Beatles Day on Sunday

British Summer Time is with us, and with it comes the Beatles Day extravaganza, which will be celebrated this coming Sunday 2 April at the White Rock Theatre. With performances over four stages from midday until late, visitors not only have hard choices to make but will require stamina. Nick Terdre sets the scene, all photos by Tony Ham from last year’s show.

Last year’s Beatles Day was the first in the flesh for three years thanks to the interruptions Covid brought to the town’s social and musical life. This year it’s again business as usual.

“Hastings Beatles Day is back, bigger and better than ever!” said event organiser Robin Redsull. “All stages will see continuous performances for 11 hours straight of live music from young musicians to many well-known stalwart performers who have freely given their time.

“All will interpret songs from across the entire Beatles collection, with many iconic classics on offer for new generations, as well as lifelong fans. It’s an event not to be missed in the Hastings calendar.”

Attesting the popularity of the event among performers from near and far, 90 acts are booked to play. It’s a record, says the organiser, but HOT reported more than 100 in 2019. Whatever, those attending won’t lack for choice.

Performers include many familiar names, including The Rockitmen, The AutistiX, The Rufus Stone Band, Pete Prescott with The Kytes, Now & Then, Claire Hamill, Rick Pentecost, Hastings Old Town Ukulele Group, Mike Hatchard, The Savoy Truffles, Hastings Stage Studio, Steve Fitz’s Ghost Riders and Pass The Cat, to name but a few.

Also on the line-up are Day Slippers, The Kavemen, Rockin’ Ambassadors, The Do Theys, The Ragati String Band, The Joe Clements Band, The Headshrinkers, All Their Kings Fall, Sage Maverick, The Diamond Bro’s, Cold Hearted, Scattered Rays, The Beat Alls, The Kukes, White Rock Ukulele Orchestra, The Wacky Band and many more.

All funds raised will go to local charity the Sara Lee Trust, which supports people in Hastings and Rother who have been diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by providing free counselling and therapy care. The charity relies almost entirely on voluntary donations, so they say they are incredibly grateful to the Beatles Day Committee for supporting their vital work in helping hundreds of people every year to live life to the full, in spite of the cancer within.

Beatles Day 2023 White Rock Theatre, Sunday 2 April, 12-10.30pm. Admission £18, 11-16s £8, under 11s free, family ticket £39, plus booking fee. Tickets available in advance from theatre box office (0343 310 0031) or online, or on the door from 11am.

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