New Years On Ice 

It's bizarre that the only New Years review we're  doing is one from London, while some clubs around the country made a great effort with both entertainment and low prices none of them can compare to GAY in London, who hired out Alexandra Palace, which is roughly 12,000 square metres in size. I dont think theres any Irish venue close to this in size - picture six "Point Depot's", break them into three giant rooms and throw in a full scale ice rink and you'll get close to the size of things.

The venue was jam packed with roughly 10,000 gay boys and girls - all there to sample the amusments and to ring in the new year with Lulu and erm Kat from Eastenders

So what was there do at the amusments? Well to save my fingers - here's the Press Release from the pen of promoter Jeremy Joseph,.....


THE FUN FAIR SUPER DODGEMS Britain's biggest set of Bumper Cars give you the opportunity to show off your racing skills or just crash into your mates. Whether you want to be Schumacer or Stock Car Champ, these are a must. 

ORBITER Only the brave will try this white knuckle ride, lifting you, spinning you, dropping you down, and just think of the drink as you take off. Vertigo? Not really, just to the back of the hall! 

TWIST RIDE The Orbiter for the less bold, lights, music, and a revolutionary experience in every way. 

GHOST TRAIN - ROLLA GHOSTER An all time funfair favourite. Scary? maybe not, but a great laugh a minute ride that everyone will love. 

WALTZER If you want to bump up and down, twist round and round, and shake your whole body but without the bother to do it yourself, then this is the place for you. Do not leave the hall without trying. 

BOUNCY CASTLE No one will resist a spell on the good old bouncy castle. Embarrass yourself for a while, why not? Everyone else will be too. Work off your excess energy and jump! 

THE G-A-Y NEW YEAR'S EVE POP SPECTACULAR IT'S G-A-Y CAMP ATTACK vrs G-A-Y SATURDAY NIGHT, music from the 70s, 80s, 90s to the present day. This will be the ultimate pop party with all the classics that you would expect from a Friday and Saturday night at G-A-Y. 


Now admittedly I avoided the Ice Skating - i'm really no Torville or Dean, instead I wrapped up in my winter woolies and watched the lads in bellytops whizz past me - I don't think BellyTops are the smartest things to wear when Ice Skating - i'de say theres many a london boy tucked up in bed with a mug of lemsip at the moment.

I might have wussed out on the skating but was first in line at the fun fair for the Walzters and Bumper Cars, I know its a mistake to drink and drive and my knee's will agree with me - tho' surprisingly 
there were no green faced drinkers sitting by the Walzters, my stomach some how stayed with the party spirit and didnt let me down (even after multiple bottles of Smirnoff Ice and cans of Grolsch)(yuk)

Kat Slater from Eastenders (who?) appeared on stage just before Midnight - altho I think the GAY clocks might have been a little fast as all our cheap Irish Imports read 11.55 at midnight so some quick adjusting was needed straight after that the still ginger at 60 Lulu came on stage to sing all her hits. Ok she sang her one hit and a few other songs she still got the crowd going tho'... 

In all - my best new years ever (which wouldnt be hard cos they're normally an anti-climax) but Jeremy Joseph certainly knows how to throw a party and if they pull something similar next year then i'de highly reccomend it. Just leave the belly tops at home!!

Vin - Jan 2002