The Barcelona Circuit Festival is undoubtedly one of the most intense partying experiences on the planet, with 21 clubbing events packing big party names like Supermarchxe, WE, Kluster, Rapido, Mega Woof, and La Leche! If you like to party with thousands of fun-loving guys (and girls) from around the world, this is like Gay Disneyland and Christmas combined, but with Speedos…

Part 2: Extras, Queuing, and The Guys…

Extras

Tickets aside, extras soon add up … With most venues from out of town, you’ve pretty much got to get on the big gay Circuit bus, and pay five euro for the privilege. Cloakroom check is another two euro, but the real kick comes with drinks. First of all, start queuing for your drink tickets, then join the line for the actual drinks. With spirit and mixer at ten euro, and soft drink solo at six euro (sadly, without any “real Red Bull”), party juice is expensive. The saving grace would be the usual Spanish mega-shot of vodka/gin/whiskey, but you’ll get a rather puny standard shot measure unless you start tipping as soon as they start pouring.

Queuing

Queuing doesn’t start or end at the bar. As a Press Pass Princess, I hate lines, and just like Disneyland or a High Street store at Christmas, there are plenty of big ones to be joined at Circuit; for the bus to/from the venue, the cloak check for bags, and to get your bag back. And, of course, you’ll queue for the toilets (longer at some venues than others, depending on how naturally equipped they are for a sudden horde of gay guys). But if you want a big clubbing experience with lots of guys, there are obviously going to be queues, duh. So this is just something to be aware of, rather than a proper moan. Given how much fun these parties are, I’d happily swap a normal night out for another ten minutes of Circuit magic in one of those toilet queues. They’re probably one of the best places to strike up a conversation with the hottie in the black Speedos 10cm in front of you. So smile, though your bladder’s aching.

The guys

One of the most common things I hear from people who shun Circuit parties is this: ‘’It’s just for muscled guys and steroid queens.’’ They tell me they wouldn’t feel comfortable and that they wouldn’t fit in. I cannot state more clearly how ridiculous and untrue a generalization this is. As soon as I arrived at my (very first) Circuit event, it felt great, with good vibes all round. There was no attitude, just a healthy mix of friendly faces, ages, body types, and even a fair sprinkling of lesbian chicks and fag-hags. People were not being friendly to me for my amazingly defined, ripped body (I don’t have one). They were being friendly because Circuit is about meeting new people, making friends, and having a great time at great parties. I’d recommend for anyone to try it. I’ve still got my wristband on. Gay Christmas may be over, but I’m not taking the tree down yet!