Final year for Hemsby Rock ‘N’ Roller Weekender
A previous Hemsby Rock'n'Roll Weekender Picture: supplied - Credit: Archant
An end of a musical era will be taking place next weekend when the final Hemsby Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekender event is held in the coastal village.
Hemsby Rock and Roll weekend organiser Willie Jeffery with Kelly Hughes, a fashion student who is writing a thesis about Hemsby Rock and Roll. Photo: Bill Darnell - Credit: Archant © 2006
The celebration of rock ‘n’ roll has been taking place in Hemsby for 31 years with fans attending two events a year in what is described as the longest running rock ‘n’ roll weekender in the world.
The 61st and last ever weekender event will be held at Hemsby Beach Holiday Park from Friday, October 4 and will feature Jack Baymoore and the Bandits, Rip Masters and Gary U.S. Bonds.
Organiser ‘Wild’ Willie Jeffery has posted a statement on the event’s website that announces it will be the last ever weekender and it will be a celebration of the 126 original American acts that have performed there.
Mr Jeffery said: “It’s with great sadness that I am announcing that this will be our last Hemsby Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekender.
Hemsby Rock and Roll. Gene Summers with fans.Photo: Bill Darnell - Credit: Archant © 2006
“I am extremely proud to have been a part of keeping our music alive and bringing the very best of original and authentic rock’n’ roll to Hemsby over the past 31 years, but I have decided to call it a day.
“So, in honour of the 126 original American acts that have performed for us, let’s have a party and rock the joint. We are going to be celebrating all the good times at Hemsby.”
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The event is organised by Preston-based Rock ‘N’ Rollers.
The first Hemsby weekender was held at the village’s Pontins holiday park in October 1988 and featured Joe Clay and Mickey Hawks.
Up to 3,000 people are said have to attended each event in May and October, which were built around the roots music of the early 1950s and covered rockabilly, hillbilly, western bop, doo-wop, jive, R & B, boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll.
One third of those attending were from Europe and North America.
The event also boasted of being the biggest 1950s marketplace for clothes, records and furniture.
Many bands and record companies also released new albums and products and re-issues at every Hemsby weekender.
For information visit www.hemsbyrocknroll.co.uk or call 01772 761522 or 07833 900 825.
