Annual Masked Ball : 10th Anniversary

Secret Castle Location
Northumberland
3rd-5th November 2017

MARK ‘DIVINE’ CALVERT’S REPORT

The Full Moon in Taurus provided a most conducive cosmic loveliness to the Gothic splendour, the calling had been sent out and the Bohemian Wizards had heard that call. from far and wide they came to bring their exotic creativity to the castle Of Dreams. Performance Art found its outlet as the muse was shining as brightly as the Taurus Moon above. With such attractive hosts and guests, the aesthetic of such an amazing party was everything, complemented by such a lush setting in the rolling green, most welcoming and kind environment, the kind of place that instills stillness. far from the maddening crowd as the trials of life dissolve into irrelevance and having a Good Time became infectious.

Indeed having partied in this wonderful castle many times before, this years ball was perfected with a whole heart and having unlocked the pleasure secrets of this most amazing venue in years past, I knew the Good Time Grooove was going to be Groovier. Dinner was served at 8pm, a most delicious fare of Lasagne, both meat and vegetarian options were on offer with yummy vegetables too. the dining room was full of smiles and satisfied warm bellies. Nin Jah Turtle, Paul Wilson, Hanna Rose and your team. of culinary Wizards. that was delicious award-winning fuel for this celebration.

And with such a dazzling array of talent in The Ball Room alone, Hosted by the spectacular Colonel Mustard Bling pin and security worrying acrobat Djon Dancer, David Blair..Tinky Disco opened proceedings, bringing their tried and tested Rock N Roll brilliance to the mix, fronted by Groove Armadas vocal presence, Mike D. This band of Edinburgh locals began the ball with unprecedented style. Yep, the Dance was on.firing through with fan favourites. Poppadom, Grandad (We Love you) and many more funky gems. The Castle was bouncing.

To bring the excitement levels up just a touch more. The Sisters Nicky D’arc and Jo D’arc who together form the Drum And Bass post punk hybrid “The Twistettes” fresh and fired up from a very successful Summer Season of live shows in the UK and South Korea. The Twistettes delivered a blinding set that had the packed room pogoing in unison. With Jo D’arcs Bass Guitar being the most famous guitar in Scottish history, to see them both reunited brought the smile factor up that bit more. Indeed the party was going off.

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Meanwhile, in the Blue Room our host Roo Cunningham and his sound production finesse “C Note Sounds Was rocking the room with his Dub Reggae DJ Skills. The fire was roaring as Ali Mudie and Megs took to the decks with Disco Grace and funky anthems. Divine just wanted to be everywhere at the same time, it was so so so exciting. Dance, Dance, Dance. Then back to the Ballroom for the Pyrocatz Zombie Can Can. The Pyrocatz are a troupe of creative ladies who have been wowwing festival audiences for ten years or more and comprise of Maria Bo Bosu, Nita Wings, Mel TigerKat, Bee B Love, Lee, Colleen Deehan the much anticipated performance blew everyone away, it was burlesquely sexy adding even more fuel to a night of Hot delight.

I hit the decks in The Blue Lagoon at 11.30pm to discover that one of the CDJ’s was nae working now that was a challenge. Luckily I had a pre-recorded mix with me and I managed to pull it off, however what I had planned was nae possible.I knew I had a set on the Saturday avo so managed to keep smiling. The decks didnae arrive until 11pm so it gave me ample time to get down with Tinky Disco and The Twistettes.

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I finished my set at 1am and was totally knackered. I made for the comfy couch by the fire and ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz. Had a few hours sleep and then bounced back, Had a good natter with Shady Vanman and took to the couch in The Grand Ballroom I was joined by various revellers and we shared poetry and reefers, It was totally Bohemian. I had three performances that afternoon and the Sun was just coming up, its warm rays cascading through the bay windows of the castle. The love within everyones hearts was glowing.Breakfast was only a room away.

Ellie Bishop opened the days proceedings with a beautiful voice and classical guitar playing which suitibly shook off the cobwebs and set the tone for another days entertainment in paradise. Ellie’s perfect interpretation of Pink Floyds Wish You Were Here, almost had me in tears, Ellie is going to be massive.

My first percussion performance of the day was with Dave Boyce on Tennor Saxaphone and his pal on lead vocals and guitar. We played well together performing contemporary classics in the Sunny Ballroom. Lunch was served, another round of delicious Lasagne to further warm our appreciative belly’s. Then it was back on stage to recite a selection of poems from my cannon.

Eden

Why Ponder Thus The Future to Forsee.
To Jade Thy Brain To vain Perplexity.
Cast Off Thy care.
And Leave Gods Plans To Him.
He Formed Them All Without Consulting Thee.

And Edens Grace It draws Me.
Along The Paths Of Inspired Creativity
Lilleths Calling
The Forbidden Fruit.
To feast
To Devour
To Ingest.
Just heresay

To Tempt The Muse With Romantic Tales.
That Invoke Cupids Bow
And the Arrows That He Fires.
Snared Once.
Snared Twice
Snared Thrice.

Powerless I Am rendered
To The Beauty
That Free’s Me From This Chastity
Slavery To The Charms
Held In Natures Arms.
Eden My Bride Awaits Me.

Pans Truth Rewards The Spirit Within
Stirring The Ancient Wisdom.
Spells That Cast Out What No longer serve
And Yes Love Is That Truth
The Only Reward
The remedy
The Key.

Interwoven Diamond Webs
Healing Souls Quest
The RemedyThat Is Now.
And Edens Grace.
Yes!
And Love Rivers Flow Through The Past!
And Love Rivers Flow Through The Future!
And The Moment Becomes.
A Miracle.
A Miracle Called Love!

Divinexx

After Poetry It was time for The Divine Djembe rhythms, I was Joined again by David Boyce on Saxophone and we took everyone on a beautiful musical Journey. Then it was back to The Blue Lagoon to DJ my tunes for my afternoon set this time things went according to plan as Bowie and Prince joined the party.

Dj Vyper, followed me with his appreciation of Rock N Roll, bopping in the late afternoon Sun. We had such fun. Bob Todd followed with a very entertaining selection, brought to us from his vast knowledge of Music. Indeed The oldies had the decks for the afternoon and evening.Good time! It was a busy day my last memory of the night was Richard Buck aka Lsd-Licious’s Dj set. Which was skillfully, entertaining and a delight to watch.

Then it was time for Dinner, a yummy stew with assorted veggies followed by apple crumble. Nom Nom. I hit a wall of exhaustion after Dinner and was whisked away by David Boyce to his mobile home in the perfect stillness of The Castle grounds. I was out like a light for a three hour power sleep. I awoke at about 1,30am revitalized and tripping my nut off on the mushrooms that I had ingested earlier. Good Time. I had a Pint of coffee infused with Kaluah, caught Disco Shiva’s closing party DJ set, dancing myself dizzy in the process and headed for the Dungeon were Jonathan Carson was weaving Psi Melodies to his enthusiastic audience. At 5am the party was over, but what a party it had been. To think I was kind of in the mind that it was The Castle Party or Paying my Council Tax on the Friday before. In the end I only spent £25 all weekend so was able to pay my Council Tax today, heading off the Sherif for another month while still having the best time possible with lots of my lovely friends. Aye This Years Castle Party Was a Winner on So Many Levels. Fantastic Stuff.

DAVID BLAIR’S REPORT

Annual Masked Ball; you were beautiful! A massive castle (like a labyrinthine maze inside), set in stunning natural surroundings in Englandshire (less than two hours drive from Glasgow), a full Moon on Saturday, an outstanding line-up of music, textbook organisation, partying with some of the soundest brothers and sisters on this dear planet, beautiful food served, a wide selection of tea, coffee and chai to ease us into Saturday morning; all guaranteed an epic weekend of fun and one of the best parties I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend! Like Eden Festival, but in a castle!

I was co-compèring The Grand Ballroom with Stephen Scott. Thank you to Stephen and Phil Plunkett from the barnstorming Have Mercy Las Vegas for the invite. Sorry you couldn’t make it Phil and I hope you’re feeling better.

We drove down with Jo D’arc, Esteban Gallus and Gaz Columba (from the mightily impressive Steel Valley Saints “outlaw skiffle from North Lanarkshire”). The banter was flowing but Esteban and Gaz saved their best and funniest banter for their two sets! Legendary ha! Love you brothers!

We arrived to get changed into our finest attire and masks for the ball and in time for Tinky Disco to open The Grand Ballroom stage with their funky and groovy set. Great to catch up with you Damo and Emily and I think that’s my favourite set I’ve ever watched you play. Looking forward to the video!

Jo and Nicky D’arc from The Twistettes were up next to deliver their high octane punk perfection. Who is the mystery “third Twistette” in the picture below that joined you onstage?! The Grand Ballroomers were loving it and it was great to see Sally showing her sisterhood support and wearing The Twistettes t-shirt.

There was so much amazing music going down in The Grand Ballroom, The Blue Lagoon and The Dungeon it was difficult to choose where to be at times. My disco cap is doffed to all the artists who played, the sound sound guys and sound systems.

Over and above the aforementioned, the highlights for me (that I can remember) were getting to know so many friends (old and new better), Sally/The Dirty Claptrap’s two sets (beautiful singing and guitaring), Hugh Kearns Music acoustic set, Mark Calvert AKA Devine (DJing, poetry and firestarting and tending of the highest order – castles in November can be f-f-f-freezing!), Ellie Bishop’s set (again, beautiful guitaring and singing and thank you for letting me join you at the end for our cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’), Yoko Pwno (Underworld meets techno at a ceilidh – getting better with every gig), Stig of the Dub (“a 7 piece live band, fusing classic reggae, dub, ska, dancehall, breaks, and world music, creating a musical hybrid style you can’t help but dance to!”), George Campbell’s old school rock ‘n’ roll DJ set (The Beach Boys ‘Good Vibrations’ hit the spot!), Owen Auskerry’s MetraGnome DJ set and Pedro Pocus and Sean Marcucci Moore’s DISKO SHIVA DJ set knocked it right out the park!

Disko Shiva are playing again with Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 at our next gig (and only one this month) in Kirkpatrick Durham Village Hall on Saturday 25th November at Kim Kirk Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1890816167610391/ (poster below). We would love to see all you friendly Dumfries & Gallowayer faces again at it! If you’re from Glasgow (or surrounding areas), we’re putting on a free return bus leaving from Glasgow for it.

MASSIVE thanks to everyone for organising and playing their part in such an EPIC weekend and I cannae wait for the 11th Eden Annual Masked Ball on Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November 2018! It’s in the filofax already! You DO NOT want to miss it!

Apologies to those who I knew there but didn’t get a chance to chat and hang out with. It is a big castle! If our Paths did not cross, twas not meant to be this time. Even if they did, when my mind is, ahem, “elsewhere” I do forget a LOT of things. Including people I actually know and sometimes even the ability to talk! The latter some folk might say is not a bad thing sometimes ha! When I awoke on Sunday morning after my first 6-8 hours of sleep of the weekend I started singing this Pixies song..