Nights in pink satin

Saturday, as most of you will be aware, was the night that Trans-mission returned to Manchester, so of course I was there, as were Pippa, Cerys and Shan. Was a great evening, my only disappointment being the music which was more like the stuff they play at the London Trans-mission, rather than the predominately pop stuff that they played at the second birthday party in Manchester earlier this year. Still, it was a good atmosphere, and I didn’t embarrass myself by dancing. I expect I managed it in other ways though.

I got to Manchester late afternoon to give myself time to relax a little. Cerys mentioned in her blog that the International Hotel is becoming increasingly grubby, she’s not wrong, I thought exactly the same when I arrived. Mind you I entered the room to find that it hadn’t been cleaned and the toilet wouldn’t flush, what’s more it had been used, no way was I staying there. So, back down to reception to politely complain, luckily they had one spare room so I was able to swap.

I was just about to start my make up when Cerys called and said she might pop up sometime, having just arrived herself. So I got to work half-expecting Cerys to turn up at any time. I’d just finished my foundation when there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was Cerys I answered it to find a little Scottish man standing there staring at me in disbelief. I was in a short dress, hair tied back in an Alice-band, pale-faced, looking like a stereotypical drag queen making up before the show. "Er… sorry I think I’ve got the wrong room", "I think you have dear", don’t know why he looked so surprised, it’s a tranny-friendly hotel run by gays, maybe he was just expecting to see his boyfriend or something, but his eyes lingered on me for rather too long. I closed the door as politely as one can in someone’s face, well, he was staring at me with his jaw on the floor, and not I expect, because he was astounded by my beauty.

I was nearly done when Cerys rang again to warn me that she was coming up. I had a play with her new hair and gave her a drink. Just as I was saying that Pippa must be pretty close by now there came another knock on the door and there she was, right on cue.

We’d decided to dress 50’s style, something we’ve both always wanted to do, and Trans-mission being the sort of night where you can get away with dressing a bit over the top. It was fun, though having seen the pics I’m sure I could do better, not bad for a first attempt though, and it certainly attracted attention. I just love those huge skirts (though mine was a little short to be authentic) with masses of petticoat, 40 yards of chiffon in mine, heavenly.

All in all it was a super night, made special by the company of the lovely Cerys and Shan. I didn’t feel at all conspicuous despite looking like an extra from Grease, even in the greasy chip shop. You can dress outrageously in the Village, go buy chicken and chips, wander round freely and no-one is in the least surprised. I suppose really we should have got hot dogs and root beer but even me and Pippa are not THAT pedantic.

Having not quite perfected the 50’s make up style, our next night out is probably going to be a Halloween party at some friends of Pippa’s, so I now have to work on some sort of Gothic/vampish look, or maybe I could go as a virgin. Naah, no-one’s gonna believe that for a second.