News Jun 08 - Dec 08

"Christmas arrives early but Wizzard disappears in a flash

By Margaret Crosby and Andrew Clarke

MORE than 250 people turned up at Blackberry Way (the Civic), saw My Baby Jive (the mayor!) and as things hotted up on the dance floor, the Firebrigade was only sang about, and not summoned. It sure was a Wizzard night!

Roy Wood and his band took us on a journey through his significant repertoire ending on that 1973 festive classic, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day. It didn’t matter that the Civic Hall deccies hadn’t yet been put up, there were plenty of balloons, a good buffet and lots of sparkly sequinned frocks. The atmosphere was ‘party’ and Roy and his band quickly had the place jumpin’.

Thanks to Whitehaven Chamber of Trade, and chief organiser Charles Maudling, a popular music icon had once again been brought to town to switch on the Christmas lights and headline at an evening gig. People left the Civic event in festive mood, already looking forward to the prospect of who we might get for next year’s extravaganza.

Charles said: “Roy’s a great character, very charismatic. And he gave a great performance.

“It was a pity he wasn’t on stage a bit longer for the switch-on, but he had travelled a long way and was running a bit late, having been caught in the traffic hold-ups at Howgate. He told me he had really enjoyed playing Whitehaven. He thought it was great.’’

The Brummy-born master of The Move, this year given an honorary doctorate of music by the University of Derby, had left his trademark wild make-up and colourful costume at home but still sported his long mad hair (tinged red) and tinted specs.

It was at around 6.20pm the Glam Rock legend had joined mayor and mayoress of Copeland, Keith and Freda Hitchen, to press the button and light up the streets of Whitehaven at the town’s big Christmas switch-on.

Wizzard star Wood did the honours in front of a packed Lowther Street crowd of almost 5,000 on Sunday and fair to say his brief appearance was all too short for those who had gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere and give him a rousing greeting. In fact he was on stage for less than 30 seconds.

“I hope everyone’s kettles don’t go off when I flick this switch!” he joked, and greeted the crowds who had waited to join in the count down before he and his band headed for the Civic Hall.

But there was plenty to keep the afternoon crowd entertained in the build-up to Wood’s cameo appearance. Lowther Street and King Street were full of stalls and fairground attractions, with many shops opening especially for the occasion (first Sunday opening in the run up to Christmas) and the cafes and pubs enjoyed a good trade.

On the busy CFM stage, DJs Andy Wood and Pete Moss hosted an afternoon of fun, games and competitions, while local dance troupes including Cheerleader Stars, Stagestars and Popsteps performed with talent and charm to a host of festive favourites.

And two of Whitehaven’s finest musicians, Steph Wars and Andy Winters, treated the crowd to an acoustic set, taken from the charity CD Now That’s What I Call Whitehaven.

Mr Maudling added: “I am thrilled this year’s switch on event went so well, attracting so many people. The weather helped by staying dry.

“The build-up to the switch-on included great entertainment with the CFM roadshow keeping the crowds going all day. Street theatre by the Bread and Butter Co was hilarious and there was local entertainment from Cheryl Andrews’ Popsteps and Cheerleader Stars, Charlotte McGarry’s Stagestars, Whitehaven Theatre Group’s Beauty and the Beast cast (their forthcoming panto).’’

Taylor’s Funfair was in full swing all day and cafes and pubs reported excellent business.

Some retail stores even recorded increases on last year’s takings.

Rugby stars from Whitehaven were also out and about, auctioning off a Haven shirt, signed by rock band Status Quo when they played at The Recre in August. It raised £60 for charity."