Plus North - AKA weekend of dreams. PART 1

Okay, I'll be honest with you. I had a bit of a wobble in the weeks leading up to Plus North and I was actually about 70% decided that I wasn't going to go. After finally talking to my Melly about it I realised I was being STUPID. Of course I was going!! 

The day itself came quickly. A little too quickly. The morning we were supposed to be setting off I still hadn't even decided what I was going to wear, let alone pack anything! Finally I got my shit together and we were on our way. 

We arrived in Manchester with just enough time to get ready for dinner at Red Hot Buffet.

These were the only two proper photos I got the whole night because I left my camera battery back in the hotel room by accident. Mel looked AMAZING (as always). She was rocking the Simply Be tartan dress like Cher on Clueless, and her Blackheart Creatives fat bitch necklace really stood out against the red and black. I was loving my VBL in my favourite TIGHT leopard skirt from Primark.

Here are some (terrible) photos from my phone:

Empty pudding plate. This was my fourth plate. No regrets.

Bathroom selfies because we looked amazing.

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN.

Snuggled up in bed back at the hotel with very full bellies :)

Part 2  -  Part 3

Leeds Carnival

After 8 years of living in Leeds I finally dragged my arse to the Leeds West Indian Carnival. I really have no idea why I've never been before, especially as I've known about it for at least four years! I'm so glad I finally went though. Events like this and the sheer multiculturalism pride are probably my favourite things about Leeds. 

I couldn't explain carnival any better than how they've explained it on their website, so here it is: . "Leeds West Indian Carnival is Europe’s longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade. What started in the 1960’s as one man’s remedy for West Indian homesickness is now the perfect blend of jaw-dropping costumes, infectious tropical rhythms, mouth watering food and entertainment for everyone."

Dance troupes had come from all over the UK to take part, and thousands of people turned out both in the park at the main event and also to line the streets for the procession. I have posted the route below, courtesy of the official @CarnivalLeeds twitter. Looking at the map it doesn't look that long, but those roads and Potternewton Park are both pretty huge! I could barely even walk up half of Chapeltown Road before I was a sweaty breathless mess, who knows how those dancers danced the entire route with smiles on their faces!

It really was such a beautiful event. At several points as the procession passed us I became quite overwhelmed with emotion! I'm not sure if it was the music or if it was just because everyone there was having such a great time dancing and smiling. Everyone there was made to feel so welcomed and included and several of the dancers would make the effort to smile at me as I snapped away with my camera. They must have been so tired, it was such a swelteringly hot day and they had already been dancing and walking for around two hours by the time we had got there. Impressed doesn't even cover it.

(Please click on the photos to enlarge them, the previews look a little blurry on the main page.)

Unity Dogs

So, I know I already posted about Unity Day, but I felt this needed to be in it's own post. There was a DOG SHOW. Yes, yours truly went to a dog show and it was glorious, dear friends. The show was open to everyone to enter and all dogs got a rosette and bag of treats just for taking part. The winner was chosen by a raffle ticket game at the end. Have a look at some of the amazing dogs I got to see! There's even a 4 month old beagle puppy and a THREE LEGGED JRT. I was in my element. I only wish I'd taken Alf with me and entered it, his play dead trick would have knocked the judges for six! Next year, Alf, next year.

Yep, this dog is balancing a treat on his nose.

PUPPIES PLAYING!!!!

This dog was also called Alf!