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Debbie Leigh: That old white magic
I KNOW we're in a recession but that doesn't seem to be having any impact on the party animals' annual pilgrimage to Ibiza.
More people than ever seem to be heading out to the White Isle this summer and thankfully, after a year off, that includes me.
There's something truly magical about the place and it has so much more to offer than just being home to some of the best club nights in the world.
Although having said that, the nightlife is addictive and I'm proud to see two of Leeds's own best-loved DJs will be spinning their musical magic out there every Monday this summer.
Privilege
Nick Riley and Andi Durrant are exporting their Electrik Playground night for the second time in as many years, playing at Privilege – the world's biggest club, complete with inside swimming pool.
As those two goons from Masterchef might say, "DJing doesn't get much better than this"!
In fact it seems there will be a strong Leeds contingent raving it up practically every day over the next few months if my mates' holiday timetables are anything to go on.
A mob from Leeds, including local legend Howard Marks, flew out there recently for a stag do.
And while in ordinary circumstances I would rather give up ice cream for a week than be anywhere near such a lad-tastic event, in this instance I would have actually given my last tub of Ben & Jerry's just to have been a fly on the wall at their revelries.
Another pal has just returned with envy-inducing tales of lavish boat parties, while another is jetting off on a hen do there this weekend.
And of course, no one could have missed the fact that Katie Price picked Ibiza for well and truly drowning her sorrows over her split with Pete.
In a surprising display of good taste, or good advice, she was staying at the Es Vive hotel – described in the tabloids as "well known on the island for its partying lifestyle" and "a Mecca for tourists seeking the ultimate in hedonism".
Trendspotters, I would just like to point out that I was hanging out at Es Vive before Jordan and Peter even ventured into that fateful 'I'm a Celeb' jungle five years ago.
And the last time I was there, two summers ago, was for the weirdly wonderful Smirnoff Electric Cabaret Experience featuring glamorous synchronised swimmers, jaw-dropping hula hooping and a man bouncing around inside a giant balloon.
Sumptuous
It was made all the more sumptuous by the feather boas handed out at the door and mixologists whipping up specialist cocktails around the pool, plus the fact I met beautiful hedonist Jade Jagger later that night.
The only fly in the ointment with Ibiza is the extortionate price of drinks and club entry.
Reports back from the frontline indicate they are more outrageous than ever, with a mate paying 18 euros for a vodka and Red Bull.
With all that loud music constantly playing out there they mustn't have heard there's a credit crunch.
But one pal has discovered a loophole.
Apparently you can pick up a glass of "tinto verano" – a red wine spritzer – for just three euros a pop.
I'm practising my Spanish already.
A little glimpse of Ralf
IT'S not often I get to do a "spotted, out and about in Leeds" feature so it's always exciting when I spy a celeb.
This actor was clocked striding into trendy Azucar down at Brewery Wharf but shunned a table outside in the setting sunlight, opting to be less conspicuous with a seat inside.
I was enjoying a spot of al fresco tapas scoffing with my Leeds BF when he walked past with a blonde and two friends.
I only realised at the last minute it was The Royle Family star Ralf Little.
I interviewed him last year when he was filming in Leeds for internet drama KateModern but thankfully I hadn't consumed enough booze the other night to dash over and remind him of that.
I know he was filming new ITV comedy Married, Single, Other in Leeds last month along with The Office cutie Lucy Davis, so maybe he liked what he found and decided to stick around.
It can't be too often we attract someone to this city from the other side of the Pennines.
But he obviously has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the places to be seen.
Azucar ambassador Howard Marks can often be found hanging out there, so perhaps Ralf was hoping to do a bit of celeb-spotting himself.
Be very afraid...
LAST, but not least, I had to share this photo with you.
I was emailed it with the subject: "Brace yourselves girls – the Nivea cheerleaders are back in Harrogate".
I don't want to be mean but if I found myself face to face with them the only thing I would be bracing myself for is a record-breaking sprint in the opposite direction.
Sometimes there's a thin line between sexy and scary – a young Jack Nicholson or Ray Winstone being on the right side of that line.
As for these grinning pom-pom-waving cheerleader guys, they're just plain scary.
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
