The ancient festival of Beltane has always been special to me. As I child, I was caught by its magic when my grandfather first read me the story of ‘Borrobil‘, where two children walk between the Beltane fires and are whisked away into a land of myth, magic and the obligatory dragon.
For years afterwards, every time the number seventy-seven bus passed the conical hill on the way to town, we would talk about Beltane. I learned its legends and traditions, and more than any other of the festivals of the turning of the year, this one is close to my heart, rooted, as it is, in fond memories.
Over the years, I have celebrated Beltane in many ways and in many places. I have danced around a Maypole, weaving the ribbons in the pattern of life. Joined a spiral dance in the streets of Oxford. Seen…
It’s hard to believe, but the Bash is less than a month away! Final preparations are underway at Bash Central, including setting the agenda for the day. We’re putting together a great event, including awards, speeches, talks and our popular panel debate, as well as time for networking and getting to know your fellow bloggers.
So, without further ado, here is the agenda for the 2018 Bloggers’ Bash:
10:30-11:15am Arrival and Registration (including a registration video by Hugh!)
11:15-11:20am Welcome Speech
11:20am The first three awards will be handed out!Informative, Best Pal, and Hidden Gem
1:45pm Presentation and Q&A with the intrepid founder of the Blogger’s Bash, our very own Sacha Black (read more about Sacha here)
2:15pm Three more awards!Newcomer, Book Reviewer and Inspirational
2:30pm Panel Discussion with Blogging Experts. It’s your chance to ask our experts your burning blogging questions. Read more here
3:15pm Our final four awards for the day!Services to Blogging, Funniest, Best Overall, Competition winner
3:45pm Closing Speech
4-6pm Adjourn to the bar for networking
Still undecided? Head on over to our testimonials post and hear from bloggers who’ve attended in previous years.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all!
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DON’T MISS OUT! THERE’S STILL TIME TO GET TICKETS:
Tickets (available until 3rd May) £25 pp
Late entry ticket (available between 4th – 18th May) £30 pp
Please take note of the small print:
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled
Tickets are non-transferable
Tickets are limited on a first come first served basis
Cost of a ticket is for entry to the event only (not for food or anything else)
Those buying a ticket agree to comply with any health & safety rules set by the venue and to behave in a way that will not impact upon the enjoyment of other people
The Committee reserves the right to change the venue and/or agenda of the event
In the excellent miniseries, Big Little Lies, there’s a scene where Reese Witherspoon’s character is talking to her teenage daughter. She says (and I may be paraphrasing slightly) ‘they don’t tell you, but you lose your children. The little girl whose hair I used to braid is gone.’ This line, and the way she delivers it, really hit home. I’m emotional now just thinking about it.
For my gorgeous girl is growing up. She starts secondary school in September, which I find hard to believe. It doesn’t seem that long ago we were counting cats on the way to school, pretending to be dragons puffing ‘smoke’ in the frosty air. When my dancing didn’t make her cringe, and the only phone she had was plastic and sparkly with a puzzle on the front. The gorgeous chubby cheeks I love to kiss are melting away, smooth cheekbones emerging, the legs and arms that once looked as though they had elastic bands around them now long and lean.
I’m excited, of course, for this next stage in her life, seeing her grow into the marvellous young woman she’s already showing signs of becoming. Every part of this process has been a joy. But oh, I get it now, when people shake their heads and say with a smile, ‘It goes so quickly.’ For it does, it does, and the change, when it comes, is sudden, a realisation that childhood days are gone.
For a variety of reasons, she is the only baby I’ll ever get to have, and I count my blessings every day. I’m so glad I got to dance, pick roses, blow bubbles and sing silly songs with her when she was small. Those moments are immeasurably precious, and always will be. I realise the teenage years will have their own set of challenges, and I can only hope I’ve given her a strong enough grounding that she can make good decisions for herself.
So now I must get past my tears, and look forward. For I am the stable bow, and it is time for me to help her fly.
‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth… Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness; for even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.’ Kahlil Gibran
Now in its fourth year, the Annual Bloggers Bash returns bigger and better than ever. The venue is booked (https://wp.me/p885Ux-1Qi ), and the committee is busy working behind the scenes to ensure the day is full of fun, learning opportunities, networking, and, of course, the blogtastic award ceremony.
Do you have your tickets yet? They are still some available at our discounted rate, though they will go up to full price on May 3rd. So put your best blogging foot forward and don’t miss out on a great day of socialising, presentations, awards and fun!
TICKETS:
Tickets (available until 3rd May) £25 pp
Late Entry Tickets (available between 4th – 18th May) £30 pp
Please take note of the small print:
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled
Tickets are non-transferable
Tickets are limited on a first come first served basis
Cost of a ticket is for entry to the event only (not for food or anything else)
Those buying a ticket agree to comply with any health & safety rules set by the venue and to behave in a way that will not impact upon the enjoyment of other people
The Committee reserves the right to change the venue and/or agenda of the event
Payment for tickets via PayPal only.
WHAT IS THE BASH?
If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.
There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic time and a sore face from all of the smiling that you’ll do!
Timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.
Send us your blog name and link to annualbloggersbash@yahoo.co.uk so you can be added to our attendee’s post. (NB: if you don’t send this information you won’t be added).
Pop the date in the diary and tell the world you’re attending a fabulous blogger soiree.
I’m back from my adventure. The jetlag has worn off, the laundry is (mostly) done, and the holiday seems almost like a dream.
Yet it was real, and it was fantastic – I saw so much and have so much to write about I hardly know where to begin (there will be many blog posts!). New York was everything I’d imagined. I felt immediately at home there, perhaps because it’s a city that’s so pervasive in popular culture – yet it felt as though I knew it, as though I’d been before and was just being reminded of where everything was.
We wandered as much as we could in four days, including a walk through Central Park, where we took in the amazing skyline and I found the obelisk, partner to London’s Cleopatra’s Needle. We saw sights large and small, and didn’t let the weather, which included torrential rain and a snowstorm, stop us from getting outside and experiencing as much as we could.
The weather followed us, snow falling in Toronto on our first day there, Niagara Falls creating ice sculptures, the sun peering out from behind shifting clouds. Yet I basked in the warmth of family and old friends (and by old I mean fabulous), reforging connections and visiting familiar haunts, sad to leave when the time came.
But Boston, and the New England coast beckoned. We walked the Freedom trail, spent time in Salem, then followed the coast southwest through Plymouth, Newport, Mystic and Milford, finally ending up back in New York on a hot and sunny afternoon, ready to catch our overnight flight home.
And now it’s back to reality. The recent warm weather was a wonderful welcome home, and I’m away again this weekend, on a long-planned writing retreat with friends. Stories beckon….
I know, I know – it’s been a little while between posts. I’ve been focusing on a massive editing job, a final push to get The Last Raven out to my editor by the end of this month… and I managed to finish yesterday!
Just in time, too, as tomorrow I’m heading off on an adventure – a trip to New York, then Toronto, then Boston, with a side trip to Salem and a drive along the New England coast. Oh, and I’m doing it all in two weeks.
Mad, right?
I’m really looking forward to it, though. Not just because I’ll get some more material for my Wednesday Wanders, but also because I’ve never been to New York, Boston, Salem or any of New England, and I love seeing new places. I plan on seeking out the partner to Cleopatra’s needle in Central Park, and have a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island booked, just for starters. I’m also looking forward to finding out more about the sad story of the Salem ‘witches’, as well as seeing the New England coast.
I can’t wait to see Toronto again – I went to high school and university in that part of the world, and will be catching up with family and old friends, as well as being a bit of a tourist – well, it’s been a few years (decades) since I’ve been there.
And when I return, I’ll be back to it. There are more books to write and blog posts to share, plus the Bash will be less than a month away…
I’ve been to every single Bloggers Bash since they began in 2015, and each year I’ve had the best time connecting with bloggers, putting faces to names and enjoying a fantastic event! We’ve come a long way since the first Bash at Pizza Express, and I’m thrilled to be part of the committee this year. Read on to find out more…
The Annual Bloggers Bash returns this May for its fourth year, but the committee don’t run this event just because they fancy a day out in London! Oh no, the Bloggers Bash has grown in size and popularity because of you, the blogging community who attend, engage, and spread the good blogging cheer across the world.
Don’t take our word for it! Here are just a few of the testimonials we’ve received over the years.
‘There was so much food for thought at the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards event in London last Saturday that I came away positively bursting at the seams.
Between the presentations and celebrations of the awards, there were very interesting talks by Suzie and Elena on how to monetize our blogs and make good use of Pinterest. With around four decades of training experience, military and technical, Suzie made me realise that there are real opportunities to use that experience to earn myself some cash. And having only used Pinterest to search for nice images, my eyes were suddenly sprung wide open by Elena’s descriptions of the possibilities. Quite amazing!’ LANCE MITCHELL
The Bloggers Bash is an amazing event which is held annually in London. It is organised by Sacha Black and a wonderful team of authors/bloggers. I have had the pleasure of being a bloggers bash attendee since its inception and I haven’t missed a single event. I would thoroughly recommend attending. It is a wonderful way to meet authors, writers and like-minded souls in a friendly environment. You won’t regret it.’MARJE MALLON
‘I had an amazing day at the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards in London! I was very nervous about going (as everyone can tell if they’ve watched the videos taken by Hugh throughout the day!) but I had a great time meeting lots of friendly and supportive bloggers!’ JO ROBERTSON
Even when you can’t attend in person there are plenty of ways to get involved as ROSIE AMBER points out in her post. ‘As many of you will know, the recent Bloggers Bash award ceremony took place in London, with many bloggers attending, even from far flung places outside the UK. I was unable to be there in person, but kept an eye on the proceedings via Twitter and videos kindly posted by the organisers.’
2017 was my first time attending the Bloggers Bash. The occasion was well worth attending. All the people I met were warm, welcoming and inclusive. We listened to informative talks about all aspects of Blogging, social media etc… and had a super Q and A session at the end. I for one learned useful tips that i still refer to a year later. Meeting virtual friends in the flesh and swapping ideas was wonderful. Winning first prize for my flash fiction was pretty damned good too. The award presentations were exciting to be part of, we all swapped cards and swore allegiance and became great supportive friends. This function is certain to leave you inspired, informed and proud to be part of.’ ELLEN BEST
Two years ago, the nervous trepidation of meeting a whole lot of virtual people gave way to the immense pleasure of finally putting faces and voices to names and blogs. Last year, the build-up was the excitement of seeing those faces once more. This time it feels like I’m getting ready for a long-awaited family reunion!
The Annual Bloggers Bash had been a fantastic opportunity to meet bloggers I have admired for a long while. There have been opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, learn a lot of ‘tricks’ to boost blog reach and performance, recognition for bloggers via the ABBA’s (the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards), and most importantly, certain individuals may say, a chance to eat CAKE!RITU BHATHAL (BUT I SMILE ANYWAY)
‘The Annual Bloggers Bash is a fantastic event that I look forward to every year. It’s a great opportunity to mingle with fellow bloggers and exchange views on all things blogging. As most of us know each other only online it’s fabulous to meet in the real world and discover the face behind the avatars. It’s a well-organised and well-run fun event with excellent information panels and enjoyable networking sessions.’ CHRISTOPH FISCHER
Me with the lovely Suzie from Suzie Speaks
‘Attending the Bloggers Bash 2015 was the turning point in my blogging career. From that day onwards, I became connected to some great people, I learnt new skills and my blogging confidence grew. It’s like you become part of a blogging family when you attend the Bash. Everyone looks out for each other and the help you get from the experienced bloggers is priceless.
You can pay hundreds to go on a one-off blogging course and learn some skills from someone who may or may not have had blogging success or you attend the Bash and hear first-hand accounts of how bloggers have got near one million views or have over twenty thousand followers. They share their best practices with you and the talks are amazing. I know which one I would rather attend…’ LUCY MITCHELL (BLONDE WRITE MORE)
I have attended the Bloggers Bash twice so far and each time I have come away having met old friends and found new ones. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, with good deal of laughter. The inclusion of speakers who share their expertise adds an extra dimension to the event and the awards themselves are both fun and a serious attempt to recognise the work of the blogging community. But the best thing about the Bash is the people you get to finally meet and connect with.’SUE VINCENT
Throwback to everyone meeting at the very first Bash!
‘Although I was pretty new to blogging, I attended the 2016 Bloggers Bash. I had already made lots of friends and was excited to get to meet them in person; I was so glad I did. Relationships already formed became stronger plus I got to meet some new and interesting people.
The committee worked hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly, and we had a good time. There was plenty of blogging advice available from other bloggers and a guest speaker, there was even cake made by the lovely Geoff!
The one thing that I loved more than anything was the friendliness of our blogging family. Everyone is exactly the same as they come across on their blog, so you already feel that you know many of them.’JUDY MARTIN
‘This year will be my third Bloggers Bash. If you have not been to a Bash before I am here to tell you that the Bash is the best way ever to meet other bloggers, learn skills and it’s a darn good way to network.
All you need to do, is to attend, I can promise you will not regret it. Bring your business cards, pen and paper and a big smile.
I love the Bash it’s the highlight of my year. So, I look forward to meeting you there. All of the Committee are lovely friendly people, in fact, all the bloggers there are lovely people.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.’ WILLOW WILLERS
‘I’m fortunate to have attended all three Blogger’s Bash events and can’t wait for this year’s on May 19th. Through these events, I’ve met many of my online fellow bloggers in person, and each year is now a fantastic reunion with ‘old’ friends and a great opportunity to make new. A wonderful panel of highly respected and knowledgeable bloggers shares great blogging tips with time for a Q&A session, and of course, always great excitement with the announcement of the Annual Blogger’s Bash Awards. I am not a prolific blogger lately due to writing and family commitments, but I am no less welcomed at every Blogger’s Bash with warm hugs and happy smiles. The Blogger’s Bash is for bloggers everywhere, an event not to be missed if you want a whole lot of Friends Fun and Photos!’ SHERRI MATTHEWS
How can you get involved in the Annual Bloggers Bash 2018?
If you can’t be with us in person then follow proceedings on Facebook or Twitter
WHAT IS THE BASH?
If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.
There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic time and a sore face from all of the smiling that you’ll do!
Timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We will also announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.
You can also join us for our Twitter Hour on the first Sunday of the month from 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.
DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW, find out how, here.
Be the first to find out the latest news and updates by signing up to the bloggers bash mailing list HERE.
I took this photo last Friday. The sun was shining, bees were humming among the blossoms, and it felt as though Spring was finally on her way.
What a difference a day makes.
This was Saturday morning. Overnight an arctic blast had come through, the temperature dropping to a face-freezing minus one, snow falling. It hadn’t quite begun to settle on the ground at this point, but it was resting on the tree branches where, less than twenty-four hours before, it had felt like Spring.
Nature has a way of doing the unexpected, doesn’t she?
A day later, this was the scene in my back garden. However, today temperatures are starting to rise, the MiniBeast withdrawing back to the frozen east where it belongs. The spring equinox is almost upon us, and there will be more blossom and bees soon…
We have had a phenomenal response to the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards (ABBAs) with an incredible number of nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated your favourite bloggers.
This year, the awards are being sponsored by Greenstory – a fantastic eco-friendly company who are awarding each of the winners with a STONE notebook… Yes, a notebook actually made of stone. For more details, check out Suzie’s review of the notebook here or their website here.
The committee is now busy collating all the data ready for VOTING which opens on the 6th April 2018.
While you’re waiting for voting to open it’s the perfect time to check you’ve bought your Bash Ticket, purchased any necessary travel and accommodation, printed business cards, and bought new stationery to take notes!
The countdown is on…
WHAT IS THE BASH?
If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then, you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.
There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day; timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.
You can also join us for our Twitter Hour on the first Sunday of the month from 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.
We’re delighted to introduce our two guest speakers for the 2018 Annual Bloggers Bash. Details of the final agenda will be released soon so keep an eye out for future posts.
Our first speaker is well known and loved in blogging circles and was the proud winner of Best Overall Blog at last year’s event.
Ritu will be sharing her top tips from a working mother on how to keep your blog running smoothly and giving it plenty of attention without abandoning your family and real life too!
Our second speaker is another well known blogger and author as well as being the Boss Lady/Captain/List Writer Extraordinaire/Chief Whip Cracker of the Bloggers Bash Awards.
Sacha will be talking about the importance of mailing lists and how we can utilise them as bloggers and writers to the greatest advantage for our blogging stats and book sales.
There will be a chance to ask Ritu and Sacha a few questions after their talks.
Don’t miss out on this informative and fun day – BUY your ticket today.
WHAT IS THE BASH?
If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.
There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic time and a sore face from all of the smiling that you’ll do!
Timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We will also announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.
GREENSTORY SPONSOR THE BASH
This year, the awards are being sponsored by Greenstory – a fantastic eco-friendly company who are awarding each of the winners with a STONE notebook… Yes, a notebook actually made of stone. For more details, check out Suzie’s review of the notebook here or their website here.
You can also join us for our Twitter Hour on the first Sunday of the month from 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.
There’s still time to enter our Bloggers Bash Competition and be in with a chance to win £100 in Amazon vouchers. Find out more here.
DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW, find out how, here.
There’s still time to nominate your fave bloggers so they’re in with a chance of winning a bloggers bash award. You can nominate here.
Helen Glynn Jones 