Tickets collected and bearings found, we headed back to our "hotel" to get changed for the evening. We'd already had numerous comments on our attire (thankfully complimentary!) and that was just wearing our usual daywear! :-)
17 May 2011
Saturday daytime
17 May 2011 13:07Had to get up relatively early in order to catch breakfast - not bad and only £5 - then back to our room to get dressed up for the day.
( Riverside entertainment, castle, contraptions and boats! )
Saturday night ball
17 May 2011 13:28Has to be said that the Ball was a bit more of a Cabaret show than an actual Ball - no harm in that in itself, as the acts were very good; however it did mean my attire was a tad inappropriate. It was very uncomfortable trying to sit on a small plastic chair whilst wearing a bustle!!
The acts included Can-can dancers, burlesque, magic show, a superb escapologist and two bands Jarmean? and Rogora Khart. Jarmean? were a London band, of the eclectic steampunk mode. A bit political in places but had a very enthusiastic and energetic dancer who kept the act looking interesting. Rogora Khart describe themselves as Georgian gypsy punk, from the mysterious lands of Newportograd ;-) Totally mental and good fun, although by this stage we were desperate to stretch our legs and get some fresh air, so much of the time was spent pretending to be smokers and socialising with others.
( some pics of the Ball )Alas, before we knew it, the evening ended and it was time to make the trip back uphill to the world of chav. We fortunately received an escort for most of the way, in the form of an old punk who was very interested in what was going on over the weekend but then we had to face the fight through the bar again.
This time we didn't manage to get through unobserved, as it was even busier than the night before. some blokes took an interest in Rob's attire, in general being quite complimentary although one tried to steal his pith helmet (fortunately saved by a slightly more sensible friend!); it was so busy that it was impossible to escape and in the end had to push our way through; was terrified that my dress was going to be damaged. :-(
We managed to escape in one piece though and spent the next hour packing our cases ready for the next day, until the music stopped playing downstairs.
Sunday to continue soon, as my lunchbreak is now over!!