Back from Eurovision
Scott returned from a week at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna and wanted ordinary music and vegetables after days dominated by spectacle and sausages. He arrived in time for Fearne Cotton’s final Radio 1 show and watched her leave the Live Lounge before symbolically turning off the lights, although somebody immediately returned because the room was still needed.
The emotional farewell and Scott’s Eurovision fatigue ran directly into the Big Weekend. Norwich was already full of reports that major artists had been seen in shops, pubs and hotels, and the show decided to manufacture a few more.
Olly Murs needs two waxers
Chris called a Norwich salon as a representative of Olly Murs and enquired about intimate waxing before Sunday’s performance. He studied its policies, asked detailed questions about spatulas and explained that his client was deceptively hairy.
The supposed treatment would require two employees and around two hours. Once the booking had been discussed seriously, Chris asked for complete confidentiality, ensuring that the salon now had precisely the information required to start a convincing local rumour.
Swiftie goes bowling
Taylor Swift became the next target. Chris told a bowling alley that an extremely important female client might visit and asked whether it offered high-heeled bowling shoes, air hockey and suitable privacy.
Scott wanted the bumpers raised on every lane so Taylor would not feel singled out. He also asked whether staff could alter the computer system to ensure she always appeared to be winning and whether a small child from the youth bowling club could hide near the pins and knock down any she missed.
The venue considered the requests and promised discretion. Chris ended the call by stressing that nobody should tell reporters, leaving Norwich with possible sightings of Olly at a waxing salon and Taylor enjoying a suspiciously successful game of bowling.
Dave Grohl learns about foam parties
Chris had been asked to help record a message from Dave Grohl for Fearne’s final show. Their conversation moved from Fearne to the foam parties Chris remembered from clubbing holidays, forcing him to explain why venues once filled dancefloors with foam while groups such as Blazin’ Squad performed.
Grohl patiently explored the idea and agreed that a final enormous foam party might be worthwhile. Chris remained amazed that access to one of the world’s most respected musicians had ended with a detailed discussion about foam machines.
Real or No Real in a pub garden
Nick Grimshaw played Real or No Real from a pub garden during Big Weekend preparations. The facts included calorie labels in artist catering and Ireland’s real 2008 Eurovision entrant, Dustin the Turkey.
Scott and Grimmy drew with 20 points each. Scott then discovered that a programme he had recorded for the temporary Radio 2 Eurovision station was about to begin, briefly placing him on two BBC networks at once as the weekend started.
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