RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019

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 GWR train from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads. Next, I caught the 11:21 GWR train to Newport (Gwent). When I arrived there at 12:00, I had time to buy myself a ham and cheese mustard toastie, plus a standard Americano, from Hi Coffee at the station, before continuing my journey on the 12:19 Transport for Wales train to Manchester Piccadilly. I consumed my toastie and coffee shortly after getting on the train and finding a seat. Having arrived Manchester Piccadilly at 15:09, I had just enough time to buy myself a takeaway raspberry and almond bake, plus an Americano Medio, from Costa Coffee, on the bridge. I completed my train journey on the 15:31 Northern train to Blackpool North. I finally arrived at Blackpool North at 16:51. Finally, 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. Since it was Curry Club night, I decided to have a Curry Club meal. For main course I chose large Beef Madras, which included rice, one onion bhaji, one vegetable samosa, one plain naan and two puppodums. A drink from the range specified on the Curry Club menu was included; I chose a pint of Heineken. As expected, the curry was delicious and quite hot, and the accompaniments bulked it up. Nonetheless, as far as I'm concerned, a meal is not complete without a dessert. I enjoyed British Bramley apple crumble, with ice cream, for dessert. Yummy! The dessert was a standalone item, not part of, or at a special rate in conjunction with, the Curry Club meal, but nonetheless it was the perfect end to my meal. Altogether a delicious and filling two-course meal, and thankfully the wait wasn't all that long this time. Having finished my dessert, I consumed the rest of my beer at a leisurely pace. Unexpectedly, I saw Andy and Mary Knight there, so once I had finished eating, 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.

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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, filling breakfast: cereal (I chose cornflakes), two glasses of orange juice, a full English breakfast (one fried egg, one sausage, one rasher of bacon, one slice of black pudding, one hash brown, baked beans, two triangles of fried bread), four triangles of toast, one mug of coffee. Due to there being a lot of other guests in the dining room at the same time as me, all having their breakfast too, I had to wait a bit between finishing my cereal and having my full English, but it was worth the wait. As anticipated, it kept me going all day. I spent the rest of 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 fizzy drink (I chose Coca-Cola). Fish and chips are a must-have in Blackpool. Having finished my Pablo's Special, I felt like a dessert, so I returned to the servery and bought myself a strawberry sundae, consisting of ice cream, topped with whipped cream. Ice cream is another seaside tradition one needs to have during a stay in Blackpool. Altogether a delicious two-course meal; just what I needed after having gone without food since finishing my breakfast. Having finished my sundae, I left Pablo's and walked straight to the Paradise Room.

Friday Fun

The Blackpool Bash officially began when the Paradise Room doors opened around 19:30. At the time, I was wearing my self-designed black "RCCGB Fun Night" T-shirt (made by Gildan). Inside the Casino Tower ground floor foyer, I removed my jogging bottoms to reveal my fluorescent pink sports shorts and my fluorescent pink football socks, which were underneath. Having done that, I ascended the spiral stairs and entered the Paradise Room around 19:45. Once inside, I found myself a seat and bought myself half a pint of Heineken to drink.

Andy's Welcome

The fun really began when Andy Hine appeared around 20:10 and said his annual catchphrase "Everybody say Blackpool", followed by his welcome speech. Shortly afterwards Graham Shaw joined him to show some RCCGB merchandise, which was to go on sale Saturday lunchtime. This was followed by three acts.

Act 1: Martin Scott-Price

The first official act was magician Martin Scott-Price. By far, 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. He also called a male member on stage to kneel down and wear a hat for the trick, and there were some rope tricks.

Act 2: Wendy Adams Evans

The second act was Club member Wendy Adams Evans, singing a selection of songs, those being:
"Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley
"I'll be there for you" - The Rembrandts
"Coasters are a girl's best friend" (adapted from "Diamonds are a girl's best friend") - Marilyn Monro
"Can't Get You Out of My Head" - Kylie Minogue
"Bring Me Sunshine" - Morecambe and Wise
"Brown girl in the ring" - Boney M
"Thank you for the music" - ABBA

A good selection of songs to include in the Friday evening show. Furthermore, Wendy didn't expect to get through this many, so the last two or three could be seen as bonus songs.

Interval

After Wendy had finished singing, the interval began. During this time, I bought myself half a pint of Fosters to drink during the rest of the evening. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the interval lasted longer than intended. Anyway, around 22:00, Nev reappeared to introduce the final act of the night, Mick Miller.

Act 3: Mick Miller

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.

Drinking Up Time

When Mick finished performing around 22:40, Nev announced that Friday Fun was over. There was still time to finish our drinks. I spoke to, and had my picture taken with, a few other members during this time. Officially we had to be out by 23:00. I didn't log the exact minute I left this time but anyway, having left via the spiral stairs, I went straight back to my hotel.

Friday Fun Summary

On the whole, an excellent selection of entertainment to start the RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019. Many thanks to Andy Hine for organising the entertainment, and to the three entertainers Martin Scott-Price, Wendy Adams Evans and Mick Miller for performing. Once again, 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.

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Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (daytime)

First Thing

Having awoke at 06:30, I put on my self-designed "Coaster Crazy Kidult on Tour!" T-shirt (made by Gildan). I asked for an early breakfast at 08:00, so that I could be at the Paradise Room soon after 08:30. I had a choice of cereal (I chose cornflakes) and one glass of orange juice. To make my cooked breakfast quicker to prepare, I ordered beans on toast, but much to my surprise, it included a sausage, a rasher of bacon, a slice of black pudding and a few triangles of buttered toast as extras. In addition, I had one mug of coffee. Once I had finished my breakfast, I put my blue Team Bath hoody (made by Surridge) on over my T-shirt.

Initial Meet-Up

Members were required to meet in the Paradise Room from 08:30. To save having to return to my hotel early evening, I took everything I needed for the evening (camcorder and tripod, evening outfit, etc.), in my large bag, to the Paradise Room after breakfast. Along the way, I felt the strong wind blowing my large bag sideways. I entered via the staircase at the north end of the building. Once inside the Paradise Room, I placed my large bag in a dressing room back stage. Shortly afterwards, I queued to be issued with my ride wristband. However, I wasn't given a Park Pass as I was told I wouldn't need one Saturday. Whilst in the Paradise Room, I spoke to a few other members. Around 09:10 the Club entered the Pleasure Beach through the gate, which was earlier than previous years. At the time 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 ICON for the first time ever. Blue Flyer was also available. 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 ICON on what was the Club's first ever ERS on it, he was at least able to see, and speak to, members entering and leaving the ride.

ICON

This Mack Rides Launch Coaster (Custom) began operating on 25 May 2018. Since that was seven weeks after last year's RCCGB Blackpool Bash, this was the Club's first ever ERS on it. According to the RCDB, ICON is one of six coasters of this particular model currently operating worldwide. With a track length of 3,750 ft, ICON is currently the second longest coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and the fourth longest coaster in the UK. However, with an overall height of 88.5 ft, it is only the third tallest coaster within the Pleasure Beach, and is outside the top ten tallest coasters of the UK. My first go during this ERS also happened to be my first ever time of riding this coaster. The train left the station very slowly. After a pause a short distance from the station, the train rapidly ascended the lift hill and travelled around the course of the track. The route is too complex for me to describe it in detail, but about mid-way along, there is a high point, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Altogether a really thrilling coaster, which gives a fast and very smooth ride; a much-needed new addition to the Pleasure Beach. During the rest of the ERS, I had time for two more goes on ICON, the last of which was in the second row. Furthermore, on one of my goes during this ERS, I spoke to Club member Karen Aitken, who was in the queue behind me.

Summary of my rides during the Saturday morning ERS: ICON 3. Did anyone beat me on that?

Morning Free Time

The morning ERS ended at 10:30. Thereafter, 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. It is possible to have just one or two tracks running. On this occasion, 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 had two goes as follows:

First go:Green track horse 9. Unfortunately, I didn't log whether or not my horse won or lost against the one on the yellow track.

Second go:Yellow track horse 2. Along the way, I sang "Giddy up giddy up brave prince" and shouted "giddy up, people have got their money bet on you", in the hope my horse would win. Despite that, the horse on the green track finished way ahead of me!

Just before my first go on Steeplechase, I noticed it was due to close at 17:00. The operator said the whole Pleasure Beach was now closing at 17:00; it was originally going to close at 18:00, but closing time had been brought forward to 17:00 due to the weather.

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 queue for this was very short; back as far as the top landing. That said, when I reached the top of the up staircase, waiting in the queue was really unpleasant as the full force of the strong wind could be felt there. Thankfully, the wind didn't seem quite so severe beyond the turnstile, which is why I waited until I reached the entry platform to remove my glasses, put them in their case and into my rucksack. Whilst waiting to get on, I told the attendant I was surprised this could run at all in the strong wind; he too was equally surprised. When I finally got on, 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, and didn't return to it later in the day. Unsurprisingly, I felt the strong wind going down the stairs, and was glad to be back on the ground.

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 basket number 5. 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. My one go on Diego's Rainforest Rescue now was my only go on it all day.

Blue Flyer

Having missed Blue Flyer during the morning ERS, now was a convenient time for me to ride it. 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. One go consists of one lap. Although the resort's smallest wooden coaster, it was great fun. Having exited the ride, I re-queued for a second go. After finishing my second go, I resisted the temptation to have any more goes on Blue Flyer as I wanted to go on other rides before lunch.

Nickelodeon Streak

This classic sit-down wooden coaster 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). I had to wait a few runs to get on this. When it was my turn to ride, I sat in the back row and enjoyed the ride. Due to the waiting time, I limited myself to one go on Nickelodeon Streak.

At this point I left Nickelodeon Land to have some rides elsewhere. I headed for Big Dipper next

Big Dipper

Having just ridden the two wooden coasters in Nickelodeon Land, I was determined to ride Big Dipper next. I had to wait a few runs to get on, but I didn't mind. This sit-down wooden coaster was built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. and has been operating since 1923. 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, but on this occasion, it felt very rough (I wondered if that was due to the strong wind blowing through the wooden lattice structure). Due to the waiting time, I limited myself to just one go on Big Dipper for now. In fact, this turned out to be my only go on it all day, as I didn't return to it later.

River Caves

My final ride before lunch was River Caves. There were only a few other riders in front of me when I got there, so I didn't have long to wait for a vacant boat. When it was my turn, I sat alone in boat 7. The boat 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. Altogether a fun and restful ride. My only mistake was forgetting to put my glasses back on between leaving Big Dipper and getting on River Caves, because I was unable to see the scenes clearly without them. For now, I only had one go. Although I favoured having another go later with my glasses on, that would inevitably be time dependent as I wanted to go on lots of other rides during the afternoon.

Having disembarked from River Caves, it was time for me to go to the Paradise Room for lunch, so I headed towards the exit.

Lunch at Paradise Room

Around 12:30 I left the Pleasure Beach to go to the Paradise Room for lunch. As soon as I got there, I found a seat next to Planenut. Having done that, I approached the bar. In all previous years that I've been to the Blackpool Bash, attendees were entitled to one drink, included in the trip price, Saturday lunchtime. However, this year, there were no drinks vouchers, and therefore members had to buy their Saturday lunchtime drinks. I bought myself a Pepsi. Just like previous years, a cooked meal was still included in the trip price, so I went to get my meal next. The queue was long, but before I knew it, I reached the food serving point. Members had one hot dog sausage, plus either one beef burger or one chicken burger (they weren't allowed to have a beef burger and a chicken burger but no hot dog sausage). I had a hot dog sausage and a beef burger. Chips and fried onions were also included. Buns were available to put the chosen items in (I had a long bun for my hot dog sausage and fried onions) and side salad was also available. During lunch, Nev gave a speech. After he finished, Andy Hygate - Deputy Director of Operations gave a speech about various Pleasure Beach matters. Club merchandise was available, including the white "Real Coasters are made of WOOD" T-shirts (made by Gildan), which were new this year, 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. Never mind, there were plenty of other rides still operating, several of which I hadn't been on during the morning.

Derby Racer

My first after-lunch ride was Derby Racer. Basically, this is a giant version of galloping horses. Although not a particularly thrilling ride, it was nonetheless great fun. I only had one go, which turned out to be my only go on it all day.

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 still determined to ride it 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 four 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 with Carl May on blue train, which climbed the left lift hill. Opponent maroon train. The maroon train won, and the blue train, which we were on, lost. Carl and I parted after leaving the ride.
Second go (right lift hill)This time I sat alone on maroon train, which climbed the right lift hill. Opponent blue train. The maroon train, which I was on, won.

Coffee Break

The time was now 14:50, and I felt like a cup of coffee, so I went to T Café to enjoy a cup of coffee. By the time I was ready to leave T Café, light rain was falling, but I was eager to have some more rides.

Avalanche

This Mack Rides Bobsled (Custom) 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. I didn't measure how long it took me to get on this, but anyway, it was quite some time as the queue stretched back to the outdoor zig-zag. Nonetheless, the ride was well worth the wait. When it was my turn, I got into the third car of the train. Once despatched, 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. Due to the queuing time, I only had one go on Avalanche, which turned out to be my only go on it all day.

Infusion

This Vekoma SLC (689m Standard) inverted steel coaster originally operated as Traumatizer at Pleasureland Southport from 1999 to 5 September 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. Infusion was walk-on when I approached its entrance. I sat in the back 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 second row. This time around the ride was so quiet that, after I was seated, I had to wait a few more minutes for extra riders to turn up and get on. Eventually, once the attendant was satisfied there were enough riders on board, the train was despatched and I enjoyed my second go. At the end of my second go, I left Infusion to go on something else. This turned out to be my final coaster ride of the 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) and mini Gromit Unleashed sculptures around Bristol and beyond during summer 2013, the Shaun the Sheep sculptures around Bristol during summer 2015 and the Gromit Unleashed 2 sculptures around Bristol and beyond in summer 2018, I was particularly keen to ride this. When I was near this ride, I saw Wendy Adams Evans, Barry Frost and a few other Blackpool Bash 2019 attendees, so I took the opportunity to ride with them. I sat with Wendy in the front of one car, Barry sat in the back of the same car. 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.

Having left the ride, I showed Wendy, Barry and the others some of my Gromit Unleashed 2 photos from last summer. Afterwards I they favoured going on the Ghost Train next, so I stuck with them intending to ride it with them. Unfortunately, when we got there, Ghost Train was closed due to a technical fault. At this point I went around alone again hoping to ride anything that was still operating before closing time. I continued as follows:

River Caves

Just around the corner, River Caves was still operating. Although I had already ridden it once just before lunch, I decided to ride it again. I only faced a very short wait to get on this ride. The operator let me sit in boat 10 alone, even though there were more riders when it was my turn to ride. The journey through the series of rooms was just the same as when I rode River Caves earlier, however this time I was wearing my glasses and therefore able to see the scenes properly. Just like earlier, I limited myself to one go on River Caves.

Ghost Train

Having disembarked from River Caves, I retraced my steps. Much to my surprise, Ghost Train was running again, and riders were now being allowed on to it, so I decided to ride it alone. Unsurprisingly this was walk-on; I managed to get straight into car 17. Despite attending every RCCGB Blackpool Bash since 2008, this is one of my least used rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This ghost train has up and down hill sections, so can this be classed as a coaster? When I returned to the station, the ride cars were lined up behind each other, and it looked as though the attendants weren't letting any more riders on it, so I ended up having just one go on Ghost Train.

Alice Ride

Closing time was fast approaching, so I headed towards Alice Ride, hoping to fit in a go on that before leaving the Pleasure Beach. When I got there, I asked the attendant if Alice Ride was still open; surprisingly it was, so I got into car 6. This fantasy ride is another of my least ridden rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since I first attended the RCCGB Blackpool Bash in 2008. Riders travel through an Alice in Wonderland / Through the Looking Glass themed building, featuring characters from the story. Interestingly the ride cars run on a track, which has mild undulations, so can one class this as a coaster? Obviously, I only had time for one go on this, which turned out to be my final ride of the day.

I must admit, my last two rides, Ghost Train and Alice Ride, were scraping the bottom of the barrel a bit, but at least they were two rides that I managed to cram in close to closing time, in an effort to maximise my total ride count for the day. After I left Alice Ride, I walked past the entrance to Valhalla, but the attendants were just putting the tape across, preventing any more riders from joining the queue. Without further ado, I headed for the Park exit.

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 morning, and after lunch, 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. Anyway, many thanks to the ride staff for operating ICON and Blue Flyer before opening, and to the caterers for providing the inclusive lunch in the Paradise Room.

Coffee at Pizza Hut

Leaving the Pleasure Beach just after 17:00 created a problem for me, because according to my Back Stage Pass, Blackpool Bash attendees participating in the evening show were allowed access to the Paradise Room from 18:00. My original plan was to ride until the advertised closing time of 18:00, and go straight into the Paradise Room for a rehearsal. That's why I left my belongings back stage first thing, to save me needing to race to my hotel and back to the Paradise Room just after 18:00. I now had time to spare, but didn't want to return to my hotel room. I looked for somewhere nearby to get myself a coffee. Walking southwards along the sea front was quite unpleasant, as the rain was now quite heavy, whilst the wind was still very strong. I ended up going to Pizza Hut, Ocean Boulevard; whilst waiting to be seated I pointed out that I only wanted a coffee there. The person I saw said that was alright, but I felt it worth checking because, given the time of day, I might be expected to have a pizza when I didn't want one (I've been to the Pizza Hut in Bristol city centre around the same time of day for a pizza followed by Ice Cream Factory a fair few times in the last eighteen months). Once seated, I ordered an Americano, and when it arrived, I enjoyed it at a leisurely pace. Having finished my coffee, and paid the bill, I headed for the Casino Tower. Walking northwards along the sea front, into the strong wind, was quite difficult.
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Day Two - Saturday 27 April 2019 (evening)

When I got to the Casino Tower, the doors which members went through lunchtime were locked shut. So were the doors further around (through which I entered Friday evening), and the ticket centre doors. Eventually, I found an open door into a corridor leading up to a reception where visitors sign in. I showed my Back Stage Pass and my RCCGB 2019 membership card, signed in, went up the back staircase and along a corridor to the Paradise Room. Once there, I chose my seat, set up my camcorder and put on my evening outfit. 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. Since there were several acts wanting rehearsals, I had to wait for a suitable opportunity to have a rehearsal. When a suitable moment arose, I rehearsed my Gong act "Baby Shark" on stage, once through. From my seat I also saw some other performers' rehearsals, including some I would be unable to see for real during the show. Once all the rehearsals had taken place, a medley of cartoon theme tunes was played on the sound system; this continued until the start of the show.

Around 19:15 the doors at the top of the spiral stairs 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 thought outside the box and 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.

Coaster Crazy Show

Show Opener: The Sheppards - Muppets

The Coaster Crazy Show began around 20:15 with the opening act. This made use of the Muppet Show style backdrop. The Muppet Show Theme began playing on the sound system, and ten Muppets (controlled by the Sheppards) appeared in the boxes, just like in the opening sequence to The Muppet Show. The song ended with "This is now the Coaster Crazy Show" in place of "This is what we call the Muppet Show". A spectacular opening act that tied in with the cartoons and kids' TV theme.

Introduction: Andy Hine

Once all the Muppets had been removed, the backdrop opened up and Nev appeared, dressed in a Fred Flintstone outfit. He gave his opening speech, starting with a series of jokes. He reminded the audience that everyone performing Saturday evening was a Club member, only one of whom was professional. He outlined what was coming up during the evening, including the Gong Show (he said there was going to be some right cack in that), and the games. Finally, he said the stage will lower for the after-show party, and mentioned one particular song which has become the Club theme tune. He was referring to "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" - Verka Serduchka, which has been played, in full, towards the end of the disco annually for several years now.

Act 1: Emma Erangey - "Gold"

Next, Emma Erangey sang "Gold", which was a hit single for Spandau Ballet in 1983. Admittedly the song had little, if any, connection with the evening theme, but nonetheless, she did really well, considering (according to Nev) it was her first ever time of performing solo, on stage.

Game 1: Kids' Gopher

It was now time for the first game of the night, this one solely for children under 12. This year Nev reverted to the selection method he used up until 2017, that is, he asked ten children under 12 to approach the stage. In the past this has tended to be so popular that Nev has had to turn some children away once the ten seats were filled. In stark contrast, there seemed to be a lack of interest this year. After struggling to get nine children on the stage, he decided to start the game anyway. Nev read out a waiver, aimed at the parents of the participating children, before going any further. Having done that, he asked all the children to introduce themselves, one by one. After that, the game began. When called, they ran into the audience to fetch an item specified by Nev, e.g. hotel key, mobile phone. 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 9: Blackpool Bash programme
Round of 8: Any roller coaster club membership card (they all turned out to be RCCGB ones)
Round of 7: A right sock (not a left sock)
Round of 6: Hotel key
Round of 5: New Club lanyard
Round of 4: Mobile phone
Round of 3: Brush or comb
Final round (2 participants): Man's pair of trousers

The youngest participant, Freya, won the game. It's worth pointing out that, every time Nev asked the children to fetch the required item from the audience, she stayed in the seat she occupied from the start, and items were handed to her, which I feel was unfair. At the end, Nev admitted she must have been the first ever Gopher Game participant, in 31 years, to have not left the seat. 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.

As soon as the Kids' Gopher game ended, I went back stage for the Gong Show.

Act 2: CJ (Ella & Mollie) - Dancing

Two girls Ella & Mollie, performing under the stage name CJ (which originates from the initial letters of their surnames), were back again this year to perform their latest dancing and gymnastics routine. They began by doing cartwheels towards the front of the stage. Subsequent elements included synchronised arm and leg movements, spins and jumps. Part way through, one girl did a handstand, and laid her lower legs on the other girl's shoulders. Finally, they did cartwheels towards the back of the stage, before walking off in opposite directions at the back. Altogether another excellent, well-choreographed sequence of movements, which must have been really difficult to perform, yet Ella and Mollie made it look really easy. The song which accompanied their routine was "On & On" - Cartoon (Feat. Daniel Levi).

The Gong Show

It was now time for the famous Gong Show, which featured a record-breaking 11 acts this year.

Gong Act 1: Linda Reynolds - Lion Tamer HORN WENT

Linda Reynolds first performed in the Gong Show last year. This year she returned as a lion tamer, appropriately accompanied by the song "What's New Pussycat" - Tom Jones. Whilst Nev was introducing her, a large cuddly lion was placed at the front of the stage. Linda entered the stage, picked up the lion and cuddled it. Almost immediately, she dropped the lion. Shortly afterwards, she picked up the lion again, but quickly fell to the floor, and started rolling over as though she was fighting with a real lion. The horn went 45 seconds after Linda entered the stage. As Linda left the stage, she picked up the lion and swung it around by its tail.

Gong Act 2: Ryan Hackett - "Ay-oh" (Queen)

Ryan Hackett has appeared in the Gong Show a number of times in the past. This year he returned wearing a Freddie Mercury mask, and holding a microphone, for a tribute to Freddie Mercury. Whilst a recording of "Ay-oh" Queen was played on the sound system, Ryan walked around the stage moving his right arm in a similar manner to Freddie Mercury's performance of "Ay-oh" at Live Aid in 1985. It's unclear though from my camcorder recording whether Ryan actually sang along, or just did the actions, but anyway he reached the end of this chant without the horn blowing. As Ryan left the stage, Nev said "I've worked out the trick to this, get something the audience can join in with, then they can't boo and hiss."

Gong Act 3: Coaster Girls - Irish dancing HORN WENT

The Rogers Girls have performed various Gong Show and billed acts during recent years. This time they were back in the Gong Show, as the Coaster Girls, to perform an Irish dance, along to the song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" The Charlie Daniels Band. For some parts of the act the three girls danced together, whereas sometimes just one girl danced whilst the other two girls stood and clapped. After just over three minutes of dancing, the horn finally went. Well done to those girls in putting together the dance routine, and remembering all the moves at the correct times.

Gong Act 4: Gary Oliver - Stand-up comedy HORN WENT

First-timer Gary Oliver entered the stage to amuse the audience with his comedy. As soon as he said "Hello", the audience repeatedly shouted off. Shortly afterwards, he said "I tell you what though, I'm hoping I'm going to last longer than Nemesis Nick's trip reports". He went on to say "Although, I must say last night, eh-oh eh-oh!" Whether or not that statement was referring to the entertainment in the Friday Fun Night the previous evening will now remain a mystery, but anyway much booing followed and the horn went.

Gong Act 5: Chris Bell - Invisible Man HORN WENT

When Nev introduced this act, he said "With a very special and unusual guest tonight … Claude, the invisible man, Raynes, who has been practising for a Full Monty audition". A mysterious voice said "Music please, maestro", and the song "The Full Monty Medley" began playing on the sound system. Nonetheless, Claude did not appear. Less than a minute later, the horn went, and Nev said "Ladies and gents, Claude Raynes, thank you Claude". A mysterious voice responded "That's not my name" and Nev said "Get off!"

Gong Act 6: Sam Bryant - Pokémon Theme HORN WENT

Sam Bryant entered the stage dressed as the Pokémon character Ash Ketchum, to sing the Pokémon Theme. After Sam had sung the first four lines, someone else, dressed in a large inflatable Pikachu costume, entered the stage. When Sam reached the line "Every challenge along the way," the horn went. Nev said "Well done Sam and friend", followed by "just give them a few seconds to get out of the corridor, because the next act can't get on otherwise".

Gong Act 7: A-M-A - Dancing HORN WENT

Two girls, under the stage name A-M-A, performing a dancing and gymnastics routine to the song "Solo Dance" by Martin Jensen. Their routine featured synchronised arm and leg movements, and a jump. Part way through, one girl briefly mounted the other girl's back. When the girls reached the end of their dance routine, they both left together in one direction. The horn went once the girls could no longer be seen. Altogether a well-choreographed routine, the girls made it look really easy, but without a shadow of a doubt it must be rather difficult. The style was similar to what CJ had performed just before the start of the Gong Show; A-M-A could become a competitor to CJ in future years.

Gong Act 8: James Staggs - Saxophone Player HORN WENT

When Nev announced this act, a pre-recorded American sounding speech began, which referenced the RCCGB USA 2018 tour. About 40 seconds later, James Staggs entered the stage, wearing a RCCGB USA 2018 tour T-shirt, and carrying an inflatable saxophone. James pretended to play the saxophone 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.

Gong Act 9: Carter & The Bogglets - Juggling HORN WENT

Nev announced this as a speciality act. It featured Julia Carter, plus Debra and Grace Boggis, performing under the stage name "Carter & The Bogglets". Two of them juggled balls, whilst one stood still. Both jugglers dropped balls, and picked them up. Their act was accompanied by the tune "Mexican Hat Rock" (The Applejacks). It wasn't long before the horn went. As the trio left the stage, someone in the audience shouted "That wasn't very good".

Gong Act 10: Sir Richard (Keith Wakeling) - "Knights in White Satin" HORN WENT

Keith Wakeling, under the stage name Sir Richard, wore what seemed to be a historical costume. He sang "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.

Gong Act 11: Nemesis Nick - "Baby Shark" HORN WENT

Ten acts gone, one to go. Nev asked the audience "Who haven't we had?" and the audience called out "Nemesis Nick". Nev announced "Go on then, you can have him, please welcome Nemesis Nick". This year, my act was "Baby Shark". In the run-up to the Blackpool Bash, I was in two minds about whether to sing and do the actions, or just do the actions (like Brave Prince in 2012). Due to the difficulty in singing into a microphone on a stand whilst doing some of the actions, I decided to just do the actions. There was much cheering and applause when I reached the end of the song without the horn blowing.

Vote for Best Act

Top two: James Staggs, Nemesis Nick
Winner: Nemesis Nick

Vote for Worst Act

Bottom two: Gary Oliver, Nemesis Nick
Ultimate worst: Nemesis Nick

Blow me down, after being voted the best act, I ended up being the voted the worst act as well, which seems bizarre to say the least! Still, I've already been put 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. I missed most of that too, as I went to buy my final drink of the night, half a pint of Heineken before returning to my seat.

Act 3: Dan Ould - Tape Face

Back to the billed acts next. Dan Ould, who won the Gong Show 2018, was back to perform a tribute to Tape Face. Dan entered the stage, with tape over his mouth, and performed a series of acts. These included a) laying on a stool, belly downwards, and spinning around with his arms out, accompanied by the song "Free Fallin'" (Tom Petty), and b) doing an envelope trick in front of his assistant, whilst standing behind, accompanied by "Return To Sender" (Elvis Presley). When Dan finished performing, someone in the audience shouted "Get off!". That was inappropriate for this act as it wasn't part of the Gong Show.

Game 2: Yes / No (Open the Box)

The final game of the night consisted of two parts.

Part One - Yes/No

Nev asked six adults to approach the stage. Thankfully he had no problem getting six keen adults on stage. Nev asked each participant a series of questions. The participants were not allowed to say "Yes" or "No", pause, hesitate, or give irrelevant answers. Colleen timed how long each contestant lasted. The order in which the contestants answered questions, and the time they lasted before being stopped, is as follows:

Andy: 12 seconds
Mark: one minute
Tamara: 3 seconds
Chris: 25 seconds
Jenny: 3 seconds
Gary: 10 seconds

Part Two - Open the Box

The top two, Chris and Mark, continued into the second part, Open the Box. Envelopes, containing details of nine prizes, were shuffled and randomly placed into nine boxes, one per box. 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). At the other end of the scale, there were some booby prizes, including a stick of Blackpool Rock, a RCCGB sticker, a 20th anniversary pen.

Mark, who lasted longest in part one, had the first choice of box. He chose box number 9. Nev asked Mark to choose between taking the box, or taking £5. Mark kept the box for now, so Nev offered him £10 as an alternative to taking the box. For now, Mark kept the box. Nev continued offering more and more cash, whilst Mark continued keeping the box. Eventually, when the cash option rose to the maximum offer of £50, Mark decided to take the money. Just as well, because when box 9 was opened, its prize (which Mark declined) was a stick of Blackpool Rock.

Chris was next. Obviously, he only had eight boxes to choose from; he chose box 3. Nev offered Chris the option of taking £5 cash, or the box; Chris stuck with the box for now. This time Nev increased his cash offers in greater steps, but Chris continued sticking with the box. When he was eventually offered the maximum of £50 cash, he decided to take box number 3. Luckily for him, that box contained the stay at the Big Blue Hotel (worth over £200); the more valuable option.

When the game was over, the stay for a family of four at the Drayton Manor Hotel (which was the most valuable prize) still hadn't been won, so Nev auctioned it to raise money for charity. The bidding started at £100, and offers gradually rose. Eventually, the prize was sold to someone who bid £400 for it. Interestingly, Nev didn't reveal the exact amount above £300 that this prize was actually worth. The prize may have been worth around £310, alternatively it could have been worth £399, or even above £400. It's impossible to tell whether the £400 bid was more or less than the value of the prize.

Finale: Wendy Adams Evans - "Yellow Submarine" / "Bare Necessities"

It was now time for the finale. Wendy Adams Evans entered the stage, dressed as Laa-Laa. On entry, she said "Eh-oh" before singing "Yellow Submarine". After she sang the line "And the band begins to play", Paul Heaney and Alan Hunt joined her. Next, she sang "Bare Necessities" twice over; at the second performance, she asked the audience to join in, as the Sheppards appeared at the back of the stage with their Muppets. When Wendy finished singing, she said "Eh-oh" again.

Andy Hine: Thank Yous

At this point, Nev appeared on stage. 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 also thanked everyone in the audience for their presence, as the show could not take place without them.

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 song snippets, including "Pump Up the Jam" (Technotronic), Theme from S-Express (S-Express), "Ride on Time" (Black Box), Rd. Beat (Miami Sound Machine), "I.O.U." (Freeez), "The Model" (Kraftwerk), "Tainted Love" (Soft Cell), "Making Your Mind Up" (Bucks Fizz), "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley), Sandstorm (Darude), "YMCA" (Village People), "The Locomotion" (Kylie Minogue), "Can-Can" (Bad Manners), "Nellie The Elephant" (Toy Dolls), "Tom Hark" (The Piranhas), The Monkees Theme (The Monkees) and "Happy Days".

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

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. I finally left the Paradise Room via the spiral stairs. Back on the ground floor I went through the door marked "Private" in order to sign out before leaving the building through the door I entered early evening (recorded time 23:26). A few minutes later I was back in my hotel room.

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. Many thanks to Nev for organising all the daytime and evening activities, for suggesting (back in the winter) that I perform "Baby Shark" in the Gong Show, to all the other billed and Gong Show performers for taking part in the evening show, to the caterers for providing evening food, and to the sound and lighting crew Saturday evening.

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Day Three - Sunday 28 April 2019

First Thing

After an action-packed Saturday, I awoke at 06:45 and felt thirsty for more. I put on my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt, which I bought last May, for the first time ever. Once again, it was necessary for me to have an early breakfast, this time at 08:10. Just like Saturday morning, I had a choice of cereal (I chose cornflakes) and one glass of orange juice. To make my cooked breakfast quicker to prepare, I ordered beans on toast, but just like Saturday, it included a few extras: a sausage, a rasher of bacon, a hash brown and a few triangles of buttered toast. In addition, I had one mug of coffee.

Initial Meet-Up

After breakfast, I put my blue Team Bath hoody (made by Surridge) on over my T-shirt, left my hotel and walked to the Pleasure Beach as quickly as possible. Thankfully I only had my rucksack (which was on my back) that day. It was dry outside, and far less windy than Saturday morning, but it was a bit chilly. A few minutes later, I saw everyone waiting outside the Casino Tower. Shortly afterwards, a member of staff opened one of the doors and everyone went inside to wait on the ground floor of the tower. Whilst there, I went to the main desk to exchange my Sunday Wristband Voucher for my wristband and Park Pass. Once fitted with my wristband, I spoke to various other members. I also removed my outer layers to have a few pictures of me wearing my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt. Several members who saw my T-shirt liked it.

Morning ERS

When Nev was given the signal by the staff, the Club left the Casino Tower through the set of doors nearest the spiral stairs, and 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 headed towards Big Dipper. As I neared Big Dipper, several members were waiting to be allowed to proceed further southwards. It looked as though they were intending to ride Big One, but it was not open yet, and they were awaiting the signal to proceed the rest of the way there. To avoid wasting time waiting with them, I began with Big Dipper, which I could see was already open.

Big Dipper

Without further ado, I queued for Big Dipper. When it was my turn to ride, I sat in the front row with Herman. Sitting in the front row gave me an unobstructed view of the track ahead. Having completed the journey around the track, I had a second go, this time alone in the fifth row. On both goes, Big Dipper seemed less rough than it did when I rode it late morning on Saturday.

Grand National

Although the RCCGB did not have a Grand National ERS Saturday late afternoon for the fifth year running, Grand National was one of the three rides included in the Sunday morning ERS. I spent most of the rest of the ERS on Grand National, and had four goes, as follows:

First go (left lift hill): I was on the blue train, which climbed the left lift hill. Opponent maroon train. The maroon train won, way ahead of my train, worse luck!
Second go (right lift hill): I was in the second row of the blue train, which climbed the right lift hill. Opponent maroon train. The blue train, which I was on, won.
Third go (left lift hill): I was in the back row of the blue train, which climbed the left lift hill. Opponent maroon train. The maroon train won, way ahead, of my train, worse luck!
Fourth go (right lift hill): I was on the blue train, which climbed the right lift hill, Opponent maroon train. The blue train, which I was on, won.

Well you win some, you lose some. 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. Funnily enough, I managed to get on the same train for all four goes. Having completed my fourth go on Grand National, I briefly spoke to Nev, who was standing just outside the entrance.

Big Dipper

The ERS was now almost over, and I walked back to Big Dipper. When I got there, RCCGB Blackpool Bash attendees only were being allowed on it. No-one else from the Club was in the queue, and I was able to get straight into the front row of the train, which was already in the station. Since I was the only attendee on the train, the staff filled the rest of it with the general public before despatching it. Thus, I ended up riding with the general public on this go. 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 RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2019 was to all intents and purposes over when the ERS finished around 10:45. 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 pre-booked a Sunday wristband for the sixth year running, and was staying in Blackpool Sunday night for the third year running, I was able to continue 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.

Coffee Break

At this point I felt like a coffee, so I went into Champagne Coffee Lounge for a Grande Americano. Whilst there, I saw, and spoke to, Ann Morgan and Lorraine. They liked my "Warning not responsible if left unsupervised" T-shirt; one of them said "So does that mean we need to supervise you?". This was a much-needed, relaxing break from riding between the ERS and my first ride during normal opening time.

Having left Champagne Coffee Lounge, I walked across the Pleasure Beach to Nickelodeon Land. Whilst walking past Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, I met Peter O'Brien. I spoke to him briefly, and we had our picture taken together. After that, I continued walking towards Nickelodeon Land. Having already ridden two of the four wooden coasters (Big Dipper and Grand National) during the ERS, I rode the two wooden coasters in Nickelodeon Land next.

Nickelodeon Streak

My third wooden coaster for Sunday morning was Nickelodeon Streak. I enjoyed two goes on this. My first go was in the front row, giving me the added advantage of having an unobstructed view of the track ahead of me. I sat near the back of the train on my second go.

Blue Flyer

So far, I had ridden three of the four wooden coasters currently operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, so it was logical for me to ride Blue Flyer next. Although the smallest wooden coaster there, this was still great fun. I enjoyed two goes on Blue Flyer, and the waiting time was minimal for both goes.

Now that I had ridden all four 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.

Avatar Airbender

I missed this all day Saturday, so I was determined to ride it on Sunday. This Zamperla Disko was introduced as part of Nickelodeon Land in 2011. Riders sit at the edge of a giant disk facing outwards; on this occasion, I sat in the seat nearest the disk entrance. The disk spins whilst travelling a u-shaped track back and forth. In my opinion, the ride experience was no different to any other Zamperla Disko I've ridden elsewhere. A fun ride, but once was enough; just like any other Disko there's no way I could take two goes straight off. This was, in fact, my final Nickelodeon Land ride for Sunday.

Big One

My first steel coaster ride for Sunday was 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 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 four 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 fifth 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 ninth fastest currently operating coaster in Europe. It's certainly not the steepest any more, now there's Stealth, Rage and Mumbo Jumbo. This coaster was closed all day Saturday due to the strong wind, so I was particularly keen to ride it on Sunday. When I approached it, the queue stretched back as far as the entry turnstile, so I knew it would take me several runs to get on it, but I was willing to wait. Early on in the queue, I spotted Derek and Alan Eddy further ahead in the queue. Obviously, they had their turn, and exited the ride, well before I got near the front of the queue. Eventually, it was my turn to ride. 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. Due to the long queue, I only had one go on Big One for now, and since I didn't return to this ride later, this was my only go on it all day.

Revolution

Next, I headed towards Revolution. Unknown to me, there had just been a problem with it, but as I got close to its entrance, this coaster had just re-opened. Consequently, I was among the first few riders wanting to go on it since then, and hence I managed to get straight on to it. The wind at the top of the steps, and on the entry platform, was nothing like as strong as Saturday morning. The sunshine, and much calmer wind, meant the ride experience forwards through the loop, to the dead end and backwards through the loop was much more pleasant than in in the strong wind on Saturday. For now, I only had one go on Revolution; it turned out to be my only go on it all day.

Avalanche

Now for a go on the bobsleigh coaster Avalanche. Surprisingly, its queue wasn't as long as when I approached it Saturday afternoon. Whereas Saturday afternoon the queue stretched back through much of the open air zig-zag, this time the back of the queue was just before the point where riders enter the archway to go up the stairs. Even so, I still faced quite a long wait to get on it. When it was my turn to ride, I sat in the back car of the train. Just like when I rode Avalanche Saturday afternoon, I remained quiet and totally relaxed for the entire journey. This was my final ride before taking a lunch break.

Lunch at T Café

At this point I felt like a light snack, so I went to T Café. When I got there just before 14:00, I decided to have a cheese toasted sandwich meal deal. This included a packet of crisps and a drink (I chose coffee) at T Café. Out of choice, I wouldn't have bought crisps, but since there was no discount for not having them, I had them as part of the meal deal anyway; I chose ready salted. Anyway, I ate the toastie and all the crisps. Once I had finished my toastie, crisps and coffee, I left the café to resume riding. This was my last time of consuming refreshments within the Pleasure Beach as I didn't purchase any further food or drink during the rest of the afternoon.

Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic

I wanted to ride Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic next, but when I was close to it, I spotted three other RCCGB members wearing Blackpool Bash 2019 badges, so I approached them. They were Karl Travis and his two children. We spoke to each other briefly. When I said I was about to ride Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, they said they also intended to ride it, so I suggested we ride together, and they agreed. The waiting time for this ride was really short. Karl and I sat in the front row, whereas his children sat in the back row. The ride experience through the series of rooms was just the same as when I rode it with Wendy and Barry late afternoon on Saturday. 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.

River Caves

Next, I decided to ride River Caves, and this too had a very short waiting time. I got into boat number 5. The journey through the chambers was just the same as when I rode this on Saturday. My one go, on River Caves now, was my only go on this all day.

Ice Blast

Since I ended up not riding Ice Blast at all on Saturday, I was determined to ride it sometime on Sunday. When I approached its entrance, there were so few people waiting for it, I managed to get on its next run. 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, as there were other rides which I wanted to go on afterwards.

Having left Ice Blast, I saw a group of Blackpool Bash 2019 attendees, and spoke to them for a few minutes. This was my last sighting of other Blackpool Bash 2019 attendees on Sunday afternoon. After saying goodbye, I continued riding alone.

Flying Machines

Another ride I didn't go on Saturday, so I was determined to ride it on Sunday. Since this ride is located close to Ice Blast, it made sense for me to ride this next. When I reached the top of the stairs, the ride was in motion, but when it stopped, I was able to get on its next run. I got into plane GT7. 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. I only had one go on Flying Machines, which turned out to be my only go on them all day.

Derby Racer

My next ride was ride Derby Racer. Although not a particularly thrilling ride, this giant version of galloping horses was worth one go. This was my only go on it all day.

Having left Derby Racer, I walked to the south end of the Pleasure Beach, hoping to fit in a few rides there. However, given the amount of riding time I had left in the afternoon, I had to be selective, and prioritise what I most wanted to go on the rest of the day.

Steeplechase

I was determined to fit in at least one go Steeplechase during the remainder of the afternoon, so I approached it next. Just like on Saturday, the green and yellow lanes were open, but the red lane was closed. I rode horse 10 on the green track, and was up against a riderless horse on yellow track. Along the way, I sang "Giddy up giddy up brave prince" and shouted "giddy up, people have got their money bet on you", in the hope my horse would win. Thankfully, my horse was first past the post, but even if the riderless horse had been first home, surely that wouldn't have counted and I'd have still been the default winner anyway.

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 headed straight for ICON.

ICON

So far, I had only ridden this new coaster during the Saturday morning ERS, so I was determined to fit in one go on it during what was left of opening time. I joined the queue, which was quite long; I must have waited about half an hour to get on it. Anyway, when was my turn, I got on the train and enjoyed a fast and smooth ride around the track. Obviously, I only had time for one go. Having returned to the station, I exited ICON as quickly as I could.

By the time I had left ICON, I was still desperate to fit in a go on Infusion. Unfortunately, it's a long walk, via a round-a-bout route, from ICON exit to Infusion entrance. I began running in an attempt to speed up the journey, but when I got to Avalanche, I paused for a critical decision. Momentarily, I thought about whether I should continue all the way to Infusion, and risk it being closed when I reach its entrance, or abandon my desire to ride Infusion and go on Avalanche instead. I made a snap decision to do the latter, and went on Avalanche. Although I had ridden Avalanche once earlier on Sunday, I felt riding it again gave me a better chance of fitting in one more coaster ride during closing time.

Avalanche

I was able to go straight up the stairs, as the back of the queue was now at the turnstile landing. I asked the attendant if there was still time to get on Avalanche, there was. Despite the queue now being much shorter than earlier, I still had to wait a few runs to get on. When it was my turn to ride, I sat in the third car of what was the very last train of the day. Just like earlier, I remained quiet and relaxed for the whole journey around the bobsleigh track.

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 the rest of the day. 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. Many thanks to the ride attendants for operating Big One, Big Dipper and Grand National during the morning ERS.

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. Once again, it felt strange being in my room for what was to be my final night, as from 2008 to 2016 inclusive I just had a flying visit to collect my luggage upon leaving the Pleasure Beach.

Around 19:30 I went to The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon) for my evening meal. When I arrived there, I sat at a vacant table and took a while looking at the menu. Eventually I decided to have a BBQ chicken pizza for main course. Its topping included Mozzarella, BBQ sauce, chicken breast and red onion. An alcoholic drink from a specified selection was included; I chose one pint of John Smiths. My pizza was tasty and delicious. As always, a meal is not complete without a dessert, so for dessert I had warm cookie dough sandwich with ice cream. Yummy! I finished my dessert just after 20:15, but I still had a lot of my beer left in my glass. I stayed and enjoyed the rest of my beer at a leisurely pace. Altogether a delicious two-course dinner on my final night in Blackpool. Best of all the turnaround time on food quick. Having finished my beer around 20:50, I left The Velvet Coaster (Wetherspoon) and returned to my hotel.

Back in my hotel room, I just relaxed the rest of the evening. It seemed strange not spending this evening in the Paradise Room, after two evenings of entertainment there, but the Blackpool Bash 2019 had to come to an end at normal closing time on Sunday.

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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. I put on my self-designed 47th birthday T-shirt (made by Gildan) and began packing. Unlike Saturday and Sunday, I was able to have breakfast within the normal serving time of 08:30 to 09:30; I actually went to the dining around 08:45. Just like Friday morning, my breakfast consisted of cereal (I chose cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full English breakfast, four triangles of 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. Having finished my breakfast, I returned to my room, finished packing and vacated my room around 10:15.

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 soon after 10:30. This was my third visit there to-date, having previously been in 2017 and 2018.

Ground Floor

Once admitted I began with the Big Night In exhibition on the ground floor. Figures here include Simon Cowell on the sofa, Paddy McGuinness on the Take Me Out set, Alan Carr on the Chatty Man set and Keith Lemon beside the Celebrity Juice desk. One new figure I saw here this time, whom I don't recall seeing on my previous two visits, is Craig Revel Horwood from Strictly Come Dancing. Further on, a major alteration since last year is the new Doctor Who exhibition, occupying the rooms where Lifestyle TV and Crime Drama were until last year. Visitors enter the Doctor Who exhibition through what resembles a country lane after dark. At the end of the lane is a Police Box, with the current Doctor beside it. Going through into the next room, there are displays of costumes, including a Dalek. Presumably those costumes were used in past series of Doctor Who, as signs tell visitors not to touch them.

First Floor

From the Doctor Who exhibition, I ascended the up escalator, to the first floor. There I spent a fair amount of time in the Space exhibition, looking at information about the planets of the Solar System. In the Docu-Drama area, figures include Ben Fogle and David Attenborough. Whilst here, I also walked across the rope bridge above the escalator hole. Having crossed the bridge, I continued into the "I'm A Celebrity" exhibition, featuring Ant and Dec behind a desk. Further on, the football themed Locker Room includes footballers Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney. There is also a goal scoring simulator; I had several attempts at scoring five penalties in sequence, but my best score was three.

Second Floor

Next, I walked up a staircase to the second floor. Last year I regretted not spending longer in the Sporting Hero Academy and Marvel exhibitions, both of which were new for 2018, so I was determined to spend more time in both of them during this visit. Sporting Hero Academy focuses on the six sporting hero key indicators: agility, speed, poise, dedication, focus, stealth. There are a number of games in this area to test those, and I tried most of them. Unfortunately, the climbing wall, which I particularly wanted to go on, was closed for the whole day. As for the laser maze, there appeared to be a problem when I tried entering my name on the touch screen before the entrance. Without me registering in this way before entering, it would not be possible for my score to be calculated and displayed, so although the maze was open, I reluctantly gave it a miss. Figures in the Sporting Hero Academy exhibition include Lewis Hamilton, Mo Farah, darts player Phil Taylor and boxer Conor McGregor. Next, the Marvel exhibition begins with a display of various comics. Further into the Marvel exhibition, figures include Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Spiderman and Captain Marvel. After leaving the Marvel exhibition, I got to the recreation of the Rovers Return Inn. 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 Boddingtons there. The next exhibition is Music, featuring Tom Jones, Sting, Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. Whilst here, I also saw statues of The Beatles on the Abbey Road zebra crossing. Until last year, this was in the Best of British exhibition on the first floor, but has evidently been relocated to the Music exhibition on the second floor since my 2018 visit; personally, I think this is a move for the better as the Music exhibition is a more appropriate location for The Beatles. I had my picture taken on the crossing between The Beatles. The final figure on the second floor is Marie Tussaud.

First Floor (continued)

Back down on the first floor, I saw Benny Hill, walked through the mirror maze and sat in the giant deckchair. The next exhibition is Best of British exhibition, starting with six of the seven James Bond actors. This is a new addition since my last visit. Other figures in the Best of British exhibition include Hugh Bonneville, HM The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. I must admit, I rushed the rest of the first floor. The Festival Fields area is heavily themed around British music festivals. Figures in this area include Ed Sheeran, and Olly Murs. Further on, the I saw figures of John Thaw and David Jason. Until last year, these were on the ground floor, near the bottom of the escalator. Also present here are the height board and the Good Cop, Bad Cop game, both of which also used to be downstairs near the bottom of the escalator. Evidently the Crime Drama exhibition has been relocated to this part of the first floor since my last visit. I had my picture professionally taken against the height board (but didn't buy the photo), however to save time, I didn't bother with the Good Cop, Bad Cop game as I've done it on my previous visits. Near the top of the stairs to the ground floor, I saw a statue of Jeremy Kyle (until last year, he was in the first part of the ground floor)

Ground Floor (continued)

Having descended the stairs to the ground floor, I saw comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in the area where Shrek was until last year. Evidently the Comedy exhibition has been expanded into the room that used to accommodate Shrek until last year. The rest of the Comedy exhibition includes John Bishop, Tommy Cooper, and Ken Dodd, plus The Two Ronnies at their desk. Finally, beside the exit door I saw a figure of Bruce Forsyth.

Altogether this was another worthwhile visit to Madame Tussauds Blackpool, because it's changed quite a bit since my 2018 visit, with the addition of the Doctor Who exhibition, and relocation of some statues belonging to other exhibitions. Just like when I went there in 2017 and 2018, I photographed many of the figures and had my picture taken beside several of them. It's a pity the climbing wall, in Sporting Hero Academy, was closed all day, as I wanted to go on that, but you can't win them all I suppose. I finally left Madame Tussauds just after 15:00.

Monday Late Afternoon

Annoyingly, I left Madame Tussauds just as a southbound tram was departing Central Pier tram stop. By the time I crossed the road, and got to Central Pier platform, the tram had departed. Consequently, I had to wait the full interval between trams. I caught the next tram, which departed Central Pier at 15:16. Having left that tram at South Pier six minutes later, I returned to the hotel where I had stayed to collect my luggage. Once I had collected my luggage, I returned to South Pier tram stop and caught the 15:37 tram from South Pier to North Pier. When I got to North Pier, I wanted to get myself something to eat nearby before going to Blackpool North station. Nearby, The Frying Squad Fish and Chips in Market Street was open, so I went in and they were able to serve me fish and chips. I ordered a regular fish and chips meal deal, which included a choice of mushy peas, curry sauce or gravy (I chose curry sauce) and a can of drink (I chose Sprite). I had to wait about 10 minutes for my order to arrive, but it was worth the wait. When my order was ready, I sat inside to eat my order at one of their tables. Having left The Frying Squad, I walked straight to Blackpool North station. When I was just outside the station car park, I spotted Subway, Talbot Gateway just across the road. Since there was still about half an hour to my booked train, I called into Subway to have a large coffee.

Journey Home

Having left Subway, I walked across to Blackpool North station, collected my pre-booked ticket from the machine and went through the ticket barrier. The 17:11 Northern train to Manchester Piccadilly, which I was booked to catch, was already on one of the platforms and ready for boarding, so without further ado, I got on it. The train departed on time, and arrived Manchester Piccadilly at 18:46. Having arrived there, I had just enough time to buy myself a takeaway raspberry and almond bake, plus an Americano Medio, from Costa Coffee, on the bridge, before catching the 19:05 CrossCountry train to Bristol Temple Meads. After finding my booked seat, I consumed my cake and coffee on the train. The train finally arrived Bristol Temple Meads at 22:11, and once there, I completed my journey on the 22:23 South Western Railway train to Bath Spa. I finally arrived Bath Spa at 22:34, and soon after that, I was home.

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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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