Date: Friday 26 April 2019 to Sunday 28 April 2019
Venue: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy, Christine and Charlotte Hine, Adey and Katelyn Hikin, Kellie, Alan Hunt, Andy and Mary Knight, Ann Morgan, Barry Frost, Carl May, Chris Bell, Dan Ould, Debra and Grace Boggis, Derek and Alan Eddy, Emma Erangey, Gary Oliver, James Staggs, Julia Carter, Julie and her mother, Karen Aitken, Karl Travis and his two children, Keith Wakeling, Kelly Cameron, Linda Reynolds, Lorraine, Mark and Margo Lewis, Matt Walker, Michael Argent Lord, Paul Heaney, Peter O'Brien, Planenut, Robert Nutter, Ryan Hackett, Sam Bryant, Stevie Bee, The Sheppards, 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 entertainers performing Friday evening, a day of riding Saturday daytime (including the morning ERS), a cartoons and kids' TV themed fancy dress party with songs, games, the Gong Show and a disco Saturday evening, and another ERS Sunday morning. There was 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 25 April 2019
Day One - Friday 26 April 2019
Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (daytime)
Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (evening)
Day Three - Sunday 28 April 2019
Monday 29 April 2019
Outro
Thursday 25 April 2019
Getting to Blackpool
I travelled to Blackpool by train on Thursday 25 April. My journey from Bath Spa to Blackpool North began on the 10:57 train from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads, followed by the 11:21 train to Newport (Gwent). Whilst there, I bought myself a ham and cheese mustard toastie, plus an Americano, before continuing my journey on the 12:19 train to Manchester Piccadilly. Once there, I had just enough time to buy myself a takeaway raspberry and almond bake, plus an Americano, from Costa Coffee, before completing my journey on the 15:31 train to Blackpool North. Having arrived at Blackpool North at 16:51, I had a taxi 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 2018 inclusive.
Thursday Evening
Just before 19:00 I went to The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon), for my evening meal. I ordered a Curry Club meal: large Beef Madras for main course and a pint of Heineken to drink. In addition, I ordered British Bramley apple crumble, with ice cream, for dessert. Altogether a delicious and filling two-course meal, and thankfully the wait wasn't all that long this time. Having finished eating, I saw Andy and Mary Knight, so they sat at my table and we spoke together for a while. We finally left The Velvet Coaster around 21:00. Back in my hotel room, I relaxed the rest of the evening.
More about Thursday available here
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Day One - Friday 26 April 2019
Daytime
Travelling Thursday daytime gained me a day in Blackpool. For me, Friday began with a delicious breakfast: cereal, orange juice, a full English, toast and coffee. I spent the day at Sandcastle Water Park, and was in the pool / slides area from just before 11:00 until closing time of 16:30. A separate report about my day there is
available here. After leaving Sandcastle Water Park, I returned to my hotel room around 17:00 to have a cup of coffee and get changed for the evening.
Early Evening
Around 18:45 I went to Pablo's Fish and Chips for a Pablo's Special (fish, chips, mushy peas, bread and butter, plus a standard Coca-Cola), followed by a strawberry sundae. Having finished my meal, 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 Paradise Room via the spiral stairs around 19:45, found myself a seat and bought myself half a Heineken. The fun began when Andy Hine appeared around 20:10 and said his annual catchphrase "Everybody say Blackpool", followed by his welcome speech. Graham Shaw joined him to show some new RCCGB merchandise.
The first official act was magician Martin Scott-Price. His best act was when he called a female adult member on stage, and placed her in a pillory. He ran a saw along the top, pretending to be cutting her head off. When he reopened the pillory after the saw action, the lady was still unharmed.
Next, Club member Wendy Adams Evans, sang some songs, including "Three Little Birds" (Bob Marley), "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (Kylie Minogue) and "Bring Me Sunshine" (Morecambe and Wise). Her final song was "Thank you for the music" (ABBA). When she finished singing, the interval began, during which I bought myself half a pint of Fosters.
The final act was comedian Mick Miller, who started around 22:00. He entertained members with about 40 minutes of jokes on numerous matters. These included health warnings on cigarette packets, and holidaying in Europe after Brexit. A light-hearted assortment of humour to round off the evening. When he finished around 22:40, 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.
On the whole, an excellent selection of entertainment to start the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019. Many members liked my self-designed black "RCCGB Fun Night" T-shirt (with fluorescent pink lettering), my fluorescent pink sports shorts and my fluorescent pink football socks.
More about Friday available here
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Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (daytime)
First Thing
I awoke at 06:30, put on my self-designed "Coaster Crazy Kidult on Tour!" T-shirt and my Team Bath hoody, and had an early breakfast at 08:00, so that I could be at the Paradise Room soon after 08:30. For breakfast, I had cereal, orange juice, beans on toast and a mug of coffee. 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. Whilst in the Paradise Room, I spoke to a few other members. Around 09:10 the Club entered the Pleasure Beach through the gate. It was dry outside, and the sun happened to be out, but it was very windy.
Morning ERS
The day began with a one-hour ERS on Blue Flyer and, for the first time ever, ICON. Members walked through the Pleasure Beach and queued outside the entrance to ICON. Whilst waiting for the signal to proceed beyond the entrance into the coaster's own queue line, someone brought Nev, in his wheelchair, to the ride entry / exit point. Although he was unable to ride anything, he was at least able to see, and speak to, members entering and leaving ICON. I enjoyed three goes on ICON; my first go during this ERS was also my first ever time of riding this coaster. Altogether a really thrilling coaster, which gives a fast and very smooth ride; a much-needed new addition to the Pleasure Beach.
Summary of my rides during the Saturday morning ERS: ICON 3. Did anyone beat me on that?
Morning Free Time
After the morning ERS ended at 10:30, members spread themselves around the Pleasure Beach and took over the rides. I began with Steeplechase. Only the green and yellow tracks were open; the red lane was closed. The best thing about this coaster is its racing element, hoping to be first home. I rode the green and yellow tracks once each. Just before my first go, I noticed Steeplechase was due to close at 17:00. The operator said closing time for the whole Pleasure Beach had been brought forward from 18:00 to 17:00, due to the weather. Next, I had one go on Revolution; whilst on the landing, just before getting on, the full force of the strong wind could be felt. Having left Revolution, I went into Nickelodeon Land, where I rode Diego's Rainforest Rescue once, Blue Flyer twice and Nickelodeon Streak once. After that I had one go Big Dipper; I had to wait a few runs to get on, but I didn't mind. On this occasion, it felt very rough, presumably due to the strong wind. My final ride before lunch was one go on River Caves; my boat sailed through a series of chambers. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the scenes properly as I forgot to put my glasses back on before getting on River Caves. Having disembarked, I went to the Paradise Room for lunch.
Lunch at Paradise Room
Around 12:30 I entered the Paradise Room for lunch. Unlike previous years, members had to buy their lunchtime drinks as no vouchers had been given; I bought myself a Pepsi. Next, I went to get my meal, which was still included in the trip price. From the available selection, I chose a hot dog sausage and a beef burger. Chips and fried onions were included. Buns and side salad were also available. During lunch, there were speeches from Nev and Andy Hygate (Deputy Director of Operations). Club merchandise was available, including the new-for-2019 white "Real Coasters are made of WOOD" T-shirts, so I bought myself one.
Afternoon Free Time
At 14:00 I returned to the Pleasure Beach eager to enjoy some more rides. The first thing I noticed, from ride entry signs, was that the rides were still due to close at 17:00. I passed the Ice Blast entrance, only to be told it was unable to operate due to the strong wind. My first after-lunch ride was Derby Racer; I had one go. Although the RCCGB wasn't going to have an afternoon ERS on Grand National again this year, I was determined to ride it anyway Saturday afternoon. I enjoyed two goes Grand National, left lift hill with Carl May, followed by right lift hill alone. Around 14:50, I went to T Café to enjoy a cup of coffee. Having finished my coffee, I had one go on the bobsled coaster Avalanche next; there was a long queue, but it was worth the wait. Thankfully, the inverted coaster Infusion was walk-on, so I enjoyed two goes on it. This turned out to be my final coaster ride of the day. Having left Infusion, I met Wendy Adams Evans and Barry Frost, so we had one go on Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic together. After that, I returned to riding alone. I had one go on River Caves, this time with my glasses on, so I could see the scenes clearly. Finally, I had time to ride Ghost Train and Alice Ride once each before the Pleasure Beach closed at 17:00.
Summary of my day in order of activity
Morning ERS: ICON 3
Steeplechase green track 1
Steeplechase yellow track 1
Revolution 1
Diego's Rainforest Rescue 1
Blue Flyer 2
Nickelodeon Streak 1
Big Dipper 1
River Caves 1
Lunch at Paradise Room (including speech from Andy Hygate)
Derby Racer 1
Grand National left lift hill 1
Grand National right lift hill 1
Coffee at T Café
Avalanche 1
Infusion 2
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic 1
River Caves 1
Ghost Train 1
Alice Ride 1
Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERS and Free Time Combined)
| Ride | Total |
| Alice Ride | 1 |
| Avalanche | 1 |
| Big Dipper | 1 |
| Blue Flyer | 2 |
| Derby Racer | 1 |
| Diego's Rainforest Rescue | 1 |
| Ghost Train | 1 |
| Grand National left lift hill | 1 |
| Grand National right lift hill | 1 |
| ICON | 3 |
| Infusion | 2 |
| Nickelodeon Streak | 1 |
| Revolution | 1 |
| River Caves | 2 |
| Steeplechase green track | 1 |
| Steeplechase yellow track | 1 |
| Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic | 1 |
| TOTAL | 22 |
Altogether a fun day of riding. During the morning ERS, I enjoyed riding ICON for the first time ever, and hence adding it to my coaster count. It's a pity I missed Blue Flyer, which was also available during the ERS, but at least I rode it twice later in the morning. During the rest of the day, I enjoyed plenty more rides, including Revolution, Nickelodeon Streak, Big Dipper, Grand National (both lift hills) and Infusion. The only let-down was the weather; strong winds all day, which prevented Big One from operating, and drizzle or rain at times. Due to the inclement weather, the Pleasure Beach closed at 17:00, instead of 18:00 as planned, but I guessed that would happen when I saw the morning weather forecast. I was heartbroken at the 17:00 closing time, as that's the earliest I've ever seen Blackpool Pleasure Beach close on the Saturday of the Blackpool Bash weekend.
Coffee at Pizza Hut
My original plan was to leave the Pleasure Beach at the advertised closing time of 18:00, and go straight into the Paradise Room for a rehearsal. The earlier closing time left me with time to fill, so I went to Pizza Hut, Ocean Boulevard for an Americano, which I enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Having left Pizza Hut, I headed for the Casino Tower. Walking northwards along the sea front, into the strong wind, was quite difficult.
More about Saturday daytime available here
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Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (evening)
I entered the Casino Tower via a corridor, leading to a reception, where visitors sign in. I showed my Back Stage Pass and my RCCGB 2019 membership card, signed in, and went up the back staircase to the Paradise Room. This year's theme was Cartoons and Kids' TV. A Muppet Show style backdrop, with boxes and The Coaster Crazy Show logo (a variation of The Muppet Show logo) was already in place at the back of the stage. I chose my seat, set up my camcorder, put on my evening outfit and, when an opportunity arose, rehearsed my Gong Show act on stage. Around 19:15 the doors opened to members not taking part. Many wore something connected with cartoons and kids' TV, e.g. Bart Simpson, Mr. Men, Popeye, Scooby-Doo. Mark and Margo Lewis dressed as Andy Pandy and Looby Loo. Someone dressed as a Blue Peter Advent crown. I wore my RND 2019 Mickey Mouse T-shirt and a pair of red sports shorts. Food was on sale, so I bought myself curry and rice, plus half a Fosters to drink. A medley of cartoon theme tunes was played on the sound system until the start of the show.
The First Half
The Coaster Crazy Show began around 20:15 with the opening act, which made use of the Muppet Show style backdrop. The Muppet Show Theme began, and ten Muppets (controlled by the Sheppards) appeared in the boxes, just like in the opening sequence to The Muppet Show. When the opening act finished, Nev appeared, dressed in a Fred Flintstone outfit, to give his opening speech. Next, Emma Erangey sang the Spandau Ballet song "Gold". It was now time for the Kids' Gopher game. Although Nev asked ten children under 12 to approach the stage, only nine wanted to enter. When called, they ran into the audience to fetch the item specified by Nev, e.g. hotel key, mobile phone, only to find one less chair on their return, thereby forcing the child unable to find a seat out each time. Officially, the winner was the youngest participant, Freya. However, she remained in her seat from start to finish, and items were handed to her, which I feel was unfair. As far as I'm concerned, Alice, who was eliminated in the final round, was the real winner, out of the eight children who actually left the stage to look for the required item each time. The final act before the Gong Show was Ella & Mollie, under the stage name CJ, performing a well-choreographed dancing and gymnastics routine, accompanied by the song "On & On" - Cartoon (Feat. Daniel Levi). They made it look really easy, when it must be quite difficult to perform.
The Gong Show
It was now time for the famous Gong Show, which featured a record-breaking 11 acts this year. The first act was Linda Reynolds as a Lion Tamer, appropriately accompanied by the song "What's New Pussycat" - Tom Jones. She picked up a large cuddly lion, before falling and rolling over, as though she was fighting with it. After 45 seconds, the horn went. Next, Ryan Hackett entered the stage, wearing a Freddie Mercury mask, to perform a recreation of Freddie Mercury's performance of "Ay-oh" at Live Aid in 1985. Whether Ryan sang along or just did the actions is uncertain, but anyway, he reached the end without the horn blowing. The Rogers Girls, who have performed during previous years, were back this year to do an Irish dance, along to the song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". After just over three minutes of dancing, the horn finally went. Fourth in the line-up was first-timer Gary Oliver, to amuse the audience with his comedy. This quickly attracted much booing and the horn went. Fifth to perform was Chris Bell as Claude, the invisible man, Raynes. This was rather odd, because Claude (Chris) didn't actually appear. Anyway, the horn went. Next, Sam Bryant appeared, dressed as the Pokémon character Ash Ketchum, to sing the Pokémon Theme. Part way through, he was joined by someone dressed in a large inflatable Pikachu costume. When Sam reached the line "Every challenge along the way," the horn went. Act 7 was two girls, under the stage name A-M-A, performing a well-choreographed dancing and gymnastics routine to the song "Solo Dance" by Martin Jensen. The horn went after the girls left the stage in one direction. A-M-A could become a competitor to CJ in future years. Act 8 featured James Staggs pretending to play an inflatable saxophone, along to the instrumental bit of "Run Away" - SunStroke Project (Eurovision Song Contest 2010 entry from Moldova), followed by "I'm Too Sexy" - Right Said Fred. Part way through "I'm Too Sexy", this attracted much booing and the horn went. Next, Julia Carter, plus Debra and Grace Boggis, under the stage name "Carter & The Bogglets" tried juggling, accompanied by the tune "Mexican Hat Rock" (The Applejacks). It wasn't long before the horn went. The penultimate act was Keith Wakeling, under the stage name Sir Richard, singing "Knights in White Satin", whilst playing an acoustic guitar. Within one minute, this attracted booing, and about one and a half minutes after Keith entered the stage, the horn went. Finally, it was my turn to perform the actions to "Baby Shark". There was much cheering and applause when I reached the end of the song without the horn blowing.
Top two: James Staggs, Nemesis Nick; Winner: Nemesis Nick
Bottom two: Gary Oliver, Nemesis Nick; Ultimate worst: Nemesis Nick
Bizarrely, after being voted the best act, I was also the voted the worst act! Still, I've already been through that in the Gong Show before. Well done to all the others who took part in the Gong Show 2019. When I returned to the Paradise Room, the next act was already underway.
Rest of Coaster Crazy Show
Back to the billed acts next. Dan Ould, who won the Gong Show 2018, was back to perform a tribute to Tape Face. I missed most of Dan's act, as I went to buy my final drink of the night, half a pint of Heineken before returning to my seat. For the final game of the night, Nev asked six adults to approach the stage. The participants had to answer questions, but were not allowed to say "Yes" or "No", pause, hesitate, or give irrelevant answers. The top two, Chris and Mark, continued to the second part, Open the Box. Nine boxes contained one prize each. The top two prizes were a stay for two at the Big Blue Hotel, plus wristbands for the Pleasure Beach (value over £200), and a stay for a family of four at the Drayton Manor Hotel, including breakfast and evening meal, plus Park entry (value over £300). Booby prizes included a stick of Blackpool Rock, a RCCGB sticker and a 20th anniversary pen. Mark had first choice of box, he picked number 9. When Nev eventually offered £50 cash (after a series of smaller offers), Mark declined the box and took the £50. Just as well, because he turned down a stick of Blackpool Rock. Next, Chris chose box 3. When the cash alternative reached the £50 maximum, he took the box instead of the money. Luckily for him, that box contained the stay at the Big Blue Hotel. When the game ended, the stay for a family of four at the Drayton Manor Hotel still hadn't been won, so Nev auctioned it to raise money for charity. The bidding started at £100, and after a series of increasing offers, the prize was sold to someone who bid £400. The finale featured Wendy Adams Evans, dressed as Laa-Laa, singing "Yellow Submarine" once through, followed by "Bare Necessities" twice through. When Wendy finished singing, Nev gave his closing message, and thanked all who had performed and the staff.
After Show Party
Towards the end of 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. To tie in with the Cartoons and Kids' TV theme, the party mix began with the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown from Thunderbirds, followed by part of the Sesame Street opening theme. This was followed by a series of pop song snippets from various decades. Towards the end the following four songs were played in full:
"Dancing Lasha Tumbai" - Verka Serduchka (Ryan and co appeared on stage just in front of the curtains doing the actions, and members on the dance floor copied them)
"(Is This The Way To) Amarillo" - Tony Christie
"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" - Monty Python
"Theme from New York, New York" - Frank Sinatra
The Warner Brothers cartoon closing theme "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 23:25 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: The Sheppards - Muppets
Introduction: Andy Hine
Act 1: Emma Erangey - "Gold"
Game 1: Kids' Gopher
Act 2: CJ (Ella & Mollie) - Dancing
The Gong Show
1: Linda Reynolds - Lion Tamer HORN WENT
2: Ryan Hackett - "Ay-oh" (Queen)
3: Coaster Girls - Irish dancing HORN WENT
4: Gary Oliver - Stand-up comedy HORN WENT
5: Chris Bell - Invisible Man HORN WENT
6: Sam Bryant - Pokémon Theme HORN WENT
7: A-M-A - Dancing HORN WENT
8: James Staggs - Saxophone Player HORN WENT
9: Carter & The Bogglets - Juggling HORN WENT
10: Sir Richard (Keith Wakeling) - "Knights in White Satin" HORN WENT
11: Nemesis Nick - "Baby Shark"
Top two: James Staggs, Nemesis Nick; Winner: Nemesis Nick
Bottom two: Gary Oliver, Nemesis Nick; Ultimate worst: Nemesis Nick
Act 3: Dan Ould - Tape Face
Game 2: Yes / No (Open the Box)
Finale: Wendy Adams Evans - "Yellow Submarine" / "Bare Necessities"
Andy Hine: Thank Yous
After Show Party (Disco)
Group photo
Altogether an excellent evening of entertainment. For me, it was great performing "Baby Shark" in the Gong Show, even though I ended up being voted best and worst act. The after-show disco provided a lively end to the evening.
More about Saturday evening available here
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Day Three - Sunday 28 April 2019
First Thing
After an action-packed Saturday, I awoke at 06:45, feeling thirsty for more. I put on my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt and Team Bath hoody. Once again, I had an early breakfast at 08:10, consisting of cereal, orange juice, beans on toast and a mug of coffee. After breakfast, I walked to the Pleasure Beach as quickly as possible. It was dry outside, and far less windy than Saturday morning, but it was a bit chilly. Everyone was waiting outside the Casino Tower. Shortly afterwards, the doors were opened and everyone went inside the tower to wait on the ground floor. At the main desk, I exchanged my Sunday Wristband Voucher for my wristband and Park Pass. Whilst in the tower, I removed my outer layers to have a few pictures of me wearing my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt; several others who saw it liked it.
Morning ERS
When Nev was given the signal by the staff, the Club entered the Pleasure Beach through the gates. The day began with the ERS on Big One, Big Dipper and Grand National. Once in the Pleasure Beach, I began with Big Dipper; I had one go in the front row with Herman, and another go in the fifth row alone. Both times Big Dipper seemed less rough than it did when I rode it late morning on Saturday. I spent most of the rest of the ERS on Grand National, and had four goes, in the following sequence: left lift hill, right lift hill, left lift hill, right lift hill. This time I had two wins and two losses, a fair balance I suppose. Grand National didn't seem as rough Sunday morning as it did Saturday afternoon. Finally, I had time for one more go on Big Dipper, alone in the front row. Since I was the only Club member wanting to ride it, the rest of the train was filled with the general public. Nonetheless, this was technically the final run of the ERS, as this was the last train on which Blackpool Bash 2019 attendees could be admitted to Big Dipper without a wristband or tickets.
Summary of my rides during the Sunday morning ERS: Big Dipper 3, Grand National 4 (left lift hill 2, right lift hill 2). Did anyone beat me on that?
After ERS
The ERS finished around 10:45. No further Club activities 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, and was staying in Blackpool Sunday night, I continued riding until closing time of 17:00. During the rest of the day I enjoyed plenty more rides, however I didn't re-ride Big Dipper or Grand National the rest of the day.
At this point I went to Champagne Coffee Lounge for a Grande Americano. I saw Ann Morgan and Lorraine there, they liked my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt. Having left Champagne Coffee Lounge, I headed towards Nickelodeon Land. Along the way I met Peter O'Brien; I spoke to him briefly, and we had our picture taken together. When I reached Nickelodeon Land, I had two goes on Nickelodeon Streak, front row followed by near the back. Next, I enjoyed two goes on Blue Flyer. Thus, I had now ridden all four wooden coasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Funnily enough, I didn't ride any of the wooden coasters again later in the day. After that, I rode Avatar Airbender, as I missed it on Saturday. A fun ride, but once was enough; in fact, this was my final Nickelodeon Land ride for Sunday. Having left Nickelodeon Land, I headed for Big One; I particularly wanted to ride this as it was closed all day Saturday. Whilst queuing, I spotted Derek and Alan Eddy further ahead in the queue, but they had their turn, and exited the ride, well before I got on. Eventually, it was my turn; this mega fun ride was well worth the wait, and furthermore it was my first steel coaster ride of the day. Due to the long queue, I only had one go, and didn't return to it later. Next, I headed towards Revolution, which had just reopened, having had a problem. The sunshine, and much calmer wind, meant the ride experience forwards and backwards through the loop was much more pleasant than in in the strong wind on Saturday morning. This was my only go on Revolution all day. My final ride before lunch was Avalanche, I had one go in the back car of the train.
At this point I felt like a light snack, so I went to T Café for a cheese toasted sandwich meal deal, which included a packet of crisps and a drink (I chose coffee). Having finished my lunch, I met three other RCCGB members wearing Blackpool Bash 2019 badges, they were Karl Travis and his two children, so we had one go on Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic together. This was my only known instance of riding with other Blackpool Bash 2019 attendees on Sunday after the morning ERS ended. Having left Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, I returned to going around the Park alone. I began with one go on River Caves. Next, I enjoyed Ice Blast and Flying Machines once each; I particularly wanted to ride those as I was unable to ride them on Saturday. After one go on Derby Racer, I walked to the south end of the Pleasure Beach, hoping to fit in a few rides there. When I approached Steeplechase, the green and yellow lanes were open, but the red lane was closed. I had one go on the green track. Due to my desire to ride ICON, and hopefully also Infusion, I resisted the temptation to queue for the yellow track of Steeplechase. Without further ado, I queued for ICON. After quite a lengthy wait, I enjoyed a fast and smooth ride around the track. Obviously, I only had time for one go. Having left ICON, I still wanted to fit in a go on Infusion, but was aware it might be closed by the time I got there. When I got as far as Avalanche, I abandoned my desire to ride Infusion and rounded off the day on Avalanche instead. After waiting a few runs to get on Avalanche, I sat in the third car of the last train of the day.
Summary of my day in order of activity
ERS
Big Dipper 2
Grand National left lift hill 1
Grand National right lift hill 1
Grand National left lift hill 1
Grand National right lift hill 1
Big Dipper 1
Grande Americano at Champagne Coffee Lounge
Nickelodeon Streak 2
Blue Flyer 2
Avatar Airbender 1
Big One 1
Revolution 1
Avalanche 1
Lunch at T Café
Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic 1
River Caves 1
Ice Blast 1
Flying Machines 1
Derby Racer 1
Steeplechase green track 1
ICON 1
Avalanche 1
Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERS and Free Time Combined)
| Ride | Total |
| Avalanche | 2 |
| Avatar Airbender | 1 |
| Big Dipper | 3 |
| Big One | 1 |
| Blue Flyer | 2 |
| Derby Racer | 1 |
| Flying Machines | 1 |
| Grand National left lift hill | 2 |
| Grand National right lift hill | 2 |
| Ice Blast | 1 |
| ICON | 1 |
| Nickelodeon Streak | 2 |
| Revolution | 1 |
| River Caves | 1 |
| Steeplechase green track | 1 |
| Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic | 1 |
| TOTAL | 23 |
Altogether a coaster crazy final day of the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019, during which I enjoyed 7 rides during the ERS, and 16 more rides thereafter. Just like last year, Sunday felt slightly odd after the ERS ended, knowing there were no further organised group activities (e.g. lunch in a central location), and many members left after the ERS ended. After midday I often felt I was the only member left in the Pleasure Beach, until I occasionally spotted the odd one or two other Blackpool Bash attendees. At least Sunday's weather was a vast improvement on Saturday; dry all day, sunny at times and far less windy than Saturday. The better weather on Sunday meant that Big One, Ice Blast and Flying Machines were able to operate.
Sunday Evening
For the third year running, I stayed Sunday night in Blackpool. Having left Blackpool Pleasure Beach at 17:26, I returned to my hotel room and relaxed for about one and a half hours. Around 19:30 I went to The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon) for my evening meal. I took a while looking at the menu, but eventually I chose BBQ chicken pizza for main course. An alcoholic drink was included; I chose one pint of John Smiths. My pizza was tasty and delicious. As if that wasn't enough, I had a dessert as well: warm cookie dough sandwich with ice cream. Altogether a delicious two-course dinner on my final night in Blackpool. Best of all the turnaround time on food quick. Back in my hotel room, I relaxed the rest of the evening.
More about Sunday available here
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Monday 29 April 2019
Monday First Thing
For the third year running, I woke up in Blackpool on the Monday morning after the Blackpool Bash. Naturally I was determined to make the most of my extra day in Blackpool. Having put on my self-designed 47th birthday T-shirt, I began packing and had breakfast around 08:45. Just like Friday morning, I had cereal, orange juice, a full English breakfast, toast and a mug of coffee. I enjoyed it at a more relaxed pace, as I didn't feel in such a rush as the previous two mornings. After breakfast, I finished packing and vacated my room around 10:15.
Madame Tussauds
To fill up my final day, I visited Madame Tussauds Blackpool. After leaving the hotel, I caught a tram from South Pier to Central Pier and entered Madame Tussauds soon after 10:30. Once admitted I saw plenty of waxwork representations of TV celebrities, sports stars, pop stars and comedians over three floors. New for 2019 is the Doctor Who exhibition on the ground floor, occupying the rooms where Lifestyle TV and Crime Drama were until last year. This features a Police Box, with the current Doctor beside it. There are also costume displays, presumably from past series of Doctor Who. On the second floor, I took more time over the Sporting Hero Academy and Marvel exhibitions (which were new last year) than I did last year. Sporting Hero Academy focuses on the six sporting hero key indicators: agility, speed, poise, dedication, focus, stealth. This time I tried most of the games in this area, which test those. Much to my disappointment, the climbing wall was closed all day. The laser maze was open, but there appeared to be a problem with name entry, so I gave that a miss too. After the Sporting Hero Academy and Marvel exhibitions, I got to the recreation of the Rovers Return Inn on the second floor. As well as seeing figures of Coronation Street characters, I bought myself a pint of Boddingtons from the bar there. After that, one new addition to the Best of British exhibition, on the first floor, was six of the seven James Bond actors. Throughout the building, I photographed many of the sculptures and had my picture taken beside several of them. Altogether this was another worthwhile visit, because it's changed quite a bit since my 2018 visit, with the addition of the Doctor Who exhibition, and relocation of some statues, e.g. The Beatles, John Thaw, David Jason. I left Madame Tussauds just after 15:00
Monday Late Afternoon
Without further ado, I caught the 15:16 tram from Central Pier to South Pier, and returned to the hotel where I had stayed to collect my luggage. Having done so, I caught the 15:37 tram from South Pier to North Pier. Once there, I went to The Frying Squad Fish and Chips in Market Street. There I had fish, chips, curry sauce and a can of drink (I chose Sprite) as a meal deal, at one of their indoor tables. It 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. Having left The Frying Squad, I walked straight to Blackpool North station. Just across the road from the station, I still had time to enjoy a large coffee at Subway, Talbot Gateway.
Journey Home
Having left Subway, I walked across to Blackpool North station, where I caught the 17:11 train to Manchester Piccadilly. Whilst at Manchester Piccadilly, I had just enough time to buy myself a takeaway raspberry and almond bake, plus an Americano, from Costa Coffee, before catching the 19:05 train to Bristol Temple Meads. The final leg of my journey was the 22:23 train to Bath Spa. I finally arrived Bath Spa at 22:34, and soon after that, I was home.
More about Monday available here
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Outro
Highlights
Wearing my self-designed RCCGB Fun Night T-shirt, fluorescent pink sports shorts and fluorescent pink football socks to the Friday Fun Night.
Adding ICON to my coaster count during the Saturday morning ERS.
Sunday morning ERS on Big Dipper 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 four 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 "Baby Shark" in the Gong Show Saturday evening
Good weather on Sunday; dry all day, sunny at times.
Lowlights
Strong winds all day, plus drizzle / rain at times, Saturday.
Certain rides unable to operate due to strong winds Saturday.
Summing Up
Another mega excellent weekend away at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Granadaland, my twelfth Blackpool Bash to-date. It was great adding ICON to my coaster count, and riding Grand National, Big Dipper, the Big One and other rides again. 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 tenth time to-date, this time performing "Baby Shark". For me, it was an unexpected shock being voted the best and worst act, but I've had that honour once before. 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 entertainers Martin Scott-Price, Wendy Adams Evans and Mick Miller Friday evening, to the ride staff required for operating the applicable rides during 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. The only let-down was the weather on Saturday; strong winds all day, and drizzle / rain at times. At least Sunday was dry all day, sunny at times and far less windy than Saturday.
RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019 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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