It's back! First lockdown postponement, then curtailment, the Whitley Bay Carnival returned in style, basking in bright and breezy conditions on Whitley Bay seafront. Hundreds, make that thousands, of happy folk enjoyed the free - yes, free! -entertainment on offer. Music, street theatre, fairground rides, food, drink, sunshine, yep, a canny day was had by all. Top of the bill, as far as this reviewer was concerned, the Northern Monkey Brass Band!
Northern Monkey Brass Band: Michael Lamb (trumpet); Alastair Lord (trumpet); David Gray (trombone); Mark Ferris (trombone); Jamie Toms (tenor sax); Phil Rosier (tuba); Adam Sinclair (snare drum); Brendan Murphy (bass drum)
In the absence of bandleader Graham Hardy, the NMBB entertained a large, dancing crowd in inimitable style. Film score, pop song, original composition, all channelled via a New Orleans' groove, this was Tyneside street jazz at its best. Michael Lamb, depping for GH, blew hard, and, at the other end of the line, David Gray, blew trombone, then some, as only Showtime can. The rhythm boys - Adam Sinclair and Brendan Murphy - smiled their way through a fast-paced set, these are the top guys for this kind of gig, as is tuba man Phil Rosier, the one seated Northern Monkey out on the Spanish City Plaza. From Star Wars to Flash Gordon to a second line Waters of Tyne and fine original compositions (and arrangements) by Graham Hardy, the Northern Monkey Brass Band wowed the crowds, first one set, then another. Great stuff!
The Baghdaddies followed the NMBB, their fun-filled, energetic performance had 'em up dancing all afternoon. And earlier in the day on Marine Avenue Bay Ukes entertained the hordes devouring fish 'n' chips, curry sauce, mushy peas (yum!) and who knows what else! Aye, on a day like this, Whitley Bay comes into its own. Russell
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