Planet Angel - Live an Ordinary Life in an Extraordinary Way

Planet Angel is the one event where moments are turned into memories. Where ordinary lives are touched in extraordinary ways. It is the meeting place for like-minded people and creative individuals. Every month the guestbook is filled with entries – all singing praise to nights that are dedicated to the people, the music and experience. We have decided to highlight one testimonial per month and glimpse into the life of someone who has been touched by Planet Angel.

This month I had the pleasure of meeting Gemma Wells-Colyer. To some she needs no introduction – her natural beauty, creative talent, and love for glitter have been part of Planet Angel for many years.

Gemma went to her first Planet Angel five years ago and immediately fell in love with the experience. She has since decided to become more involved on a creative level and invests in the Planet Angel community with regular face and body painting at events. Her bouncing energy, positive outlook, passion, and contagious smile have resulted in many friendships and the deep connections that are synonymous with nights at Planet Angel.

Give us a brief outline of your life before your first Planet Angel experience.

My life mainly consisted of work, work, work and going to mainstream clubs. It generally felt like something was missing. I didn't really feel that it was my kind of scene or my kind of music, but as most of my friends went, it was a way of spending time with them. The attitude was just part of the course.

Who introduced you to your first-ever Planet Angel?

It was my boyfriend Russell, from Serotonin. I've been coming to Planet Angel for nearly as long as we’ve been together. When we first met, he took me to Zap in Brighton, and I fell in love with the music and realised what I had been missing. He then said I would love Planet Angel. He described it as all the best parts of clubbing: the music, the people, the atmosphere all rolled into one.

Describe your first time at Planet Angel.

The first time I went to Planet Angel was at the Arches in Southwark Street nearly five years ago. The queue was HUGE! We waited about an hour and a half to get in. But we had entertainment while we waited (I even remember someone with a Glow Staff who has now become a close friend of mine). Everyone was friendly and the vibe was just so different. Once we got inside, my boyfriend introduced me to Pete, who gave me 'the tour' as he does with most new people. It was so amazing. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. It was like no other place I had ever been to. I spent most of the night dancing my heart out in the Meltdown Room. At the end of the night, I realised I had found what was missing.

What is your personal view of the entire Planet Angel experience?

Planet Angel can be many things to different people. For some it is just one night a month where they can be free to just be themselves, with no one questioning or judging them. It’s a release for them and it serves a purpose. This is what it used to be for me. Over the past few years, it has developed into much more than being just a night. Everyone can make Planet Angel what they want. I wanted to get more involved in Planet Angel as I felt I wanted to give something back and be a part of something that is truly amazing. I started doing face/body painting on an ad hoc basis, which has now grown into something more permanent. I thoroughly enjoy being part of what makes Planet Angel work. I’m also now involved in moderating the Forum and other external sites, helping spread the word to like-minded people. Every time I contribute something, I want to contribute more. That is the reason why Planet Angel is so great, you can be someone who appreciates the one night a month, or you can get stuck in up to your elbows… It’s completely your choice.

What would you say distinguish Planet Angel from other club nights?

I’ve been to other nights that are similar to Planet Angel. The main difference is the ‘like minded people’, a feeling of community with everyone. Nothing is too much trouble. I love the fact that at Planet Angel you can just be yourself and that you are accepted with open arms (literally). Also, everyone involved with Planet Angel are very positive people who you can connect with. You can contact them directly, there’s no ‘boss’ you have to go to. They always want your ideas on how to improve things and it’s great to know your input is important and most of all appreciated.

How does Planet Angel contribute to other areas of your life?

Planet Angel has definitely influenced my life. I have met the most wonderful people who are now my closest friends. I think everyone at some point in their lives stop and take stock of what is important. Being part of Planet Angel made me do this. I realized that work is not everything. I changed my job, started working a little less and made time for friends, family and most importantly myself. This also allowed me to get more involved with Planet Angel, which is very rewarding.

What is your most memorable Planet Angel moment and why?

My most memorable moment would have to be when my boyfriend’s band, Serotonin, played the Happening in the Meltdown Room in Feb 2007. It had been two years of planning and to see it finally happening was unbelievable. I had been there while they wrote the music - adding bits in, taking stuff out, re-working it. I knew just how much effort had gone into the set. I was so nervous for them, but I knew they would rock! When they started playing, it was amazing. All the hard work had paid off. Everyone went nuts when they played Phoria, including me. I was immensely proud of them and it was the most mind-blowing night I had been part of.

Tell us about one particularly interesting person you’ve met and connected with at Planet Angel.

About 18 months ago, I was bouncing around the Meltdown Room and I noticed a guy on his own at the side of the room. Me being me bounced over, I said hi and introduced myself by glittering him. He was called Jay and it was his first Planet Angel. I showed him around and introduced him to my friends. We bounced around for a bit and then went to the chill bar. We clicked straight away and were chatting for ages. I found out he had to work the next day, he’s a massage therapist, so he had to leave a little early. We swapped numbers and I promised to let him know about the next party. In the afternoon, I got a text from Jay saying that he had been massaging people all day, and all around his chair was a ring of glitter! It made him smile. He said thank you for making his first Planet Angel so memorable. The next month, I text him asking if he was coming to the party, and to this day, he says that he didn’t expect it at all. He couldn’t believe that I had remembered him! From this chance meeting, I have met so many of his wonderful friends, and he has met mine. To me, they are my Planet Angel family.

What do you see happening on the future dance floors of Planet Angel?

The future of Planet Angel is in our hands. As the months and years pass, it evolves to something else. Not necessarily better or worse, but just something different. The ethos of Planet Angel will always stay the same. There will be new party people coming in and others will depart, but we all have the power to influence what happens. One day Planet Angel will have a permanent space to just be Planet Angel. Until then, we should party like there’s no tomorrow!