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Click here for the full set of photos from this month's party.  So there we were... our decision to put on a free party landed us with our first night in a new venue, the third venue we've worked with in less than a year and our first night hosting Planet Angel on its own...
This time we would not be part of another event, with the benefits that brings - no intrusive neighbours, no sound systems setting up in our space, and the freedom to create the environment we strive for. However, it also brings with it a new set of issues, all of which need solutions!
 About 10 days before the party, we found out that Just Jinger, a South African rock band, would be pounding away in the arch next to our main arch! This may not have been a problem had it not been for the 3-metre by 2-metre open doorway between us and them! The venue was great, the guys who run it were totally brilliant, we just had a sodding great hole to fill!
So, to solve the problem, we ordered 259 hessian sandbags. Good old Jamie waited from 7:00am on the day of the party for them to be delivered at the venue and eventually 40 arrived, with the rest on back order! If that wasn't bad enough, the 40 that did arrive were literally just sandbags.
 They had no sand.
40 empty, floppy sacks - to fill a 3-metre by 2-metre hole in the wall.
So, off Billy goes in search of sacks of sand and by 2:00 in the afternoon we had 147 of them and the wall was built. In all, we had used 1.5 tonnes of sand. As we stood there exhausted and dripping with sweat, Keith from the venue calmly pointed out that the wall wouldn't be very stable the way that we had built it. Just before we could indignantly dispute him, THUD! 1.5 tonnes of sand hit the floor. We're too emotional to recount the rest of the story, but suffice to say we 'sorted it'!
And so the party happened and there really was a magical atmosphere. As has happened in the past, the Canvasses encapsulated the vibe... some beautiful poems and artwork, the music was better than ever, everybody was amazing!
 We had put everything we could into the party, that was our commitment to those like-minded people that wanted to share the moment, but what was really incredible, was how much effort was positively channelled into this event from everybody else. People lent equipment, manned the door, rigged up lights and backdrops, washed paintbrushes and generally looked after each other - all for free. The spirit of human coexistence and togetherness was overwhelming, the absolute ultimate high.
People talking - people listening
People rigging - people packing down
People dancing - people performing
People painting - people washing brushes
People thinking - people laughing
People supporting - people noticing...
Planet Angel is all about balance, equilibrium, positive coexistence and the spirit of the party. We'd spent hours planning, designing, building and rebuilding a wall. Not just to keep out the sound of Just Jinger. But also to stop Planet Angel's music from interfering with theirs. They're actually a really good band - a few of us snuck through the back doors when they were on, and guess what, after their set, they came and partied at Planet Angel.
Balance, equilibrium, positive coexistence and the spirit of the party, it's up to all of us, Planet Angel is only the catalyst.
"Just wanted to say thanks for that brilliant night. Great venue, blow your mind music and a truly friendly group of people. I can honestly say 'the best night out for maybe 10 years' by a long way.
"I hope you can get another sorted out as WE WANT MORE!!!!! YOU'RE ONTO A WINNER WITH THIS ONE.
"Keep it going and the next time, you will be having to turn them away at the door - once the word has spread."
- Dave and Eli
"I would like to thank you for such a wonderful and memorable Night! It will certainly stay in the forefront of my memory for a long time. Everything, in my opinion, worked exceptionally well and the whole vibe was tremendous!
"No criticism, only praise for organising and succeeding to pull off such a great event.
"Many congratulations and more..."
- Jason
"Just a quick note to say thanks again for a brilliant night. We loved the venue, the security guys were friendly, the crowd was great.
"Best of all though, was the music. Total magic from start to finish.
"Please give our love to everyone who helped make it such a great party."
- The Invincible Lovesquad
"You guys put on a great party last night amazing sounds & lights, dizzy drumming - wow picture at the back was cool and the ambience, what can I say.
"I thought back to the first open, when you told me your hopes, plans and dreams last night did your dreams live up to your results - I think so.
"Congratulations."
- Claire...
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Past Events 