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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Oakley Court Hotel, Sunday 26th August, 2018 | |
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"From what had gone before this was certain to be..........A Picnic." or should that be "You're Wet!"
2018 was always going to be a special year for us and the picnic. TimeWarp was celebrating it's 30th anniversary, the stage show was 45 years old and the picnic itself had reached it's 13th year in a row. This year's event seemed to sneak up on us a little, I think because we were very busy in the week before sorting out deliveries, film crews, the next year's booking changes and even a cake.
We also managed to get ourselves 'screen-accurate' weather for the 2018 event, or as most people call it 'rain'. After one of the hottest August's on record, the day of the picnic started with a shower which carried on through the meal itself and stopped just in time for some photos in the early evening. Most people didn't mind, as after all, it is Rocky and there is more than a little rain in the movie. Luckily we'd managed to get ourselves into our room a little early and it made a nice change to have time to chat to friends old and new before the picnic itself. 2018 had sold out a few days after it went on sale after the 2017 event and even after a few cancellations the waiting list made sure we had our maximum allowed for the event. Because of our wet weather option and screening the picnic was limited to 148 people.
As I said, we have a wet weather option for the picnic, although this was only the third time in the history of the event we had needed to use it. Everyone set off for the usual place, only to be told that in fact we were all in the dining area this year. This did help the film crew that we had with us, as they were able to get a shot of all of us 'arriving' at the front door of the hotel as we walked back from the conference room.
By the time everyone had eaten, the weather had finally broken and the rain stopped, so we all headed outside for the traditional group photos and lot's of chats on the lawns with the chance to admire this wonderful building.
The rest of the early evening allowed people the chance to explore, relax, chat or whatever else they wanted to do. We have always set the picnic up to be as informal as possible. It's not a convention and never will be.
Stephanie also had created a little gift for each of the fan club reps as a thank you and they reciprocated with a beautiful hand drawn card to celebrate the fan club's birthday. Steph is going to use it as a newsletter cover soon. And then on with the movie. I've been chatting to Oakley Court for years about the screenings and they promised an upgrade to the room this year. They didn't disappoint with a brand new projector, screen, sound system and relay screens for those a little further back in the room. Excellent! After the film, everyone had a chance to eat the cake and Steph made one or two announcements of forthcoming events. We then showed a little twenty minute video before calling it a night in the screening room at around midnight. Those who wanted went back to the main building for another drink or three, Stephanie and I gave up at around 1.30am and headed off to bed leaving others still in the bar.
Monday morning, after the usual glorious Oakley Court breakfast, we all met up on the lawns for a final chat, group photo or three, and to say our goodbye's to everyone who had joined us for the picnic. Well I say everyone, a few that didn't leave the bar until the early hours missed out on that bit. A huge thank you to everyone that came to this year's picnic. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did and here is to 2019!
If you would like to send us your own review/comments/photos please use the email address shown below. Images from the 2018 picnic
For more information about the event, see our main Rocky Horror Picnic Show page. |
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