Whitley Bay Carnival. May 26

(Review by Russell).

Following an absence of twenty years the residents of Whitley Bay determined to revive the Whitley Bay Carnival. The Victorian seaside resort has set about recapturing its once proud reputation as a premier coastal holiday destination. Whitley Bay Football Club did the town proud winning at Wembley (not once but twice!), Whitley Bay Playhouse offers a range of attractions (Chris Barber is there next week) and the renovation of the world famous Spanish City is, at last, nearing completion.

Holiday Monday, the weather kind, a host of bands, dance troupes and street performers marched through the town centre from Whitley Bay Metro Station to the new seafront plaza adjacent to Spanish City.

Big Noise, Drumdin (well named!) and the North Tyneside Steel Band were just some of the keen Carnival participants (Cullercoats Crescent Club’s regular Monday afternoon session offered a competing attraction with Iain McAulay in town. The club was packed).

The Baghdaddies were around and topping the bill, Bebop Spoken Here favourites, the Northern Monkey Brass Band. Graham Hardy’s band of primates assembled almost as one – Brendan Murphy went AWOL in search of a 99 or some such sustenance – and with shades donned (naughty Monkey Murphy had rejoined the pack), gave it a blast. A combination of classic tunes (Hey Jude had them up dancing) and a few originals entertained the crowd. The Monkeys have some high profile gigs in the offing including an appearance at Durham Brass Festival and a CD launch at Hoochie Coochie. Stay tuned to Bebop Spoken Here for details.

Russell.

Northern Monkey Brass Band: Graham Hardy (trumpet), Alistair Lord (trumpet), David Grey (trombone), Jason Holcomb (trombone), Jamie Toms (tenor saxophone), Phil Rosier (tuba), Brendan Murphy (bass drum) & Nik Alevroyiannis (snare drum).

Russell.