The Extravaganza at Alton Towers (one of the UK's leading theme parks) was held on the 22nd November, but events began the night
before at the Alton Towers Hotel, where a special package had been arranged by Ceramecca
for Wade collectors.
Baby Bear, the Alton Towers mascot was there to greet collectors
and also to launch the Baby Bear series of figurines available for the Extravaganza
(Pictured left is Baby Bear is various stages of production).
Unlike other Wade events the Extravaganza was only open to Wade commissioners
and Wade itself. Wade took up half the marquee with stalls, tombola and painting
demonstrations (Tracey from Wade painting Bear King pictured right), the other half was taken up by
commissioners with some World Collectors Net favourites in attendance.
There were a number of limited editions (as well as Baby Bear) for the day and a number of figurines being launched,
including: the "Once Upon A Time" money box limited to just 100 (20 of which are earmarked for
the US); and the Panda Plaque which was limited to 750. (Both pictured left)
Also new was King Canute, only available to collectors who had bought the whole
of the Myths and Legends series.
Other exciting news for next year is the collectors
club piece will be Alice from Alice in Wonderland, and members pieces will be based on characters
such as Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. These should prove much more popular and collectable
than previous years.
C&S Collectables with the excellent Jesthare (note the Jesthare shown is had a different base
to the one available),
Cotswold Collectables showing Tufty the Squirrel for the first time,
Peggy Gamble and the
new Judy's Ghost, and The Collector
with two new introductions to 'In The Forest Deep' - Fox and the lovely Gentleman Rabbit.
Also appearing for the first time were Andy Pandy from 21st Century Keepsakes, Denice the Menace
from BJ promotions, San (from Viz) from the Blyth Ceramics, and "I'm On My Way!" Mouse from Ceramecca. Also available were Memory Jars,
a novel idea which should catch on. You post notes in the jar to remind you of nice things.
One of the advantages of being at Alton Towers was the fact that Wade had arranged
for two of the rides to be opened to Waders - Nemesis and the Pirate Ship 'Blade'. Compared
to Nemesis, the Blade was very much a kiddies ride, and most Waders went straight for Nemesis.
A hanging roller coaster with a full loop and twist - a really terrifying experience -
but what a thrill. One ticket meant you could ride all day and many people did. Twice was
plenty for me!
The Extravaganza at Alton Towers (one of the UK's leading theme parks) was held on the 22nd November, but events began the night
before at the Alton Towers Hotel, where a special package had been arranged by Ceramecca
for Wade collectors.
Baby Bear, the Alton Towers mascot was there to greet collectors
and also to launch the Baby Bear series of figurines available for the Extravaganza
(Pictured left is Baby Bear is various stages of production).
Unlike other Wade events the Extravaganza was only open to Wade commissioners
and Wade itself. Wade took up half the marquee with stalls, tombola and painting
demonstrations (Tracey from Wade painting Bear King pictured right), the other half was taken up by
commissioners with some World Collectors Net favourites in attendance.
There were a number of limited editions (as well as Baby Bear) for the day and a number of figurines being launched,
including: the "Once Upon A Time" money box limited to just 100 (20 of which are earmarked for
the US); and the Panda Plaque which was limited to 750. (Both pictured left)
Also appearing for the first time were Andy Pandy from 21st Century Keepsakes, Denice the Menace
from BJ promotions, San (from Viz) from the Blyth Ceramics, and "I'm On My Way!" Mouse from Ceramecca. Also available were Memory Jars,
a novel idea which should catch on. You post notes in the jar to remind you of nice things.
One of the advantages of being at Alton Towers was the fact that Wade had arranged
for two of the rides to be opened to Waders - Nemesis and the Pirate Ship 'Blade'. Compared
to Nemesis, the Blade was very much a kiddies ride, and most Waders went straight for Nemesis.
A hanging roller coaster with a full loop and twist - a really terrifying experience -
but what a thrill. One ticket meant you could ride all day and many people did. Twice was
plenty for me!
