The 18th Annual UK Queen convention was held on 9th - 12th May 2003, in Prestatyn, North Wales.
(Click the links at the top of the page for photos taken at the convention)
The convention started off as usual with Karaoke in Lunar's bar on Friday night. There are a lot of talented Queen fans out there, many of the singers were a pleasure to listen to. A brilliant live band 'Mayqueen' from Germany played later that night. They were excellent! If you closed your eyed you could almost imagine Queen were playing, though no-one can compete with Freddie's vocals of course..
Managed to buy a few items from the Queen
market on Saturday morning and had a look at the arts and crafts - some very
good work on display. There didn't seem to be quite as many entries as usual
though.
On Saturday afternoon the charity auction took place. Brian's shorts and Roger's
drumsticks were among the many items auctioned, They both went for over £300
each. Someone had kindly donated a Queen platinum award which went for £500.
Tim Staffell was back again this year for a question and answer session. He spoke of his memories of 'Smile', and of Freddie. He also explained about the album he's made which consists of songs he has written or co-written since 1969, including 'Doin' Alright'. Brian May, Snowy White and Morgan Fisher guest on the album. Tim brought in some advanced copies which had been especially produced for this year's convention and he signed these for fans who wanted to buy them.
On the Saturday night, the themes
for the fancy dress and themed party were: 'We will rock you, the musical' or 'Black and
white'.
The five finalists chosen were a Clock, March of the Black Queen, a Zulu,
Newspaper and Kiss.
Jeff Scott Soto and his band played afterwards and were brilliant. (both
bands this year were outstanding). He's released an album 'Prism' and after the
performance was signing copies of it for the many fans who were keen to get
their hands on a copy.
On Sunday, there was a preview of the
Live at Wembley Stadium '86 DVD, which looks to be a 'must have' for any Queen
fan. It is an unedited version of the Wembley '86 concert and includes interviews with Brian and
Roger.
Four of the songs also have multi-angle views where you can choose to follow one
of the band throughout a particular song!
Also on Sunday the 'We will rock you' musical was shown in two parts on video. A lot of
people who hadn't seen the musical said they were inspired to go to see it after seeing
the video.
That night, there was a surprise acoustic set by Jeff Scott Soto and the band. They were brilliant again and we all had a great time singing along to the songs. Wish they'd have done 'Love of My Life' though.
The Disco followed with lots more dancing and singing along. When 'Breakthru' came on the obligatory train of fans was formed and sped around the room like a demented snake! It seemed to be much faster this year so I'm glad I wasn't tempted to join in.
The weekend was over only too soon and it was time to go back to reality for another year.