Centenary

Yes the centenary were finally upon us and what a weekend it was. It started off on a Friday, headlined "The Gathering". First on were 'Dust to Dust' playing eighties covers, which brought back a few memories. After a short interval and a couple of beers later, "Thirteen Candles" took the stage playing tracks from their new album, and their performance was as good as ever. Also the evening was graced briefly by Countess Dracula herself Ingrid Pitt, of which I had the pleasure of a quick chat. What a woman!! Anyway, a few beers later it was time to take the dance floor for more dancing to the 'Music Master', which rounded off the first evening as I staggered back to my hotel!

Everyone turned out in all their vampiric splendour for the Grand Ball. First up were 'Popeluc' a group playing original Transylvanian music, which was different. Next up were 'sisters of Song' singing along to classical tunes, one of which was Delibes 'Lakme', which everyone recognises and also reminds me of 'the Hunger', but anyway, enough about that. Next on was a little treat for everyone, a belly dancer which went down very well with the blokes, so I was informed, as I was at the bar at the time -chatting. After a short break, Vlad of the Dark theatre from the U.S.A. graced the stage with a brilliant performance, well, my feet were tapping anyway. A few more beers later, Mortis was brought on stage in a coffin. Now I don't think a lot of people knew what to expect from Mortis. I only knew because the friend I was with likes his music. It was advertised as 'dark dungeon music' and that's exactly what it was. I believe my friend said it was 'an acquired taste of music', anyway I thought it was good and atmospheric. He dressed well too, I loved the troll ears and nose, cool! I think people had different opinions of his performance, but I liked it, even if he did only appear from behind a screen three times to suck the girls blood! Fake, of course!!. Once Mortis had finished his set, it was back to leaping about on the dance-floor to more Goth tunes from the music master himself. Bringing the evening to a close, well, at the Metropole anyway, a few people proceeded up the 199 steps to St.Marys churchyard for more mingling, myself included.

Day Three: The Demonic Debate.

Things got underway again round about 12 Noon. I was feeling pretty awful due to a hangover and hardly any sleep the night before, so I was glad to sit down and take in the afternoons events; which included film clips and guest speakers such as Ingrid Pitt, Clive Leatherdale, Peter Tremain, Gail Nina Anderson and Tina Rath. The Rev.Graham Taylor was supposed to make an appearance, but it was not to be!! Mark Valentine from the Bram Stoker Society made a speech to bring the weekends centenary celebrations to a close, well, almost. There was a quiz at the Duke of York pub at 6'o'clock, but I never made it there. What put the icing on the cake, as it were, was special guest Denis Malinkine as the Northern Ballets Dracula. His short performance (The Domination of Harker) was brilliant to say the least. The music that accompanied it, was also good. Anyway, all in all, it was a fantastic weekend and a good time was had by all! I certainly enjoyed it! I managed to spend quite a bit of money too due to there being some wonderful stalls at the Metropole, ranging from all things Gothic and Vampyric to bondage teddies! Before I go I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Vanda and all who helped organise the centenary weekend celebrations. I can't wait for next years Ball now!!

The Whitby Dracula Centenary Celebrations.

Day One.

Day Two: The Grand Centenary Ball.

Day Three: The Demonic Debate.