THE second Headland reunion night went off with a bang last month, eclipsing last year’s maiden event by almost doubling the number of partygoers. In doing so it raised a lot of money for local charities, writes Ryan Cox.

After last year’s success at the Bullers Arms in Marhamchurch, which saw all 225 tickets sell out weeks before the event, the reunion team, Gary Provan, Amanda Davis and Paul Martin, secured a bigger venue for this year’s event — Penstowe Manor.

The Headland was famous for being Bude’s popular nightclub for many decades until its closure in 2007. Over the years the venue had several different owners and a few different identities — but one thing was common, it was always a great night out with top DJs and music. Like last year’s event, many DJs that were part of the Headland’s success were back to show their support this time around.

The event, on Saturday, October 10, had a real party atmosphere with balloons, confetti cannons, lasers, great lighting, and a top quality sound system encouraging people to take to the dance floor as soon as they entered the venue.

Laughter and beaming smiles filled the room from 7pm right through to 2am, aided by another new feature to this year’s event — the photo area.

The team concentrated this year on creating an experience within the experience with the addition of the photo area that consisted of cartoon cut-outs in which scores of partygoers poked their heads through, as well as props such as hats and moustaches, for the obligatory funny snaps.

A sweet cart made by local carpenter Simon Goodearl was also a popular feature and was filled with an assortment of sweets such as popping candy, cola cubes and assorted lollies that were popular in the 1980s and ’90s.

As the party got into full swing, out came the neon face paint, and the result was spectacular — some with creative designs, to one man who had his whole face and head glowing neon green and pink.

The main purpose of the events was to raise money for local charities.

More than £2,000 was raised from ticket and raffle sales and the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, Bude Skate Park and Pirate FM’s Pirate trust all received a great boost for their causes.

Gary Provan said: “For us, as the reunion team, when we were asked the very next day ‘when is the next event?’, we knew we had done something right.

“Everybody that attended the night made it such an enjoyable occasion with some travelling from over 200 miles away.

“The whole ‘reunion’ experience is all about meeting up with friends that you haven’t seen for many years and it’s what keeps the event alive for us.

“Planning has already started on the 2016 event and we know it will be hard to better this year but we, as a team, are determined to create another Headland reunion experience and the date has been set for September 10th 2016 to be held again at Penstowe Manor.

“These events would not be possible without the help and commitment by so many local people.

“We owe our grateful thanks to Simon and Jennie at Penstowe for allowing us the use of the venue, Martin Group Services for being the local ticket outlet, The DJs, who gave up their time, and also those who travelled many miles to take part in the event. To all the local businesses for the donation of so many wonderful prizes, there are far too many to list individually, and the volunteers from the sea pool, who gave up their time to help us on the evening.

“We all do this for the memories and the passion that was felt about The Headland Nightclub and also for the good causes we can help.

“Next year we have decided to help smaller charities local to Bude and the surrounding areas. These will be announced in due course.

“More details are available on the Facebook page which has already been launched and we’ve already had over 80 people say they will be attending within the first week of announcing the new date.”