Well, it was a nice day, and bikes were welcome, so I toddled along to the Bandstand Marathon in Walsall Arboretum. I can honestly say it was a cracking event. The restored Arboretum basked in the autumn sunshine, and Walsall, in all it’s diversity, came out to enjoy an afternoon of music and fun. This was a fine thing, well organised, and I had a thoroughly good time.
I hope this is the start of something, and that future events can happen here – the acoustics are great, the bandstand superb – even the catering was excellent. But the one thing that shone most of all, was the character and humour of the borough.
Aiden McHaffie, top local chap and partner of top local blogger Linda Mason, has written a great account of the afternoon.
Well done to all concerned.
Tony Barrett and friends had everyone laughing…
We’re going to need a bigger mantlepiece.
Fusion act Aziz were brilliant. Really, really brilliant. So good, I bought the album when I got home.
Find out about Aziz Ibrahim – and his remarkable album, Rusholme Rock – at his website. He may be from Manchester, but his music is pure Walsall.
Aziz had everyone grooving, old or young.
Some, however, remained composed.
It was a day for all ages and styles. From the dapper…
…To the daft.
Some folk brought their friends.
Local band Arbor Lights came to rock (That’s WV11’s James D. Clarke on drums).
James D. Clarke and his partner Steph Jennings run a fantastic local site for Wednesfield – WV11
Most importantly of all, Walsall came together, for a wonderful afternoon of fun, music and entertainment in the sunshine.
Finally, a Brownhills connection. Folk of a certain age will remember a teacher called Dave Calcutt. He taught locally in the late 70s/early 80s. That’s him in the blue shirt.