Celebrate the sixties with groovy festival

CHARLOTTE GREEN

REVELLERS are getting ready to don their retro outfits as the Sixties Festival returns to the Valley for another year.

The fifth Rossendale Sixties Festival will see dozens of events all across the borough to celebrate the swinging decade from September 8-10. For this year’s festival there are new events scheduled including a special 1960s meal and a ‘Northern Soul’-themed night.

It officially launches at the Whitaker on Friday from 6.30pm with a specialist psychedelic soul DJ, and Liam and Sarah of ‘Joan the Wad’ playing a live 60s classic set.

Barry Hyde, chairman of the Festival organising A colourful range of scooters on show at The Rossendale 60s Festival group, said: “It has expanded into different towns, we have got more pubs and clubs involved this time.

“It’s fantastic, there’s something for everyone as there is each year. I’m really excited, and now we’re just waiting for it to start.”

At the Whitaker on Saturday there will be live music, a DJ, 60s-style makeovers, an artisan market, a flower power garden and Mini – Classic car display.

On Sunday, author, Steve Millard will present his book ‘Changing times, music and politics in 1964’ followed by a showing of the film The Italian Job with themed food.

Other events include the popular 60s-themed shop window dressing competition, and Bacup Market will be getting in the groove with a bake off competition, while Artisan in Rawtenstall will be holding an ‘ Open Mic’ session in the afternoon, with more music and DJ into the evening.

The East Lancashire Railway is also joining in ●● Partygoers in fancy dress at The Rossendale 60s Festival the fun at Rawtenstall station with, providing music on the trains and running their ‘Ales on the Rails’ event alongside the Festival. Bacup Cricket Club is also hosting a scooter rally and a convoy will take place from Rawtenstall to Bacup, while the Boo Theatre in Waterfoot are staging a repeat of their popu- lar ‘Baby experience.

Ahead of the weekend, music legends from the decade including Helen Shapiro and Sandie Shaw have been writing to organisers to endorse the festival.

Derek Quinn, guitarist with ‘ Freddie and the Dreamers’, said: “The Boogie’ festival is my kind of music. It’s nice to see that people still appreciate the 60s music which was a new generation of music. I wish you every success with the 60s festival.”

For the full of programme visit www. rossendale60sfest. wordpress.com.