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MEN, women and children
Monday night was Manchester Evening News (MEN) Arena night. It's a huge cavernous bowl of a venue, and standing on the floor at lunchtime it made for a pretty impressive sight. Thousands and thousands of seats, and a huge floor. Seven hours later and the place was full, and suddenly it became the most intimate gig in a long while. Richard Ashcroft kicked off proceedings, with a beautiful set - a mixture of old and new songs, and a few favourites to boot. The crowd couldn't help singing along. And it was worth it. When Coldplay came on an hour later, the singing didn't stop, and Chris claimed that was the reason Manchester had produced the best singers of the last 20 years, and more! Riding on a crest of a wave, both band and crowd played their part in what was a stunning concert. I can't believe there's only one more show to go - I'm really going to miss it all.
Managed by the superb Amy from the Manchester office, the volunteering team weren't bad either! Most of them were students, and went about campaigning with a zest not normally associated with layabout, Pot Noodle-eating undergrads. But credit where credit's due, they really did a great job. And another 1,700 sign-ups to add to the total. Which, by the way, is looking huge. With one show to go, we're well on course for...you'll just have to wait for the grand tour total. Check back tomorrow ;-)
I'm in Belfast now, and managed to pop into the Oxfam Ireland office here to meet up with John, who is coordinating the team tonight. Just 5 hours to go and we can started - I'm really excited about tonight, but also a little sad that thigns are coming to an end and this is the last show. Now, as those of you who know me are aware, I'm not one for showing emotions or letting things out (ha!), but there may be a tear shed as Coldplay walk off stage for the last time this year. I'll blame it on the bright lights though.
posted at 1:33 PM
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Getting those sign-ups
posted at 10:50 AM
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The stand in Newcastle
posted at 10:47 AM
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The Geordies know how to party
At the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last night, I think the crowd were at least as good, if not better, than all that have gone before them on this tour. I won't deny that a lot of alcohol was partly the key to that! But the atmosphere inside the arena was incredible. It was completely full - every seat taken and every square inch of space on the floor occupied. As soon as Richard Ashcroft walked on stage, you could tell tonight was going to be something special. Richard and his band make for a great support act, playing a mixture of new and old (including some from his Verve days) songs and really getting the crowd going with his chat between songs. Apparently he's a top man as well, but I've not met him - he keeps himself to himself.
With only a few gigs left to go, I could definitely feel a small lump in my throat as I stood outside counting up the action cards and the first chords of Coldplay's opening number reverberated out from stage. Determined to actually get inside to see a few songs, I counted as quickly as I could - a hearty 1,800 sign-ups which grew to just over 2,000 by the end of the night - and cleared up my bits and pieces in double quick time. I got inside to see the last few songs - wow! On stage, Chris has so much energy, and the songs have a way of making you tap your feet and shake your, um, booty. Brilliant!
The only downside of last night was the 'aftershow disco' for punters - it started straight after the gig in the foyer, right next to my stand. DJ Derek was spinning all kinds of tunes, but sadly it didn't seem like the crowd were responding. Until he pulled out his winning move, announcing that Nigel had asked Helen to marry him before the concert...the answer, well of course, YES!
posted at 10:16 AM
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Three's the magic number
And the final number of sign-ups from Friday night...a triumphant 2,321!
posted at 8:21 AM
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Friday night's alright for campaigning
After an absolute blinder of a gig on Thursday, everyone from the band and crew was riding high on Friday. People were smiling, having a laugh (and sometimes not at my expense!) and generally everything seemed pretty relaxed - quite a change from Wednesday morning when the tension was palpable. The question now though was whether tonight would top the previous night! Well, if we're talking about the campaign, the answer is a resounding YES! Team 3 arrived on time at Earls Court reception, and right from the off I knew it was going to be a good one. There must be some big corporations who would do anything to have my volunteers on their staff - the drive, determination and competitiveness is astonishing!
One briefing later, and it was nearly time for doors to open. Carefully positioned at all the best locations (beer queues, food queues, and the ever-popular toilet queues), the campaigners of London Team 3 got to work like the most seasoned professionals. I'd given each volunteer a wad of 50 action cards, and within half an hour they were returning to the stand for a top-up. Classic!
Over the three nights I've had varying reports from the campaigners about the London audiences. Most have said that people are keen to find out about the campaign, and sign the petition. Some, apparently, are running up to the campaigners in order to grab an action card and join the 18 million worldwide supporters of Make Trade Fair.
Here's a picture of the team before the start of the evening. Thanks to them all for working so hard. And in answer to the question...yep, Coldplay were right on form too, definitely matching Thursday night and possibly topping it. The crowd were the best of the three nights, and this drove the band on. At the last song, Chris was clearly moved by the reaction of the crowd, and it made for a stunning finale. After the concert, we packed up again, and made the long drive up north to Newcastle.
posted at 8:16 AM
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