Bad Taste Bears Summer Event – Warwick Castle

When Bad Taste Bears announced the summer event I had already made the decision that I would not be attending. Of course some of my friends weren’t happy about the decision and then preceded to spend the next couple of weeks trying to change my mind. However, I was adamant that I was not going. Although, after meeting with Karen and David one evening while they then layered the guilt trip on me nice and thick, I changed my mind on the way home. Although, I did decide that I wasn’t going to let anyone know that I did this.

Having never been to Warwick Castle before, I was kind of looking forward to this especially after watching an episode of some digital programme where a man was air lifted to hospital after having a heart attack at the top of Guys Tower.

After arriving at the venue, we followed the clearly labelled way to the BTB event. After coming through the gates, we noticed that the tents were at the opposite end of the field as far away as possible for their other customers. They clearly know about us as a group don’t they?

As I got to the event tents, I was soon spotted by the group and before long the screams and hugs happening with Dawn repeating, ‘I knew you would come’. I am glad she knew, because I had no idea until earlier that week. LOL

The Bears

Jimmy Riddle

Bertie

After a quick hello, I went to collect the event piece, Jimmy Riddle. As I arrived a little later than the masses, this meant there was no queue. Result! I really like the bear, but especially love the monochrome version. Which was also the most limited with just 24 made. The chances of getting one was slim to none, but I could but try.

First thing Gemma and I did was head to the shop to buy the 10th Anniversary bear among other things. The bear was getting an exclusive premier at the event. Rumours of what the bear would look like were flying around the forums. Mine as well as a few others believed it was be a female bear jumping out of a cake. We weren’t that far off as it was a Borat bear instead of a bunny bear.

My impression of the anniversary bear overall is originally positive. Although upon investigating the bear it became apparent that there was one problem with it….the paint job. Not just one figurine, but it appeared the majority. Disappointing finish to what was a great bear.

The Competitions
There was a number of competitions that people could enter in the vain hope of winning a prize:

BTB Coat of Arms – There was a lot of good entries on this competition. I even had an idea for one myself, which I got Karen to enter on my behalf. Let’s get something straight (for once), I am not an artistic person. Never have been and never will be. But, I was proud with my entry.

My heart did skip a beat, when I thought it was gonna win, but alas it wasn’t meant to be. Aww well.

Bad Taste Piñata – Another competition that I decided to enter. I had the idea of a Johnny bear shaped piñata, which was filled with with condoms, lube, used tissues and ‘Happy Birthday’ glitter.

The whole idea of this competition was for the piñatas to be smashed at the event. However this didn’t happen, which mean I put in a lot of effort for nothing.

And again I did win. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would.

Birthday Card – I didn’t enter the competition, because I couldn’t think of anything to do. Although, I have to say, some of the entries were extremely good. I wouldn’t have had a hope in hell chance of winning.

The winner and runner up were not announced on the day as they wanted to take them away and look through all the entries

There was also the usual Design a bear, Bear Painting and Bear Sculpting however I stayed away from these competitions. The reason being as I didn’t see the point in entering them as it’s normally the same people who win, but that’s because they are good at it. There is no way I could compete. Although, this year it was nice to see a few different people winning as well.

I have to say that OddCo have disappointed me again in relation to these competitions. It’s the same every year.

Here are a few suggestions for any future events:

• Make sure all the different competitions are different instead of just putting altogether on 2 tables.
• For Design a bear and competitions like the Birthday Card, provide some sort of cork notice board so entries could be attached.
• Have someone at the competitions tables (if there is a lot of competitions maybe two), who can take the competitions entries in and place them in the relevant sections.
• Don’t leave the judging to the last minute. Give the entries the respect they deserve. I know you are all busy, but collectors have spent hours over their entries. They deserve something better than a quick 5 minute judging.

The Games
As well as the competitions, there was also two competitions where you could win some great prizes.The first was a treasure hunt style game, which I didn’t even bother either. And the other was the spin the wheel game, which I had a go on. The first time I had a go I didn’t win anything that I would have liked (boo), but then had another two plays later where I won two birthday prints. I swapped one of the prints for another which was available that day aswell.Previous games, we were always informed not to queue straight away as there is loads of prizes. However, the games for this event where running dry by midday. Quite disappointing.The Venue

I have to say this has been the best venue (for one that I have been to) for a Bad Taste Bear event. Warwick was definitely a scenic and beautiful with plenty to do. Plus I found all the staff to be extremely friendly.As well as the BTB related events, , we were able to visit the castle which was something that I was looking forward to doing. The castle is very commercialised (well it is ran by Merlin Entertainments), however it still is entertaining. It is definitely something for the families.

Chris and I ventured along the castle wall, which was great and had such a fantastic view. Although it was a little frustrating to have one old bid decide to push you out of the way several times. Oh how I was tempted to trip her up just as she was about to go down the stairs. Stupid bint!!!

Overall
Taken into account that this was meant to be the 10th anniversary of Bad Taste Bears, the Company did nothing to make it that extra special.

The event just seemed to missing something, which was a little disappointing.

However, this doesn’t mean that I didn’t have a good time. As I did. The event was made something to remember due to friends and the location. It would have been boring without them that is for sure. Attending these events are not cheap and I personally am thinking it is no longer worth the money. Maybe the way forward for me is just to get the bears from eBay. I am sure it would be cheaper!!!