FTSF 35 - My best summertime memory this year was...

The children going back to school.  No, I'm joking.  The holidays went by so quickly I could have done with an extra couple of weeks with them.   We had a lovely long holiday, many (expensive) days out, meals out, but there's one day that sticks out in my mind as being the best.   It was almost free, it wasn't the sort of thing I'd usually go for, but seeing as we'd doubled the length of our holiday this year, we had to look for things to do that were reasonably cheap or free.

A fun day, organised by the businesses around Palace Gardens in Paignton, Devon.  We packed a picnic and walked up.  We'd seen the flyers and posters around the town, and what had sparked my interest was that there was an Olly Murs tribute artist performing.    There was a stage set up, a Bays Beer beer tent (Mr G was in tears of joy...), free face painting, free bouncy castle, actors from the Palace Theatre dressed up as Pirates doing balloon modelling, and a gazebo where ladies from Child Friendly Matters had all manner of toys and circus-y type bits and bobs for the children to play with.

When we first arrived, there was a performer called Dan the Hat on, I don't know how to describe him really, he was a juggler, did tricks and was very funny.

 

Mr G found the beer tent...

Look at that smile...

We were serenaded by Karl Lewis aka 'Almost Olly' and he was absolutely fantastic.  We may have gone home earlier only the compere said that Karl would be back later to do another set - as himself.

Then came the special mystery guest, a Madonna tribute, Tasha Leaper, who was also amazing and got the crowd up and dancing.    And vogueing.  Except us.  We were sat down drinking beer.

The kids went off and queued for about an hour to get their faces painted...

And after Karl's last set rounding off the afternoon, Caitlin wanted a picture taken with him before we set off back to the apartment.  I wish I'd had a photo taken with him actually... he's a bit yummy and could have gone in the photoframe that Mr G has designated for Adam Woodyatt.  Meh, see previous post...

All in all a wonderful day, brilliant entertainment, not once did the children complain that they were bored, not once did they ask for any money, Mr G got his Bays Beer that he'd been craving for a whole year.  If we'd had more days like this this Summer, I'd be going into Autumn a lot richer than I am now!   Just goes to show that it's not always how much you spend that determines how good a time you'll have, doesn't it?