4th May 2008
CROWDS FLOCK TO INAUGURAL ‘PLAYING ON THE PLAZA!’
Eastoke Corner’s ‘Liveability Plaza’ was thronged with sightseers on Bank Holiday Sunday 4th May, as the first of the season’s ‘Playing on the Plaza’, free live music events took to the stage.
Heavy rain promised by foreboding thundery skies, held off for all but the final half hour of the well attended ‘gig’, and even then failed to dampen the spirits of the estimated 300-400 locals and visitors, who turned out to enjoy the inaugural event.
Reaction to the concert was extremely positive, and is best summed up by these quotes from local Hayling residents, as posted on the Hayling Community Website to be found at
“Its just what Hayling needs, really looking forward to the next one!”
“Well done organisers, so good to see Islanders (and hopefully others) enjoying Hayling and it's talent. I am particularly looking forward to the next one and hope to the see same amount of support”.
“It seemed well attended & well organised & set up”.
“A wonderful range of all ages there today, and so brilliant to see lots of young people having a great time on the Plaza. A chance to showcase our young talent”.
“Thanks to all concerned for all the hard work that was put into yesterday afternoon. great idea and long may it continue. Bet the shops on Eastoke Corner had a good day as well!”
“It was a great event and the organisers and helpers deserve many, many congratulations. The bands were impressive too. All that young talent, writing their own songs and delivering them with confidence (but not arrogance). Look forward to POP being a very regular event”.
“It was a wonderful sight to see so many people enjoying a free open air event so much. It just shows how much this sort of event is needed on Hayling Island.”
“What about building a bandstand?”
Paul Fisher, Chairman of the Hayling Island Residents Association added.......
“Estimates are between 200 and 400 coming along on a first-time event. Shows that there is a good demand and that the publicity was not that bad! Well done to Dale Norman and Hayling's BEST, let's hope it catches on and that future events are even better attended”
While Hayling Councillor Andy Lenaghan emailed ‘Playing on the Plaza’.
“A great event and a great addition to the Hayling Calendar. I really appreciate the support that Hayling’s BEST MTI is giving to the tourism of the Island, and a real boost to Eastoke”.
The Worshipful Mayor of Havant, Councillor Vic Pierce Jones welcomes the bands to the Plaza.
Youth group The 4 Fingers playing one of their many riffs
Head line group The Rusty Strings
Video of the Day, please be patient for it to download you will find it is best to press the play button and then pause it and wait for it to load to get the best effect.
The video is about 6mins long and feature all the bands that played on the day.