Hello fellow Hooligans!
It’s a busy November coming up right into the festive season. But first I need to tell you about the cracking september/October just gone – in fact I can hardly believe it. We played for Budliegh Salterton Carnival to the crowds in the street, oh we got them dancing to the jigs and reels and the children were first up.
HARWICH SHANTY FESTIVAL
Our first gig was on board the S B Victor, 2 X 40 miniute slots. The crew helped us on board with all our instruments which was fun in full pirate dress. It got a bit rough at times, but we every LOVED every minute of it. When Tony sang ‘Holy Ground’ the ship took a doorstep of a wave and nearly stumbled, that got a laugh. Then having a cup of tea on deck in between sets – well, that was a memorable experience.
Then it was lunch time so we queued at a take away pizza van and paid for 2 pizzas but were given 3 which was very good of them. We headed to the beach to indulge, but a gust wind blew one of the pizzas out of our hands, splat, pizza in the sand, oh well.
Our gig at The Crown Post pub was enjoyed, we had a packed room, it was a great atmosphere, followed by a gig at the Alma. Next day up and out early, we had in our notes one gig at The Stringray and after that the day was ours. We could wander round, check out a few bands, until we read the festival programe (a good tip!). It says Hooligan’s Rule ar performing at The Harwich Museum. Quickly we grabbed our trolley of gear loaded up and got there in time. It was more like a formal concert with chairs in rows – but hey we did it and it went down well. Around us were the actual costumes from the television series Hi Di Hi, wow.
MEVAGISSY SHANTY FESTIVAL
We got back last night… we stayed in a nice hotel but it was up a hill – we never thought about all the gear we’d have to cart up there later. But the guys from Wonky Donkeys had a place in town and also a bottle of rum. Our first gig was at the Fountain Inn, what a place, we started with a quiet room which wasn’t so quiet when we finished, the landlord met us outside and told we were great, went away buzzing. The Loose Cannons were on after us, followed by Wasson and Severn Whalers, love to have stayed but the amount gear we carry around, it can’t be done.
Saturday beyond hectic, met up with the Wonkys Donkeys for a sing at the Ship Inn, a great sing. Then Hooligans played at The Wheelhouse on the harbour. Then a minutes dash down the wonderful cobbled streets of Meva or Gissy to the Selkie bar, then a hop skip and a jump to the Salamanda resturant across the road. By the end of the gig it was packed out, brilliant! There we met the famous and professional Los Paddy’s what a great Irish band they are, so much talant beteween them. Oh and the we won the raffle a box of Keltek beer.
Next up…washing machine is on, change the sheets and attend to a leaky shower, back to reality speak soon Lucy x