The Costamar - once providing a good Sunday afternoon's entertainment

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Unfortunately, the Sunday afternoon sessions no longer occur, due to the fact that bingo was in operation, with cash prizes, which is only legal after the obtaining of the appropriate licence. Apparently, the owner of one of Tenerife's legal bingo halls actually LIVES on the Costamar complex and informed the authorities! The Sunday sessions were immediately shut down.

Unlicensed bingo is only allowed if the prizes are "things", rather than money.

All of the following information is, therefore, out of date.

The Costamar tower block (all 16 floors of it) is a bit of a landmark in Los Cristianos. It is one of the first buildings to be erected when the one-time fishing village was developed for tourism.

It is found down at the end of Los Cristianos, near the Hotel Gran Arona and can be seen for miles.

Although this apartment complex, it has to be said, offers only very basic accommodation, every Sunday it features an afternoon of entertainment which has become very famous and popular.

Situated on the covered terrace by the pool, this is an extremely informal affair, where audience members and, indeed, any artistes who may get up to perform, dress very casually, as befits the venue.

Things kick off early afternoon and consist of some entertainment provided by the compere. In previous years, when I was still living there, this was provided in excellent fashion by a friend of mine, Mr Pete Monroe. He eventually moved on to pastures new - he may not even be on the island now - but I'm sure his replacement is more than up to the task.

Periodically, through the afternoon, there are sessions of bingo, with cash prizes.

At least one major entertainer from the island will be performing.

There may be others sat in the audience who may be persuaded to get up and give you a few songs.

Any holidaymaker who wishes to get up and sing may do so, as well.

Full bar service is available throughout, along with a selection of snacks and light bites.

Things start to wind up between 6-7pm.

It's such a shame that this shut-down had to happen. I attended these Sunday sessions many times (even peforming occasionally) and they were a great way to spend the afternoon.