1066 Rockitmen.

Fun and funds aplenty at Beatles Day

In terms of its main objectives – providing an entertaining day out for young and old alike and raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support – the 16th Beatles Day on 12 April  was a resounding double success. Words by Nick Terdre, photos by Johnny Powell.

Provisional figures show that nearly £24,000 was raised for the charity, reports organiser Pete Prescott. So that makes a total well in excess of £180,000 since the event was first held in 2000.

Lianne Carroll accompanying Sound Waves Community Choir.

Meanwhile, judging by the mood in the White Rock Theatre, a splendid time was had by all. There are no figures yet on the numbers who attended, but the venue was clearly crowded. On arriving I first wanted to catch what was happening in Sussex Hall, the basement auditorium, but along with several others I had to wait until a few people came out before being allowed in, as it was so packed around the entrance.

The inauguration of the acoustic stage in the café area upstairs also went very well, Pete says, despite some teething problems with the sound. He particularly enjoyed the mix of celebrated names such as Lianne Carroll and Claire Hamill with less well-known performers.

The third stage certainly provided a more intimate space, but at times when a popular act was on it filled up quickly, leaving some would-be spectators excluded from the room and unable to see the action. “I suppose that’s part of the fun,” says Pete, though a friend of mine described it in blunter terms. Whatever, there’s no doubting the popularity of Beatles Day.

Poppy Prescott and Mike Hatchard.

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