Marillion Weekend - Previous Weekends

I have never joined any fan club in my life, [let alone written to any] but I felt I had to on this occasion.

"What is a Marillion convention?", I asked when my brother Gary suggested I join him and his partner Kelly. Sounded a bit "anorak-y" to me. But having been indoctrinated by Marillion at weekends, played at ear splitting levels during visits to Gary's house, and mindwashed by countless Marillion videos, bombarded with huge amounts of background info on this band, of whom I'd never taken note of previously, the Marillion psychology finally paid off. It suddenly dawned on me that this music was seriously good and that I could grow to like it every bit as much as Gary and Kelly, who have been ardent fans for years. And naturally watching Mr. Hogarth live on video, I realised that not only did he have an amazing voice, his lyrics were refreshingly intelligent and sung with meaning.

Suffice it to say my bag was packed, my convention ticket purchased before I could say "Anoraknophobia" - having previously bought my first ever Marillion CD, joined the Marillion fan club, and proudly [put on] my new Marillion T-shirt purchased for me by Gary and Kelly, in preparation for the weekend's events. Pontins for a holiday? I don't think so, but for another convention, definitely, and I'm hoping there will be!

Within 30 minutes [of leaving my chalet], I'd seen and spoken to various band members spotted amidst the throng, soaking up the party atmosphere with a definite multi-national flavour. It was going to be a brilliant weekend.

I wasn't sure about "Brave". It wasn't on my best seller list, [but] after I'd heard it live, and [seen] Mr. H [make] the tale come alive, [...] I had a better understanding of the whole concept of what "Brave" is about and I will continue to play it.

I watched with admiration and envy, as a chosen number of fans accompanied the band on stage [for Swap The Band]. What a fantastic opportunity and what wonderful memories for those people all displaying excellent talent - watch your back boys!

I was one of those 2,000 who did get to meet and shake hands with Steve R., Steve H., Mark, Pete and Ian. My signed T-shirt is [now] folded neatly in my drawer and only brought out on Marillion reminiscing occasions - I may even frame it. Would that make me a fully-fledged anorak? My signed CD - in fact my only CD (for now) - has been repeatedly played and I have even learnt a lot of the words!

The weekend shone for me. I loved every moment. I loved the informality of the occasion, I loved the party atmosphere, I loved the international flavour but above all I loved Marillion. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. I am proud to be an anorak.

A big thank you to everyone who helped set up the Marillion weekend at Brean Sands. We all enjoyed ourselves and it was great meeting members of the band in the flesh as well as going to three excellent Marillion gigs over the three days.

We would like to particularly thank [the] security people who made sure that one of our friends, who is disabled and in a wheelchair, was able to see the band on each of the three days by lifting her and her wheelchair on to a gantry where she had a superb view of the stage. Thanks again and we now are looking forward to next years convention!

Just a short(ish) note to say congrats to everyone involved. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and the few sceptics who were there had to admit that the guys did themselves proud. I had a stunning time, really loved all the shows, swap the band was a great idea and worked really well.

I loved the artwork and events for the kiddies - I think this made the whole event for some of those with little ones there. I know some close friends of mine had a great time doing the art comp and it made them able to see the band as they don't have a lot of access to childcare.

Swap The Band was a fantastic idea!! I thought it went down really well.

[As for the] gigs - "Brave" - ha! Wonderful to witness, brought back a lot of memories of the actual tour. A lot of people I met on that tour were there as well. Still managed not to cry too much this time round.

[The lottery set was a] very clever idea, [I] found [it] quite fun. The band took it all in great humour, especially h. Superb to hear both "Warm Wet Circles" and "Garden Party" - both much appreciated and both fantastic!! However, I must admit to being totally overwhelmed by the segue from "3 Minute Boy" into "Hey Jude" - I caught a huge grin from h and Steve Rothery as I was trying vainly not to shed any more tears but failed miserably as usual. A surprising and warm ending to a great gig.

Everyone I spoke to seemed to be quite impressed by the band's sense of humour and their readiness to let all and sundry access to them. I loved all the wedding proposals as well - thought they rounded off the weekend brilliantly.

Yes another one, please, next year!!

I just would like to send a few lines [about] the marillion weekend. My overall impression is that everything was really amazing. The band offered four different sets which I personally found very interesting, [as I am used to seeing] Marillion play in a usual tour concert, I was really pleased to see the complete "Brave" set again, as well as the Swap the Band and the Bingo setlist, which I think was a great idea.

I really enjoyed the Swap the band show and hope this is done again (I will try to join myself!). The show on Saturday night with the bingo setlist was awesome. I really appreciated the chance to see the band playing rather unusual stuff such as "Splintering Heart" or "Warm Wet Circles".

I would like specially to thank H, Mark. Pete, Steve and Ian for the terrifying effort, spending hours and hours signing, and still having the energy to play one more [show]. [...] they kept giving it all on stage and that's really incredible.

I would like again to express my satisfaction for all what happened and the wonderful atmosphere there, in that place literally taken [over] by Marillion fans, it was so charming to see all those young kids there…

As some other people did, I came from outside the UK (Spain in my case) and surely will do it again next year if this is planned again!

Thanks and take good care!

I don't normally do this kind of thing, and I apologise if this sounds a bit cheesy, but I just wanted to say a personal thank you for such an amazing weekend. I've been a fan for about 14 years now (since the age of 15 believe it or not) and have been to a few concerts in that time (including the last 2 conventions), but this weekend was something a bit special. The music was awesome (as usual) and the atmosphere was just out of this world.

I particularly enjoyed hearing the "Brave" set again, but I also thought that the 'swap the band' thing was excellent. Getting to meet the band (even though briefly) was something I wasn't expecting before arriving at Pontins but to actually get the chance was a great honour for me (and well worth the queueing!). The opportunity to meet (and get drunk with!) fellow Marillion fans was also a nice aspect to the weekend - we met a completely mad bunch of Dutch guys but they were great!

I can imagine how much effort and organisation was required by everyone involved and really just wanted to say how much it was appreciated. You've probably received a million other e-mails saying exactly the same thing so now I'll just shut up!!

Thanks again!

Just got back from Brean, tired but still on a high from the brilliant weekend at Pontins. The whole event was superbly put together and despite what must have been a logistical nightmare, seemed (from a fan perspective), to run like a well-oiled machine.

Friends of ours commented how appreciative they were to the band's attitude at the additional signing on Sunday. The lads promised to sign for all comers, appreciative of the fact that many had travelled the world to be there. The band looked shattered, but still had time to exchange a few words with a smile. It is unique and heartwarming that the band put their fans at the forefront of their operation.

We met some old 'Marillo friends' not seen for many a year. Great networking opportunity! I would have slept on a bench to be there!

Many thanks to you personally and all of the others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the huge success that it was. Also, thanks to Pete, Steve x 2, Ian and Mark for making it an event that many will treasure in aging memories.

I hope that this is just one of thousands of thank you that you receive. You deserve it! Thanks and well done!

We just wanted to say a really big thank you for Pontins. It was wonderful, and words just can't say how much we enjoyed it. You put so much work into it and we are all so grateful to you.

There was a lot of positive feedback about the atmosphere - [like] being able to see everyone from chalets walking around with carriers of Marillion goodies when you first opened your curtains [...] the fun of the "campers" type atmosphere which was very noticeable. Personally we would never go to a holiday camp for a holiday which I think was the majority view but for Marillion Conventions we would not hesitate to go again. Cost wise we thought it was brilliant.

Lots of love

I was part of something truly unique over the weekend of April 5th-7th. I have just enjoyed one of the best weekends of my life, and it's all thanks to a band that has been in my heart for some years now. That band is Marillion, and I think the weekend [I've] just experienced has only deepened my admiration and love for them. The music these guys produce takes you through all the emotions possible - [Marillion] know how to create music that can have effect on a life.

How often have you wanted your favourite band, and wanted the one night to go on for longer?! So was born the Marillion Weekend concept; three days of Marillion orientated loveliness interspersed by other related musical acts, beer and cold West coast winds!! The setting: Pontin Brean Sands, Somerset, with the holiday village hijacked for the duration! The attendees: Roughly 1800 like-minded people all eager to drink beer, and milk as much Marillion as they possibly could out of one weekend!

Next up came Marillion with their full rendition of the album 'Brave'. I'm probably going to be shunned by many, but Brave has never been one of my favourite 'post-Fish' albums. That was until the guys belted it out in full live. I'm converted. With the smaller communal feeling of the gig, it made it all so much more special. An excellent gig by the lads, and thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Arose at the merry old time of around 11am, having successfully fought off a grim hangover earlier in the morning. Result!!! Had a freezing cold shower (one should always turn on the water heater I guess) and set off for the 'Swap the Band' session. [It] was an utterly compelling early afternoon's worth of sheer entertainment. There wasn't a bad entry on show at all, with everyone doing themselves proud.

The evening's entertainment kicked off with Pete and Steve's side band "The Wishing Tree" a pretty uninspiring set of songs to be truthful, saved only by the rather talented and also rather gorgeous Hannah Stobart (hope I got the name right). What an excellent voice she has, truly different, even if she does look like Kylie!!! No bad thing I assure you! ;) Next up was due to be Francis Dunnery, who promised to be one of the support acts to watch, but he didn't show. Unsure of the reasonings, but there we go, straight into 'White Buffalo'.

The Marillion lottery set was a great success. The acoustic set [was] absolutely fantastic [too].

This was one helluva weekend, and was complete entertainment all the way. H talked of the possibility of doing the same next year, and I for one will be first to sign up for it. Let's all hope it happens, this has been a roaring success for sure. Thanks for a brilliant weekend Marillion.

I just had to drop you a line to say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

My husband, son and myself have just spent 3 of the most enjoyable days with 2000 other people, all with the same aim, of seeing a band and listening to the music that they love.

Your hard work over the weekend was extraordinary, as well as the other people that helped. And another Thank You for the Birthday Card and Cake which was left in the chalet. This was a very nice surprise and will be treasured.

One of things I shall remember from the weekend was how much time Marillion spent with everybody and the fact that they readily made themselves available and that nothing was too much trouble. They are to be praised because they must have been as tired and worn out like the rest of us.

Now that I am back at work, I have my memories to keep me going, until I can look forward to the next Marillion Weekend. Or until the CD / DVD's are released.

Thanks again it was truly amazing.

The weekend I've just had [has to be] one of the best times of my life. Brave - Rocked a fat one. Absolutely brilliant! The whole thing was amazing - even better than I remember from the original tour. I was welling up by the Great Escape, and most people I spoke to afterwards felt the same.

Saturday's swap the band was really great too. I entered, but wasn't picked, and when I saw the quality of the musicians, it was bloody obvious why! They were all really great (and bloody brave to get up there in the first place). The Wishing Tree were fabulous, albeit short - only four songs. They did Nightwater and Thunder In Tinseltown, my two faves, and a great extended jam outro on Midnight Snow. I was watching Pete on the bass, and he was something else. How many fingers does he have again?

White Buffalo just get better and better every time they play - that they don't have a deal is criminal. Phil Campbell's voice is great too - he's Joe Cocker in a new body, I suspect.

[Sunday's] acoustic set was very relaxed, with all the band having a laugh. It was the end to a wonderful weekend.

Everyone was great, even the person next to you in the queue. Marillion fans really are a cut above the ordinary folks. Nice to put a few more names to faces and meet some really great new people.

Full marks to everyone and big thanks to the Web team (who appeared to be surviving on pure adrenaline), Lucy and the rest of the Marillion back line crew for putting together a truly special event, and of course to the band - stars as always.

God I'm tired - that'd be the two hours sleep, I expect... Bath and bed for me now, I think!