Pier around 15:45, I went to get myself something to eat nearby before going to Blackpool North station. Around 15:50 I went to Frying Squad, where I had fish, chips, mushy peas and a drink (I chose coffee) as a meal deal. It certainly felt odd to be eating a cooked meal at that time in the afternoon, but it was the only time that suited my travel plans.

Journey Home

Having left Frying Squad I walked straight to Blackpool North station. The time was around 16:40 when I got there. Momentarily I considered going into Sainsbury's opposite to have a cake and perhaps another coffee at their café, and aim to be back at the station by 17:00, but I didn't. Instead I went straight into the station, through the ticket barrier and waited in the ticket holders' part of the concourse until it was time to catch the 17:12 Northern train to Manchester Piccadilly. The rest of the journey went like clockwork; having reached Manchester Piccadilly I had time to buy myself a takeaway coffee in the station concourse before catching the 19:07 Cross Country Super Voyager train to Bristol Temple Meads followed by the 22:23 South West Trains train to Bath Spa. I finally reached Bath Spa at 22:37 and home about 15 minutes later.

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Outro

Highlights

Meeting members I've met on previous Club trips again (including Andy and Christine Hine, Death, Matt Walker, Mark and Margo Lewis, Peter O'Brien, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Wendy Adams Evans).
Wearing my self-designed RCCGB Fun Night T-shirt, fluorescent pink sports shorts and fluorescent pink football socks to the Friday Fun Night.
Saturday morning ERS on The Big One, Revolution and Blue Flyer.
Sunday morning WOW ERS on Big Dipper, Wild Mouse and Grand National.
Good overall ride count both Saturday and Sunday (during morning ERS and normal time).
Riding all the coasters and many other rides again.
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 "Aga-Doo" in the Gong Show Saturday evening
Dry, sunny weather Saturday and Sunday.

Lowlights

Wild Mouse out of action when I approached it late afternoon Saturday, hence I didn't ride it at all that day.
Grand National opening later than expected Sunday (but at least the Club had it until noon as a result).
Disappointingly low Club usage of Grand National during the extended exclusive time after 11:00 (but the few like me who continued riding it consequently had lots of rides).

Summing Up

Another mega excellent weekend away at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Granadaland, my tenth Blackpool Bash to-date. It was great riding the Big One, Grand National, Big Dipper and other rides again, and catching up with other members. 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 eighth time to-date. Although I wasn't in the top two this time, at least I wasn't in the bottom two for once. No wonder Nev says in the Blackpool Bash invite "If you can only make one Club trip this year, make it this one". Many thanks to Andy Hine for all the effort involved in organising a trip of this nature, including Friday evening entertainment, all of Saturday's events in the Paradise Room, and the ERSs Saturday and Sunday morning. Thanks also to the three professional entertainers Bob Wooding, Ashley Webber and Rick Sheehan Friday evening, to the ride staff required for operating the applicable coasters for the Saturday and Sunday morning ERSs, to the caterers for providing food Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and Saturday evening, to the sound technicians Friday and Saturday evening, and to all members who performed billed or Gong Show acts Saturday evening. An added bonus was the dry and sunny weather all day Saturday and Sunday.

RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2017 can be likened to a three-course meal as follows:
Starter: Friday Fun (Friday evening entertainment)
Main course: Saturday daytime and evening activities
Dessert: Sunday morning ERS and free time thereafter

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