Posted July 30, 200718 yr “RUB shoulders with the stars,” said the publicity material. “The Centre:mk shopping precinct in Milton Keynes is the place to be,” it added, slightly less encouragingly. The promoters, MusicMania Live, boasted free entry and promised “the incredible buzz of getting to know your favourite music idols from the last three decades, including The Cheeky Girls, Another Level, Steps, S Club, 911, Five and many others.” But the sad reality was a handful of has-beens and a hardcore following of devotees lost in the sprawl of a faceless shopping centre. And punters who read the small print discovered they would have to PAY for autographs and photoshoots. I approached the information booth to see how I could have a “photoshoot” with my fave celebs. It was quite simple, and £145 later I was equipped with a ticket for a snap with each of the stars appearing that day — eight in total. If I wanted their autographs it would cost the same again — bringing the total to a celeb-sized £290. I’d arrived at 9am as the centre opened, hoping to beat the rush . . . but the rush never came. In fact by 5pm when the bored celebs packed up and left, I realised I’d missed the stampede — by about ten years. Dane Bowers kicked off the bargain-basement £10 morning photo sessions. He sat dutifully in a row with Bradley McIntosh of S Club 7 fame, The Cheeky Girls, and Five band members Ritchie, “J” and Scott. But even at £10 a pop, few fans showed up. In fact only two photoshoots were booked — and I was one. Next up was former S Clubber Bradley McIntosh. A favourite with fans, he posed and signed for free — when the promoters weren’t looking. Steps star Ian “H” Watkins was first in the afternoon’s line-up. Surprisingly chirpy, he was the first of the £15 elite. But The Cheeky Girls were the runaway winners with at least 20 punters — more than double the turnout for anyone else. Five did a special deal — £10 each or all three members for £20 — but Lisa Scott-Lee proved that even at £15 a go she could still draw them in, with eight punters forking out. It seemed there were no more than 100 punters in total and the celebs were finally taken back to their three-star hotel — which was three more stars than MusicMania could boast, and probably far cheaper. from the sun. Picture is here http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007350052,00.html
