Well, We Went ....

... and had to queue for ages before they would let us in - it was so well attended!  Sadly, because it was so crowded I couldn't get any decent photographs and didn't get one of Jo because she was in a corner and I couldn't see her (for a photo) because of the crowds.  That was probably good for Stampattack as they must have done well.  Pop over to Jo's blog and she will no doubt report on the day.

Anyhow, we did manage to get to the front to see a demonstration on putting on a kimono.  We just happened to be stood near where you could try one on when they announced the demonstration so I quickly grabbed Mo and turned to the stage.

This is one of the ladies trying a kimono on - not sure if she is one of the helpers or one of the crowd.

This is the young girl who they chose to be a model for the demonstration, the reason was (so the lady said) that she had blue streaks in her hair and the kimono was blue.  Anyway, she did a great job modelling.

Then we watched some Martial Arts - think this was was Aikikai

This guy came awfully close to the front row with his sword - shows how skillful they are.  Not sure what his discipline was.

Then there was a stand with these beautiful dolls on - exhibition only but I doubt I could have afforded to buy one.

This was another stand with beautiful embroidery from a student - irl this bead embroidery was beautiful and her choice of colours was superb.

Lots of other demonstrations but it was so crowded that we decided to leave.  By this time we had met up with Jayne and William so we went into Manchester Piccadilly and shopped in Pri-Marni before returning home.

Wasn't quite the "meet up" I envisaged with Vicky Stampers, we saw Jaqui but not Carmel - ah well, maybe she was there but we just didn't meet up.