FURY FEST 03 REPORTS
31 performers and on-stage guests. Two amazing days. FRIDAY SHOW SATURDAY DAYTIME 11.45am Vince Eager reminisces 5pm: Vince Eager interviews Jack Good - 5pm Saturday. SATURDAY SHOW
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PALACE THEATRE, NEWARK September 19-20, 2003
I decided to consider a project in a centrally-located traditional theatre, with shows on a Friday and Saturday night, raising money for the heart fund at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. Ray Shenton, a superb Billy Fury tribute artist who lives in the north-west, agreed to give me the benefit of his professional experience by becoming the show's Production Controller. He and his wife Jean have provided unstinting support and counsel throughout the project. About three years earlier, I had met Vince Eager, who was Billy’s flatmate for some time, and who now fronts a superb band, Rockola. Vince had become a good friend, and over a drink in a pub, he became my first, very valuable signing. Vince agreed to headline the Saturday night show, and from that night, his inside knowledge, expertise and downright common sense proved to be some of our major assets. An early favourite venue was Grantham Civic Centre, a fairly modern venue holding about 250 people. This fell through, however, and I turned my attention to my local theatre in Newark, which holds more than 600. Billy had appeared on the stage twice, and it seemed a superb setting. The theatre offered me their only available weekend dates at the end of summer - September 19 and 20. Ray and Jean joined me one Friday afternoon while we looked over the facilities, and I wrote out a cheque for a £200 deposit. I booked only the stalls, providing us with 350 seats, at a total cost of almost £1,000. We were committed! I wanted to show the films Play It Cool and I’ve Gotta Horse. However, I had no luck tracing prints of them, and I spent a lot of time trying to set up an arrangement to project the videos of them onto The Palace’s cinema screen, Hiring the special projector would cost £500, and I was finding it impossible to get complete clearance for the videos. There was a vague promise that I would get permission if no one was specifically charged to see the films, but I couldn’t even get that in writing.
This company confirmed that they did, in fact, have copies, and they referred me to their distributors, Winstone, who agreed to rent them to us. Meanwhile, the Friday night cast was coming together. Rob Dee and the Fury Sound were booked as the Friday night headline act, and many of the very talented artists who appear on the Without You album agreed to provide the support. I had seen 16-year-old Laura Buckley perform at Margate and Liverpool, and I had the pleasure of listening to some superb recordings she had made. I felt that Laura would provide excellent support for Vince on Saturday night, and through her manager, Kevin Summerfield, she was engaged to open the second half.
The acts should appear stage left, then stage right, in quick succession, with a spotlight on the current performer, without individual introductions, then with featured spots for some artists to break up the routine. That early idea was adopted and made to work brilliantly by Ray and Jean, who made the very sensible suggestion that each performer should also have a Billy Fury spot at the end. There were still several unresolved questions. Should we book another live band to close the first half of the Friday show? (Thank goodness we didn’t, as the length of the show proved a major headache.) Ray offered to compere, but I also wanted him to display his considerable singing talents and open the Saturday show.
We investigated an Everly Brothers tribute act, among others, before Vince put me in touch with Chas McDevitt, the leader of the skiffle group that recorded the multi-million selling Freight Train in the late 1950s. That was a wonderful break, as Chas proved to be a huge hit, and it also introduced me to his music. The Palace were unsure whether two rooms upstairs would be available to us, as a lift was being installed during the summer, and building work could prevent access to the upper floor.
I provisionally booked a second venue, Gusto’s, 200 yards along the street, where I intended that our magical DJ Daniel Heeney should run his disco. In the event, daytime bookings made this unnecessary, which meant that we had the great advantage of Daniel’s presence in the bar throughout most of the proceedings. Early in the year, I had met the veteran television and record producer Jack Good, who has retired to rural Oxfordshire, and he very kindly agreed to attend on the Saturday afternoon to be interviewed on stage by Vince. Vince also volunteered to speak about his life and times in the late 1950s/early 1960s in the morning. I won’t detail my ambitious plans to attract other celebrity guests - all of which were either ignored or proved financially impractical - but we were very sad that Hal Carter was unable to attend through illness. However, we did welcome Dougie Wright, a former drummer with Lord Rockingham’s XI and the John Barry Seven. Through Vince, I invited Shane Fenton/Alvin Stardust to join Vince on stage after the showing of Play It Cool (Alvin, of course, appears in the film) but he was booked for a charity event on that day. I wanted to have a high quality programme, but the local printers didn’t seem too keen to produce one to our specification.
Nevertheless, I was very pleased with the end product. It became clear that we would not have a huge audience, but I was determined that Alder Hey would get something from the show. I decided to cost the programmes separately, so that even if the festival made a loss, I could hand over the proceeds from the programme sales, plus the takings from a quiz run by Pauline Swindells. A great deal of effort went into promoting the weekend. There were three mentions on Radio 2, and Vince and I even drove to Essex to appear as guests in a three hour show on Radio Caroline. Finally, the countdown on the front page of billyfury.com reached Day 0 and I drove to The Palace soon after 1pm on Friday September 19. I haven’t dwelt on the sets, as you can hear them all for yourself. What happened backstage, I don’t know, because I wasn’t there. I do know that thanks to everyone involved, the shows went smoothly and professionally, and I would be delighted if Ray or Mags or Chrstine supplied me with an account of their work. In fact, I’d be grateful for as many personal views as possible. We set out to make this the friendly festival, and from start to finish, that’s exactly what it was.
I had a wonderful time with a lot of wonderful people, but with so much happening, I find it very difficult to separate events sufficiently to be able to report on them intelligently. I do know that thanks to the brilliant organisation of Ray and Jean, the Oh Boy sequence went like a dream. The solo spots were superb, and our headliners, Rob Dee and the Fury Sound, were exceptional. What a show! There was a big surprise at the start, as Johnny Storme, against all expectations, had made the journey from the Isle of Wight, and performed Billy’s unreleased single, I Must Be Dreaming. Ray, I have to say, was a revelation as a compere. He built an instant rapport with the audience – well, they just loved him. Even my Mum was overwhelmed when he gave her a kiss.
The technical staff at The Palace had to spend five hours repairing it for projection (and, of course, we had to pay for that work) because when it was shown on a small screen in a museum on Merseyside in July, it was damaged and it was delivered to us in an unusable condition. Vince gave a captivating talk on stage for 45 minutes about his times with Billy, before we broke for lunch,
We adjourned to the bar for Daniel’s disco, and discovered that several members of the audience had unsuspected talents during a karaoke session. Vince interviewed Jack Good - what a splendid character he is - and Dougie Wright on stage, then we sought sustenance while waiting for the main show to start.
He called Chris Eley from the Sound Of Fury fan club, on stage and I was presented with a magnificent portrait. Chas McDevitt was a revelation, with a relaxed 30 minute spot accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. The second half opened with Laura, accompanied on guitar by Nick McNulty, and supported by her 11-year-old sister Emily for a confident and self-assured set. Then came our superb headliners, Vince Eager and Rockola. I have seen Vince in action several times, but on Saturday, he was at his rocking best. We closed with the remaining artists back on stage, leading the audience in Halfway To Paradise and In Thoughts Of You, then Vince brought the house down with Let’s Have A Party. For the record, we issued 181 tickets for the Friday night, 140 for Saturday daytime and 316 for Saturday night. That tells about 1% of the story of Fury Fest 03 - but the report is already far too long.
I’ll never forget it. - HW PAULINE SWINDELLS WRITES: I started work for FF03 months before the event. Putting a 50 question quiz together, printing out T shirts. Collecting prizes for the quiz….two of which, a cushion with a picture of Billy and a laundry bag with the FF3 poster on were homemade and unique. And, my friend Penny who made them up for me has my grateful thanks for doing such a wonderful job. I travelled up from the Isle of Wight on the Thursday morning, arriving in Newark in the early afternoon. As I’d been sat in the car for four hours, the first thing we did was take a good walk and investigate the local pub. We stayed with Maureen and Harry and they made us so welcome it was like a home from home. We had dinner with Maureen and Harry on Thursday night, beautifully cooked and prepared by Maureen. Friday morning, whilst Harry and Maureen were at work, we went into Newark and had a wander around. After lunch, prepared by Morrisons, but reheated by me!, we set off for the theatre. It was lovely to be so involved in everything that was taking place….meeting the artists as they arrived for rehearsals and, of course meeting up with everyone from the site. Moya and Harry turned me into an autograph hunting groupie…but I’m not complaining, I felt 16 again!!
As so much has been written about the show and the sound files are on the site….I’ll just say two words to describe the show…..stupendous and unforgettable. I loved the "Oh Boy" format…a masterstroke. Saturday found us at the
theatre bright and early. I sat through "Play it Cool" without smelling I went to watch "I’ve got a horse". I’d never seen this film before and I have to admit, that I didn’t enjoy this one half as much as "Play it Cool". Yes, I know, Billy looked yummy, but I didn’t think the film did him any favours. Then Daniel’s karaoke……and well done the courageous Mags and Babs who joined in and sang. Then, dinner and once again it was show time. Again, so much has been written about Saturday’s show that I’ll just say the same two words…stupendous and unforgettable.
I so look forward to FF04. DANIEL HEENEY WRITES: At The Palace on Friday, I was greeted by
a breath of fresh air as out from behind a table drifted Pauline, then I
was whisked away to see Harry who at his point was looking like: "Oh I sorted out my little spot out and set
out my display boards, which I have been working on for so long, the my
Billy disco lights, and I was then set. It was the people who made things so great.
Saturday
I turned up in my gold drape, and even
did my Billy card trick and a few balloon animals for the kids, and had
a great night.
This was the friendly festival. RUSS DEE WRITES: It's taken me a week to come down from my experience of Fury Fest. I got down to newark about 3.30. The first people i met were Pauline and her husband and Harry and Maureen. From then on it was all go. As soon as I walked into the theatre I was called up for my sound check. Ray Shenton soon marked my card for me. "Good news and bad news," he said. "The good was you sounded fine. The bad is you cannot walk round the stage. You stand there where the spotlight is." Next I met Colin Paul who I later shared a dressing room with. What a fantastic guy. Then Garry Slade. What a giant in every sense. Then the great Rob Dee. I missed his show in Margate. You were all I expected and more.
It wasn't until later that I saw the southern section of the show, but what pros: Dave Michael and Tony Harte. Last but not least the Welsh lassie KD Kane. I've never heard a bad Welsh singer yet and she's no different. On with the show. Ray was supposed to start the show but when we heard Johnny Storme all of us back stage were looking through every crack in every curtain. It was a great surprise Johnny and it was great to see you and your wife again.
The show absolutely flew. After I finished my songs Ray gave me a Lancashire bear hug and cracked three of my ribs. Thanks Ray. Another lady I'm always glad to see is Jean Shenton. She is always so friendly and like many other people was kept very busy. If I've missed anybody out I'm so sorry. Last of all I would like to thank all of the audience for making it one of the best nights of my life. PS Ray, you were superb with me thanks. Harry adds: A domestic crisis stopped Russ from returning on Saturday, so he missed a surprise we had for him. Everyone at the show signed a copy of the Without You album, which I forwarded to him, to recognise his remarkable help, in selling more than 60 copies at his gigs. JOHNNY STORME WRITES: The very First
Fury Festival - Fury Fest 2003. THE SURPRISE! ROGER SEA WRITES: Newark, being only just up the A1 from us, was easy to get to; parking however, was more difficult. We (Track Back and myself) coordinated
our arrival at the Palace Theatre to gain maximum publicity. However
the television cameras hadn't yet arrived and the crowds of people
were still looking for somewhere to park! Not put-off by this we
found the stage entrance and unloaded the gear, wives s an'
all...what a load!
CHRIS
ELEY REPORTS:
Billy Fury Fest 2003- a review by Chris Eley Newark is a long way from Sussex and somewhere that I had never been
before this special weekend. It is actually an enjoyable place, with the
castle, pub boat on the river and a great little Theatre. As we entered
the Theatre on Friday the 19th we just caught, literally, the
final notes of I Must Be Dreaming performed by Johnny Storm.
Apart from looking the part (we met later)I really cannot comment until
I catch you again Johnny! The theatre has character, from the minarets
outside to the well-maintained and colourful interior. I must mention
how warm and helpful all of the staff were; and this certainly
contributed to the weekend. As we settled in the other acts, compared by the irrepressible Ray
Shenton (how dare you have that much hair Ray!), came out and did their
stuff ‘Oh Boy’style. The sincerity and conviction of each performer was
wonderful to experience and it was a great pity that the theatre was not
packed-as it should have been, and indeed was on the following night.
However, enough of the faithful had rears on seats to make a good deal
of well-deserved applause. The evening was broken into two halves but
for ease I will just refer to the artists and the numbers I recall, as
opposed to the strict running order. The opening act was veteran
performer Tony Harte who delivered an enjoyable set of mostly Eddie
Cochran numbers during the evening, one tribute to his old mate Heinz,
plus a Billy number which closed the first half I think. Liked the
Stormy Tempest jacket Tony. KD Kane, a bubbly young Welsh lady with a
powerful voice (a cross between Tanya Tucker and Rachel Sweet) delivered
Brenda Lee and Helen Shapiro numbers really well. Dave Michael was a new
one on me and put a lot of energy into mostly Cliff and Buddy Holly
numbers and a take on ‘I’ll Never fall in Love again’ that had
shades of Johnny Ray (the original). Big bad Gary Slade (actually one of
the nicest guys you could meet) looked awesome in a red drape jacket and
blond stage wig. His voice was one of the highlights of the weekend,
being excellent on Marty Wilde numbers (such as Danny) and the
Billy numbers too. (Wondrous Place 63’ and a superb I’m lost
Without You which was the highlight of the first half.) Gary has two enjoyable new CDs available, one of Billy tracks and one
mixed 50s/60’s. Contact Gary through Harry’s web site or write with an
sae to me at SOF and I will contact Gary with your details. Colin Paul
delivered his usual excellence with a voice so powerful and rich that it
would need Robert Gordon on the same bill to come close. Even without
the Persuaders it was a typically great performance during both halves
of the show. It was a nice contemporary touch to do the new Elvis single
Rubberneckin’ but as always it was the big voiced ballads like Somewhere
and If I Can Dream that hit the spot for most persons
present. An exception was the mid tempo rocker by Ben Hewitt (which most
folk thought was a rare Elvis number), Ain’t Giving up Nothin’.
Great set from one of the very best live performers around today. Two
new nice CD releases available too, one rocking, one of love songs (all
Elvis). Order via colinpaulandthepersuaders@hotmail.com. Russ Dee and
Geoff Howlett I had never seen before and I enjoyed both seeing them
perform and meeting them afterwards. Russ has possibly the most
authentic Billy voice I have heard done on stage and, in a nice touch,
chose the lesser known numbers such as Don’t walk Away and
Sleepless Nights. These are difficult to do, as is Play it
Cool and some others, but Russ pulled it off. No airs and graces
here, and not much movement, just a straightforward vocal tribute. Geoff
delivered some Johnny Tillotsen numbers well, one a tribute to his wife
Judy, Judy. also Venus in Blue Jeans (the girls at school had
different lyrics!)and a couple of Billy numbers, Do you really love
me too and Because of Love I think. The ‘Sting’ type
arrangement on his track on the Without You CD was actually accidental I
discovered later! Track Back played some Shadows numbers, which are
always welcome and their usual vocalist Roger Sea entertained with a
selection of authentically delivered Bobby Vee numbers. Roger also did a
couple of Billy numbers, A Thousand Stars and Nothin Shakin’
as I recall. Colin and Gary duetted on Forget Him (it was NOT
Billy’s last vocal performance-but it was his final vinyl single
release.)The vocal was 1970/71. I have known Rob Dee for awhile but only
ever caught a couple of numbers before. Now he has a full band, The Fury
Sound, and puts on quite a show. The set opened with the Tornados
tribute to Billy, Love’n’Fury
and then came astring of hits. I Will was dedicated to Moya (she
gets everywhere!). One highlight was Running Around followed I
think by Wedding bells, which I found quite authentic. For most
people present it was the second half that got the place going.
Following Do You Really Love Me Too there were three good rockers
in a row. I feel that if Rob took a couple more numbers off side one of
the We Want Billy album it could be even more effective. Perhaps Baby
Come On and Just Because or Sweet Little 16 .It is
mostly on the fast numbers that he comes through best on stage (and you
do need a band for them to be effective). It was a professional ,
enjoyable and sincere tribute. The punters went home happy anyway. It
had been a quite long but thoroughly enjoyable evening. Rob has a nice
12 Billy track CD available via his agent on 01452-728729. Saturday morning 10am and there on the big screen for the first time
since 1962 (or 1963 in the USA I think) was Play it Cool. Harry had
managed to acquire what might be the only remaining films of this and
I’ve Gotta Horse (shown in the afternoon). I have to say that the
emotion of seeing Play it Cool again for the first time since I was 13
was considerable-afterwards I couldn’t thank Harry enough. It was like
viewing it for the first time and Linda and I were totally riveted. I
even noticed that Hal (Carter) was in two shots, not just twisting in
the Lotus Room but gawping (Linda’s Northern expression) at the lady
dancers legs. Nice one Hal! Actually, for us guys, there are some
stunning ladies in the film, especially those lovely Chinese ladies in
the Lotus Room. Hal remembers it well, and not just for the legs !At one
stage it was taking so long to finish the shot that the Chinese food was
going cold. Hal, Billy and the boys wolfed it down and there was none
left for the shot. I, and Harry I know, were both terribly disappointed
at the very poor turnout for Play it Cool. Many who missed it did say
they regretted it so perhaps they will turn up if there is a replay.
Certainly it is no work of art but as a vehicle for Billy’s riveting
performances and as a time capsule back into our time, it is great,
quite funny too. The supporting singers also give a lie to the rubbish
about before the Beatles there was nothing. This is great pop and a
slice of quintessential Englishness. The afternoon film went down quite
well and the merchandising was really good, with CDs of many of the
artists,a colour programme ,posters and other goodies. There was a DJ,
Daniel Heeney, who as well as being impossible to miss (well over 6 feet
tall with a mane of Elvis hair) was humerous, helpful, Billy
knowledgeable and pleasant. Nice to see my old friend Kevin Summerfield
(Laura’s manager) strut his stuff on the Karioke and also to meet new
people like Mags Cummings (a tireless helper of Harry’s) and many other
really nice folk who I hope will perhaps get to Mill Hill, Blackpool etc
(and back again if there is another Fury Fest.) It was nice to see Mill
Hill regulars and dedicated fans, Roy and Jane Hetherington there also
to meet Maureen and Harry’s family again, among others. I It was a very
friendly occasion. During the late afternoon Vince Eager took to the stage and spoke for
an hour about his time spent with Billy, from discovery at the Essoldo
to sharing a flat in London. It was witty, informative and entertaining.
Later Vince interviewed Jack Good on stage and that turned out to be
another highlight, and often a real hoot, which is what I am sure Jack
intended, because he is a fun character. These were things not to be
missed. It was nice to chat briefly with Jack again and he was kind
enough to remember Linda and I from Liverpool and to say that the Sound
of Fury Presentation has pride of place in his home. Thanks Jack, we owe
you a great deal. We also owe Vince for getting Jack to attend Liverpool
and I did thank him on behalf of the SOF and fans everywhere. It was
nice to eventually meet Vince who was very courteous and friendly. Saturday night was the big night and the place started to really fill
up. Ray Shenton (who must have been well shattered by Sunday morning)
both compered and performed a set to open the evening. It was both well
delivered and received, featuring several lesser-known numbers (always a
gamble when general punters are also in). It worked, and We were
meant for each other was nice to hear, also How Many Nights, How
many Days and another dedication to Moya. All My Hopes was
also in there. A polished set and then back to compering. I presented
Harry with a framed picture on behalf of all the fans (for his website
work and support of The Sound of Fury/Bronze Fund.) Chas McDevitt (Freight
Train, Freight Train) has been around the block and was there at the
pre-dawn of rock’n’roll. Just a guitar, no frills, just an enjoyable
romp through skiffle and Buddy Holly, with John Maw and washboard to
boot! A nice story about Billy eating raw turnip from a nearby field
when on tour-everyone was hungry on this occasion. A big hit at the
festival and a nice guy by all accounts. Laura was next and is always enjoyable-a future hope for the Billy
legend should her career really take off, and we wish her well. Numbers
by the Ronettes and Lesley Gore and a really nice acoustic Like I’ve
Never Been Gone which segued into Smile (currently on TV in
an advert). Emily joined her sister for an accapella Rhythm of Life
(clever). How I wish Laura would tackle Don’t tell me Lies and
Your Words or In My Room. The first could segue into the fast
45 version-it would be nice. Anyway, Nick McNulty (her guitarist) gave
us a nice Telstar and it was into Yesterdays Hero (with
only the title borrowed from Gene Pitney). I missed not hearing
Legends
Never Die-it really is a great track but we got a nice I Love
How you love me (which of course was originally a ‘girlie’song
anyway) and the encore was Forget Him. Laura has a 50-minute, 13
track CD with 3 Billy/Billy associated numbers on it. Please do contact
Kevin on 07931 563 451 or email at I saw Vince Eager for the first time several years ago in Weymouth. Now, backed by Rockola and really focused on rock ‘n’ roll style music this is an act that you must see. The band is tight and powerful and Vince has the vocal authenticity (and pedigree) to make it work. I am not a lover of skiffle but the way this band rocks it up makes it highly listenable for me-and I do not feel (some purists might) that it devalues the genre. The tribute to the late Lonnie Donegan showed Vince’s skiffle roots and then we were into Maybe Tomorrow. Teenager in Love had a raspy feel and worked then we got two powerful Cochran numbers from the band (some are members of Vince’s family). Vince continued with It’s Only Make Believe, sung with real conviction and a great Money Honey. It was a shame there was no Lend Me Your Comb or other Carl Perkins numbers because Vince handles these so excellently. What we did get was the best version of No Other Baby that I have ever heard-a great sound fromVince and the band. To finish we got American Trilogy and Suspicious Minds as I recall and then the weekend was effectively over (apart from a great Chinese meal (sorry they wouldn’t let you in Ray (must have been all that hair again!). Vince has a live CD out with that great version of No Other Baby plus one more bonus track. Contact via Harry’s site for details. I enjoyed chatting to some of the acts and other fans staying at the hotel we were at, both after the show (and meal) and on Sunday morning too on departure. Jenny and Vic were at our hotel and keeping us company on this really well worthwhile weekend. Thanks for the cheese and wine supper Jen! Roll on the next Fury Fest-do make sure you all get there. Also, for me there is really only one Billy but if you are a ‘Billy purist’ who does not want to see others paying him tribute, please think again. These all seem to me to be nice people who have a genuine love for Billy, and it is through them, in pubs and clubs and functions that the public can be reminded of how great Billy’s music was and is. Sure, if someone does anything to denigrate that great legacy, by giving less than flattering performances then we should not support those specific acts. That was not, in my view, the case over this weekend. It takes real guts to get out there when you know how superb and classy the real thing used to be. We should applaud that and only be critical when it really is warranted. We really cannot expect Radio alone to sustain Billy’s memory, not with all of the commercial pressures it faces. Everything (reasonably tasteful and more) helps to keep the legend alive.
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THE PRE-SHOW PUBLICITY LATEST NEWS Radio airings: Brian Matthew gave us a mention on Sounds Of The Sixties on August 30, as did Ed Stewart on his Sunday show a couple of weeks earlier. Vince and Harry took part in a three hour programme on Radio Caroline in August. Dougie Wright joins chat session: The former John Barry Seven drummer, who has since become one of the most respected instrumentalists on the scene, was one of the two people approached by young Ronnie Wycherley on the steps of the Birkenhead Essoldo.
Colin Paul signs: Colin Paul, lead singer of The Persuaders, will be a featured artist on the Friday night. If you've seen Colin in action, you're a fan. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. This man oozes rock 'n' roll. Also welcome aboard for Friday night K. D. Kane, a young lady with a lot of talent. Hal Carter will be with us: Hal Carter, one of Billy's long-time friends, and at different times his road manager, and manager, has confirmed that he will be with us on the Saturday, when he will have time to chat, before being interviewed on stage by Vince on stage. Hal has been unwell, but he tells me he is feeling much better. Chas McDevitt signs:
Chas McDevitt, the pioneer of
skiffle, Chas played many times on the same bill as Billy. To see the group in action in the 50s, click here for a video from Chas's site, www.chasmcdevitt.co.uk. There are MORE signings to come. Don't miss it! |
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Provisional timetable Merchandise available throughout festival. Bar and foyer available for socialising throughout. Trivia quiz sheets (for charity) available throughout. Coffee/soft drinks available throughout. Bar licensed from 11am to close. Friday
pm:
Theatre foyer open for inquiries/assistance. Saturday 9am:
Theatre foyer open for inquiries/assistance.
6pm: Special guests chat on
stage. 7.30pm: Gig starts. (Headliners
Vince Eager and Rockola. Also featuring Chas McDevitt, Laura, Ray
Shenton. Interval |
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Click to go to the Festival Forum. The first national Billy Fury festival, Fury Fest 03, will be held in Newark, Nottinghamshire, in September. If you haven't booked, please do. If you have booked, tell your friends! To secure the best seats, PLEASE BOOK NOW. Vince Eager and his brilliant five piece band Rockola will headline on Saturday night.
Friday's show will be 16-year-old Laura, who has made such a big impression as Ray Shenton will be the compere, and a featured singer. During the day on Saturday, you can see Billy's two feature films Play It Cool and I've Gotta Horse, on the Palace's big screen. There will also be a talk by Vince about his year as Billy's flatmate, and his days on the road with the Larry Parnes Stable Of Stars. We hope to have another celebrated guest. There will also be a prize quiz, a disco in a second venue, video shows, rare tracks and room to socialise. Billy appeared at least twice on the same stage: first on 18th March, 1959, with Vince Taylor, Johnny Duncan and Jill Day.
The price for the entire package is £25 if you book through this site. We're keeping the price as low as possible because we want to see you there. This is a discount of £2.50. Single session tickets (Friday night, Saturday daytime or Saturday night) can also be booked now. Saturday night costs £13, and the others are £10 each. Booking can be made through this website (£25 for full festival) or The Palace (£27.50 for full festival). To book, send a cheque, payable to "Harry Whitehouse" to Fury Fest 03, 48 Queen Street, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3NS. To inquire about particular seating, click here to e-mail, or take a chance on catching me at home on 01636 683914. Click here to book immediately by credit card or Switch (5% booking charge). Newark is easily reached from many parts of the country, with good access to the A1 and M1, and a 75-minute train service to London. ACCOMMODATION The situation with accommodation is changing daily. LATEST: A nearby fan is offering bed and breakfast at £20 pppn in two doubles, including transport to the venue. Call 01949 842652. An up-to-date list of local vacancies is sent with all bookings. In addition, there is a Marriott Hotel at Grantham and the Bentley Hotel on the Lincoln ring road (both 25 minutes' drive). The programme is subject to change. |
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