Boss Sacha holding court!
There have already been several great posts about the recent Bloggers Bash in London, held this past weekend. And I’m here to add my voice to all those saying, ‘What a fantastic day!’
Luca during his presentation
First of all, congratulations to all the award winners, and huge thanks to the organising committee, Sacha Black, Geoff LePard, Ali Isaac and Hugh Roberts – your tireless efforts and excellent organisational skills created something completely wonderful.
Sacha and Hugh handing out awards
I arrived early for the Bash to meet several bloggers at a pub near Euston Station, where we greeted each other like old friends. And it did feel that way. A lot of us remarked on the fact that, even though many of us were meeting in person for the first time, it was as though we all knew each other already through our interactions online. Of course, there were familiar faces from last year’s Bash, but plenty of new faces too, familiar to me only from their blogs. But nametags helped us to break the ice and, really, it felt like walking into a room full of friends, rather than strangers.
Me and Steve from Steve Says and Talk About Pop Music – we finally got to meet up!
So what else can I add? Food, drink and good company, plus a blogging/social media presentation by Automatic/Wordpress employee Luca, made for an afternoon that flew by all too quickly, and before we knew it we were saying our farewells, a last group of us heading out into damp streets before parting.
Love this photo! Me and Suzie from Suzie Speaks
I arrived home worn out from a great day. And the next day I even felt a little hungover, even though I hadn’t really drunk anything. Rather, it was the languor that descends after a big day out, when you just want to sit and remember it all (although, having to be at a 9am dress rehearsal for my daughter’s dance show kind of got in the way of any relaxing!). Facebook is heaving with photos of the event, and the date for next year has already been announced – June 10, 2017 – so put it in your diaries!
Lucy from BlondeWriteMore and Esther from Esther Newton Blog – I look a bit manic here because I couldn’t get my phone to work!
So who knows where we’ll meet up next year? Last year when we were in Pizza Express, The Royal Albert Hall was discussed as a possible venue, as was Buckingham Palace. Joking, of course. But the event is growing, and the difference between this year’s Bash and last year’s was easy to see. However, one thing remained the same. A group of people from all walks of life united under one common banner – blogging. And even though I didn’t get to speak with everyone there (which was a shame!), it was a wonderful way to share our passion for the written word.
Here’s to a wonderful Bloggers Bash 2016 – roll on next year! xx
Helen Glynn Jones 
It was good to meet you, Helen.
It was lovely to meet you too, Mick – a real pleasure 🙂
I’m holding out for Ambeth as the venue
..
hehe, that would be a good venue! They have a nice Great Hall, perfect for parties 🙂 Just the pesky time twisting thing to sort out, that’s all…
It all went by so quickly! Argh! ❤ So great to meet you! I feel like I brushed against celebrity! (Really! So pleased you got honorable mention too! I nominated you (as I'm sure others did as well) so it was especially enjoyable to hear those blogs I follow religiously be called.) 🙂 My calendar is already marked!
Haha, I feel just the same! It was so nice to meet you too, and I’m really glad we got a (small) chance to talk – the afternoon just flew by. My calendar is marked too, already looking forward to the next one. And huge thank yous for nominating me, that is so kind of you! I was thrilled to be nominated, I really was 🙂 xx
I was thrilled to have the chance to nominate Journey to Ambeth. I love walking and strolling and thoroughly enjoy your Wednesday Wanders and Thursday doors. Might have to pick up post alongside you — but first must recover from a fly away weekend… 🙂 Congrats again!
Thanks, Cynthia, that’s really lovely of you to say – I’m so pleased you’re enjoying my posts. 🙂
I know what you mean about recovering from the weekend… and I live less than an hour away!
Looks like you had a good time!
We really did! Maybe you can make it along to the next one? 🙂
I really hope I can make it next year!
Me too 🙂
A great posts and photos! What a brilliant day. So good to met up with you again, Helen 🙂
Thanks, Esther – it was a great day, wasn’t it? And it was great to meet up with you again too, so glad we had the chance for a proper chat this time 🙂
Hi Helen, we didn’t get the chance to speak much, but thank you so much for joining us for both the first and second Bloggers Bash. It was great seeing you again and I’m so pleased to hear that everyone loved the event. We’re already planning next year’s and, yes, it’s going to be even bigger and better (so Sacha keeps telling the committee). I don’t doubt her at all. The event has even been trending on Twitter today. 😃
Thank you for sharing both your photos and post about the day.
See you next June (if not before).
Thanks Hugh – it’s been a huge pleasure to attend both events, and I really love being part of such a wonderful blogging community. The hard work you guys do to put everything together is extraordinary, and I hope you’re getting a well-earned rest. Yes, we didn’t get to talk much on Saturday, but it was lovely to see you again,. Next year Royal Albert Hall! 🙂
If I told you that Sacha has been messaging the committee all day today about next year’s Bash, would you believe me, Helen? Planning it is already underway, so we only got yesterday off. However, I’m loving every minute.
Thank you so much for your kind words. See you at The Royal Albert Hall on June 10th 2017. 😃
I would absolutely believe you 😀 Glad you’re enjoying yourself, though. See you at the Hall next year, if not before!
Loved the post my lovely! What a great day!
Thanks, Suzie – it was a great day, wasn’t it? And I love that photo of the two of us, it got quite a few retweets, did you see?
I didn’t? I’ll go check it out!
I’m so glad you got to go to the bash and had such a wonderful time. I’m envious, yes, but so happy for you. Great photos! (Jealous. *ahem*)
Aw, thanks Sarah – I really hope you can make it next year, then we’ll get some photos together 🙂
That would be awesome. 🙂
Would so love to go to something like that!
It really was awesome fun, we had a great time. Next year’s is on June 10, just in case you were thinking of planning a trip… 🙂
Hi Helen! Love your photos! You don’t look manic, you look beautiful! Enjoyed your post, looking forward to the next big event. Oh and loved that you posted a pic of the fairy gate on your way home on fb! 😁
Thanks, Ali – sad I didn’t get a photo with you, though! Next time 🙂
Oh, and I had to do the fairy gate, especially as we’d just talked about it 🙂
Great to see photos of you up close! Looks like a fun time, and congratulations on your award. (I voted for you, too!)
I know what you mean about meeting people you feel you already know through their blog and writing. They’re already like old friends! x
Ooh, the dreaded close-up! They didn’t turn out too bad, I guess 🙂
And yes, it’s a really interesting thing to meet people for the first time, yet know so much about them – perhaps something unique to our time. I know if and when we meet, I’ll certainly feel as though I’m meeting a friend 🙂
Definitely an old friend 🙂 And we *will* meet one day!
🙂 Look forward to it.
The name badges did help…even although I forgot to take mine off and had it on me all the way across London after the event!
Ha ha, did you have people saying ‘Hey Steve!’ all the way? I must confess, I almost did the same thing 🙂
Haha no. People in London are just not that friendly lol
Yes, what was I thinking? 😀
I know we didn’t get a chance to speak Helen, but hey… There’s always next year!!! 😊😊😊 great photos though. You took more than me!!!
Thanks, Ritu! Yes, I’m sad we didn’t get a chance to chat – there were several people there I didn’t get to meet. However, like you say, there’s always next year! 🙂
And I had to remind myself to take photos during the day, I was so busy chatting! It was great fun, wasn’t it?
Oh it was, in the words of my Son… epic! !!!! I am so looking forward to next year!! 😀😀😀
Yes, that’s perfect! I’m looking forward to it too, very much 🙂
😉😀😀😀
Great to meet everyone. Looking forward to next year 🙂
It was a great day wasn’t it? I’m looking forward to next year as well 🙂
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Looks like I’ve come late to this party, Helen. Great to see you again. Great to read some more happy memories from a brilliant day. The only regret (and I’m sure I’m not alone in this) is that we have to wait another year.
It was great to see you too, Graeme, and I’m glad we all met up for pre-Bash drinks as well, as otherwise I don’t think I would have got around to talking to everyone. As it was, there were still people I missed! Like you, already looking forward to next year’s event. 🙂
Lucy! Fabulous photos, and fun, wish I could’ve been there. 🙂
It was great fun! Maybe we might see you at the next one? 🙂
That would be so much fun! If I’m ever in England again, I’d love to be there. 🙂
Excellent! 🙂