As the music played off the last track of the entire event and as the lights went up at 6AM on Sunday morning one of the new friends I made, Matt, said “Now that is how you throw a party”. That pretty much sums it up. It was the event of the year.
After 6 months of build up the weekend was finally here. The very first ever Gaydar Days at Alton Towers. I had booked with Fabrizio, Kenton and Robbie to go up for the weekend and share a room. A bargain at £99 per person which included both the accommodation, breakfast and all of the parties. I met Fabrizio (Fab) from work at 3:30 and made the drive up to Staffordshire. It was pelting down with rain and that slowed us down but we made it in just over 3 hours. Parked the car and made our way into the lobby of the Splash Landings Hotel. The second we walked into the Lobby we bumped into Sam Vangeen, Neil Sexton, Jason Rosam, Jamie Crick, Yannick Lawry and a few more of the Radio Station crew but upon checking in had been told that we had been moved over to the Alton Towers hotel. Apparently due to an event they had moved most of the guests to the other hotel which was completely sold out. Checking into our room and receiving our wristbands to gain access to both the Alton Towers Hotel throughout the event and the water park dance party later that evening. We settled into the room and went down to enjoy dinner in the Restaurant. Every corner you turned I was bumping into familiar faces and dear old friends. As we were about to finish dinner music started in the lower bar and the evenings entertainments had begun. We grabbed a quick drink and shortly after that Kenton and Robbie arrived. We all changed into our dress code for the evening, Beach wear.
The Hotel has an indoor water park that was converted into one huge alternative venue for a nightclub. Although the rides were closed there was still a small splash pool open for those that wanted to get wet. Everyone clad in trunks, shorts and flip flops the party had begun. The bodies beautiful on display as we hooked up with more and more of the Gaydar gang. Mikey, Big Ben, Amanda, all of the Gaydar Radio crew. It was like Brighton Pride revisited. As the drinks flowed rapidly from the bar and the water park filled with around 1000 hot boys and girls the dancing began. It was a shame that the water rides were closed but alcohol and water don’t mix kindly and by 4AM we were all a little sad that the opening event was already over. Making our way up the stairs back into the hotel, more music was pumping out from the Margarita Bar. With Candy Bar DJs pumping out the sounds for the rest of what remained of the morning after party while still the bars remained open. Kenton and I had to keep out of the hotel room as Robbie & Fab had “hooked up”. Chilled in the dance area until it quietened down as people started to fizzle off and make their way to their rooms. I hung out with the last hardcore few including both Matt’s and Deano. Met some really genuinely nice people. There was literally no attitude. Groups of people were meeting up and making new friends. Finally got to bed around 7AM. So much for not partying too hard pre the big day out in the park on Saturday.
We all slept in far later than anticipated but obviously needed the sleep. So having missed breakfast made our way straight over to the park. Stopping initially at the VIP area where the Champagne was free and constantly flowing plus a nice lunch buffet. We then made our way around the park to enjoy the rides. Nemesis, Air, Rita queen of speed, Oblivion, Haunted Mansion, and the Raging River Rapids. At one point while on the Rapids and entire wave came over the boat soaking Kenton and Robbie in one splash. I got off lightly.
Ran into Ant & Sean who joint us for the rest of the afternoon as we repeated some of the big rides. As the clouds came over at six and it started to drizzle we made our way back to get ready for the evenings festivities and to have a couple of drinks before going on.
A surprise invitation had been placed under everyone’s bedroom door. The card read, “Su Pollard would like to invite you to a champagne reception in Sir Gallahans bar from 2100 – 2200.” Su Pollard? What was that all about?
So we changed into our evening clothes and made our way to the bar at 9PM. Once more the champagne flowed and was free (fabulous). At around 9:05 we heard an announcement on the PA system. It was the instantly recognisable voice of the actual Su Pollard from Hi de Hi television fame. We turned around and to our surprise she was actually there. She did a small speech and then came around and said hello to everyone allowing us a chance to get a picture with her as a souvenir. At ten PM, slightly intoxicated from all of the champagne and not having eaten much since lunchtime, the doors at the end of the bar were opened up and we were allowed into the main event of the evening, the Salvation dance party. As we entered the room it was amazingly set up as a huge night club venue. I think everyone was surprised at how good it looked. Fabulous sound system, great lighting and the music rocked. Salvation dancers came around handing out tee shirts and all sorts of flashing necklaces and mementos. We carried on drinking and I managed to hook up with my favourite roaming Reporter RJ. We had agreed that we would do, yet another report back for “Poo on a Stick news” and right to his word, RJ did. He madly finds a stick of sorts and goes up to complete strangers asking them questions, interview style, pointing the stick at them as it really were a microphone. It’s hilarious to see peoples reactions and always good to see Mikey & RJ.
We danced till 4am and as on Friday there was an after party this time in the bar in the Alton Towers Hotel. The music carried on throughout the evening. We ended up in a chill out area of the bar and hung out until the final song faded and the lights went up to applause from everyone in the room.
It was a unique event and an outstanding success for all that attended. An event that was made even better by the fantastic company that it was shared with. To everyone that was there and makes up the Gaydar Family, to all my friends, old and new. To everyone that made it such a remarkable weekend, Thank You. I can honestly say I had the time of my life to the extent that I have a tear of joy in the corner of my eye as I talk about it. The Gaydar Family grows and grows. The friendships grow stronger and everyone is welcome. As Fab and I drove away around 11:00 Am this morning and said our goodbyes I can honestly say I’ve had the time of my life and what a way to end the summer Pride Season. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon. What a great time in life to be Gay and able to have such wonderful opportunities and experiences. I think this weekend we all were Lucky Bitches.
Current Situation:
My Mood: Happy
Weather: Wet
Song: I've had the time of my life
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