A record-breaking number of music lovers lapped up the sounds of the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties and noughties on the Suffolk coast.
This year’s open air ‘Music by the Sea’ charity concert spanned the last 50 years – from the songs of Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, to The Beatles, Kinks and Rolling Stones.
Staged on Aldeburgh seafront, opposite the White Lion Hotel, ‘Music Through the Decades’ attracted about 15,000 people with a line-up of local talent, tribute bands and heritage acts from years gone by.
Headlining the show were MIKE PENDER’S SEARCHERS, who have performed with changing personnel since the Merseybeat heyday.
Kevin Dean took the stage to perform some of The Shadows’ hits, while the 70s and 80s were covered in vibrant style by Abbababes.
The Ultimate Everlys returned to Aldeburgh for this year’s concert, and The Austin Beats paid musical ode to The Beatles, Kinks and Stones.
There were performances from vocal group Troubadour, Monique with her tributes to Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, and Ipswich’s own singing sensation, The Voice contestant Jade May-Jean Peters.
Dancers from Mirage Productions performed routines throughout the evening, which included an Independence Day appearance by Elvis tribute, Billy Lambert.
Peter Osborne, manager of the White Lion and Brudenell hotels, who performed his own tribute to the music of Oasis, said; “It was a great fun experience with a brilliant crowd loving every minute – from children, to mums, dads, and grandparents.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors. Without their generosity we couldn’t have put on a free event of this level – and also our audience who dug deep to help our local charities and made the evening such a wonderful success.”
Away from the stage, the RV8tors wowed crowds with aerobatic stunts, and a firework display brought the evening to a rousing close.
Organisers expect some £10,000 to have been raised for local charities including The Beach - Help an East Coast Child and Town 102 Kids Trust.
This year’s show was once again organised and presented by Barry Dye Entertainments. Planning has started for next year’s rock ‘n’ roll themed event on July 2. Details to be revealed at musicbythesea.co.uk.
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