Sambalanco – a friendly crowd.

Wanted: new members for samba drumming band

Sambalanco, Hastings’ community samba drumming band, are holding an open night on Wednesday September 4 to drum up new recruits. The event will take place at the band’s regular rehearsal location, the first floor of the Carlisle pub at 24 Pelham Street on the seafront, starting at 7.30pm, says band member Julian Norridge.

“Everyone is welcome’” says Pete Haddon, the band’s conductor. “We are a community band and there are no auditions. No experience is required. We provide the instruments and all the training that is needed.”

Sambalanco are a key element at many of Hastings’ best loved events, such as the Jack in the Green parade, Pirates Day, the Old Town Carnival and Hastings Bonfire Night. The band has also played for many years at the legendary Lewes Bonfire Night on 5 November.

“It’s hard to explain the pleasure you get from seeing people’s faces light up on these occasions as we march past,” says Carol Widdows, another key member of the band. “They’re smiling, getting into the beat and dancing like mad. It’s wonderful!”

There are a choice of instruments for newcomers to play, including five different types of drum, three of which can be played by novices. Then there are bells, tambas (a kind of tambourine) and Brazilian shaking instruments called chocolos.

The band practice at the Carlisle every Wednesday night. “We really want people to come and have a go,” says Tony Fox, one of the longest-serving members. “We’re a really mixed sociable bunch – many of us go to the pub after rehearsals – and if you like what we do, you can become part of it. Come and see for yourselves. We think you’ll love it.”

At Jack in the Green.

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