Friday 10th October 2014 to Monday 13th October 2014- Butlin's Skegness

Melv · Diamond Smiles

Friday 10th October 2014 to Monday 13th October 2014- Butlin's Skegness

suss · In the Long Grass

Thanks for the tip off Melv. Could do with main website keeping up though, so others half interested fans get these updates.

Seem to be a few dates filtering through, as opposed to one 'anouncement'. Guess that's the nature of confirming individual events rather than a tour in own right.

Does make it tricky knowing when to commit where though. At least there's plenty of notice, before our calendars are filling with other stuff.

Did see the little Bob band at both Bognor and Minehead Butlins, but last time I was at Skeggy we were waiting patiently, or impatiently in case of my kids, for the main act of.....Bananas in Pyjamas.

Possibly the coldest beach I've ever been to as well, and that was a summer visit!

Looking forward to this one. Might have to do the whole weekend if lineup appeals. Good start!

Melv · Diamond Smiles

suss wrote:
Thanks for the tip off Melv. Could do with main website keeping up though, so others half interested fans get these updates.
Seem to be a few dates filtering through, as opposed to one 'anouncement'. Guess that's the nature of confirming individual events rather than a tour in own right.
Does make it tricky knowing when to commit where though. At least there's plenty of notice, before our calendars are filling with other stuff.
Did see the little Bob band at both Bognor and Minehead Butlins, but last time I was at Skeggy we were waiting patiently, or impatiently in case of my kids, for the main act of.....Bananas in Pyjamas.
Possibly the coldest beach I've ever been to as well, and that was a summer visit!
Looking forward to this one. Might have to do the whole weekend if lineup appeals. Good start!

Yes, good news that dates are starting to come through. Could we hope for a UK wide Rats tour between the summer festivals and this one? In any case, it's looking good.

Tempted to do this one for the full weekend also. I know my better half would be keen as she likes From The Jam, as well as the Rats of course. Could be a good social, though you're right about how cold Skeggy can be. Not great for beers either, although Batemans Brewery is a 10 minute train ride away which has a public bar and the beers are obviously excellent there. Something to do during the day before the bands start??

Melv

suss · In the Long Grass

Melv wrote:
Not great for beers either, although Batemans Brewery is a 10 minute train ride away which has a public bar and the beers are obviously excellent there. Something to do during the day before the bands start??

Sold! I must be a salesman's delight, unless they're flogging kitchens of course.

See you there if not in Grassington if not before.

Doubt myself there will be any tour in amongst all this, unless possibly a few dates in Europe I suppose.

Scottie · Loudmouth

It is on the Butlins website. Looks like you have to do the whole weekend Cant just do a day, which is a bummer.

http://www.bigweekends.com/splash-pages/alternative-festival-sk.aspx?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

No you can't.

. But for us it wouldn't be worth going up there for one night.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Would like to see the Blockheads too . Will wait to see who is playing which night.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Thanks for the tip off Melv. Could do with main website keeping up though, so others half interested fans get these updates.
Seem to be a few dates filtering through, as opposed to one 'anouncement'. Guess that's the nature of confirming individual events rather than a tour in own right.

The advantage of a forum is all the rumours and speculation come here first. I don't know how it works with official sites, as they seem to hold off announcing things until all contracts are signed etc. So buyer beware, there have been concerts advertised in the past that never were confirmed and didn't take place.

Generally, there is no rush for tickets unless they are seated Geldof gigs and you want to sit in the front row, so the announcements need not be immediate.

However, the prospect of a cold, wet and windy Autumn weekend in Skegness isn't an easy sell. Little chance of Mrs. ArrGee being tempted by that.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:

Doubt myself there will be any tour in amongst all this, unless possibly a few dates in Europe I suppose.

Maybe a Yuletide tour at the end of the year. Would be great to do Dublin in December. Last year was a great 24 hours.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I will probably do this, but as Suss says it's hard to pick and choose when you don't know what else is coming up. No rush to book for a change.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Hi All,

Just to let you all know the sun is doing the £9.50 hols and Butlin's Skegness is on it So some of you might get a good wee deal on this

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

You'd have to buy the Sun for that. Hmmm no thanks. Anyway I just looked it up and it is for 24th March at Skeggy: www.ukholidaysinthesun.co.uk/cgi-bin/UKHS_park_0003.cgi. You also have to pay extra service charges for each night, so might not be such a big saving as you think.

The Rats are imposters, it is supposed to be. GB alternative festival.. Sneaky Irishmen . Or is it the fact that Alan is in the band now they can call themselves British biggrin

-- Edited by Jules on Saturday 4th of January 2014 03:29:53 PM

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Take your point. I am Irish myself, So the part of Ireland I come from some shop's won't sell the English sun. But that's another storey When I did hear they were to play butlins I was what the f--k after such a very good sell out tour What would they want to do that for. All coming together now.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Just when the comeback seems to be going well someone decides it's a good idea to play at Butlins. This one I will gladly skip. Plymouth or Jersey have more credibility.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Just when the comeback seems to be going well someone decides it's a good idea to play at Butlins. This one I will gladly skip. Plymouth or Jersey have more credibility.

The Damned and The Buzz****s play these along with The Blockheads and Dr. Feelgood. Wilko Johnson will play the Rock & Blues Festival in January and Giants of Rock in February. I'd say they are all credible.

OK, I don't really think Bad Manners, ****ney Rejects nor Toyah would be worth opening the curtains for if they were in the garden but a few decent acts like From The Jam that would be worth a weekend away. I would go if it wasn't so far and so cold.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
Just when the comeback seems to be going well someone decides it's a good idea to play at Butlins. This one I will gladly skip. Plymouth or Jersey have more credibility.
The Damned and The Buzz****s play these along with The Blockheads and Dr. Feelgood. Wilko Johnson will play the Rock & Blues Festival in January and Giants of Rock in February. I'd say they are all credible.
OK, I don't really think Bad Manners, ****ney Rejects nor Toyah would be worth opening the curtains for if they were in the garden but a few decent acts like From The Jam that would be worth a weekend away. I would go if it wasn't so far and so cold.

With a great selection of Rats gigs coming up over the summer I'd put the Rats at Butlins, Skegness a definite last on my wish list. Henley On Thames sounds good,as does Plymouth and Whitehaven or Perth, Tring and Cheltenham. But not Butlins

-- Edited by noelindublin on Monday 6th of January 2014 02:56:37 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
Henley On Thames sounds good...

Last year's Rewind line up... http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/80srewind/2013

ABC
Aswad
Belinda Carlisle
Billy Ocean
Blancmange
Chesney Hawkes
Cutting Crew
Flying Pickets
Go West
Heaven 17
Imagination... (feat...Leee John)
Kim Wilde
Matt Bianco
Nik Kershaw
Paul Carrack
Sonia
Steve Augeri
Steve Harley and ****ney Rebel
The B-52s
The Blow Monkeys
The Orchestra (feat ELO)
The Pointer Sisters
The Sugarhill Gang
Then Jerico

Doesn't look half as good as Butlins. I'd rather The Blockheads and From The Jam any day of the week.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Tring doesn't sound much better....

Boomtown Rats
Heaven 17
From The Jam
Big Country
China Crisis
Doctor & The Medics

But fairly reasonably priced for the night...

TICKETS EARLY BIRD SPECIAL AVAILABLE JANUARY 14TH 2014 UNTIL FEBRUARY 14TH 2014

Friday 4th July2014
Adult Tickets £29.00

Looking at line up, no need to go on Saturday.

suss · In the Long Grass

I'd put the Butlins 'festival' over Rewind or similar every time...they at least concentrate on one genre and from the one I went to attract a really enthusiastic like-minded crowd for the weekend. May well be sub zero outside in Skeggy 360 days of the year, but at least the Butlins gig is indoors. Rewind etc could be miserable if weather isn't all that.

I'd prefer indoor 'standalone' headliner gigs, but give me indoors over outdoors (or something like Cork) every time, even for 'festivals'.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Pretty sure Whitehaven is a stand alone gig. It is one of a series of special events throughout the year. They are issuing a press release on Wednesday. Will let you know.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I've been to Butins events before. They are very good. The accommodation has been seriously modernised in the last few years and is comfortable. I would definitely recommend it.

-- Edited by Jules on Tuesday 7th of January 2014 04:14:09 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

ArrGee wrote:
noelindublin wrote:
Henley On Thames sounds good...
Last year's Rewind line up... http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/80srewind/2013
ABC
Aswad
Belinda Carlisle
Billy Ocean
Blancmange
Chesney Hawkes
Cutting Crew
Flying Pickets
Go West
Heaven 17
Imagination... (feat...Leee John)
Kim Wilde
Matt Bianco
Nik Kershaw
Paul Carrack
Sonia
Steve Augeri
Steve Harley and ****ney Rebel
The B-52s
The Blow Monkeys
The Orchestra (feat ELO)
The Pointer Sisters
The Sugarhill Gang
Then Jerico
Doesn't look half as good as Butlins. I'd rather The Blockheads and From The Jam any day of the week.

Not to mention the £55 day ticket (plus fees probably making it over £60)

http://www.rewindfestival.com/tickets

If it was just based on prospective line up, I'd head to Skegness. I like the idea of a weekend seeing a few bands I like. And I can go for a swim. Still, plenty of time to mull it over. It's nine months away.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
...give me indoors over outdoors (or something like Cork) every time

I liked Cork. That was an outdoor indoor gig. I like the idea of an outdoor gig, but in practice they aren't as good. Mostly it rains. Even after a hot sunny day at the 2012 Field Day, it ended in a soaking as the night drew in and ruined my band new suede trainers. Fortunately, I have never camped out but even getting the tube home when fully soaked isn't much fun.

Toilets, which you would avoid at all costs if possible, are miles from the stage. Wading through p!ss ain't much fun to get to the urinals, but still it's better than the hour long queue for the portaloos. Even worse when you are towards the front, people (boys and girls) piss where they stand, and should a full plastic beaker come your way, it is inevitably full of warmish liquid...

Also not forgetting inaccessible bars and overpriced fast food.

That said, the Hyde Park festival with Elvis Costello and Ray Davies was pretty good last summer. Clean toilets with no queues!

Melv · Diamond Smiles

Ticket booked for the better half and I.

Looking forward to meeting Suss again and hopefully Jules and a few others too.

Just noticed Eddie & The Hot Rods are on the bill too. I like them too "Do Anything You Wanna Do" was a great single.

Should be a great weekend smile

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I will be arranging at least one meet up over the weekend, so we should certainly meet. Irene is with us too.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Yep, and me mate Mark and his missus Tracey as well. A real Scottish invasion. Cheers Irene/Scottie

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Have to say I would never set foot in another Butilns camp in my lift again (Even if it was free and the rat played every night). We stayed in the one in Scotland one year with our kids and I have to say it was the worst week of our life's (Ayr)

Melv · Diamond Smiles

This one's only weekend after next now, so I thought I'd bump it up a bit.

Look forward to details of the meet ups Jules.

This is the first time I've done one of these weekends, but I've heard they're great fun.

Suss- Just noticed there's a pub just off the site which brews its own beer (The Countryman) so may be work checking out at some point!

Should be a good weekend

Melv

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I can't wait for this and will have to start thinking about coordinating meet ups.

How long ago was your stay at Butlins? Manatthetop? They were refurbished a few years ago and have improved dramatically. I stayed at the Bognor one pre refurb and it was a disgusting pit. The last time, and only time I've been to the Skeggy one was just after the refurb. We were the first to use our chalet. It was lovely. I hope they've kept up with maintenance now and it hasn't got too tired.

The weekends are brilliant, lots of fun. More exciting with the Rats. I've done 3, 60s/70s, 70s/80s, and I think the other one was just 80s.

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Jules wrote:
I can't wait for this and will have to start thinking about coordinating meet ups.

How long ago was your stay at Butlins? Manatthetop? They were refurbished a few years ago and have improved dramatically. I stayed at the Bognor one pre refurb and it was a disgusting pit. The last time, and only time I've been to the Skeggy one was just after the refurb. We were the first to use our chalet. It was lovely. I hope they've kept up with maintenance now and it hasn't got too tired.

The weekends are brilliant, lots of fun. More exciting with the Rats. I've done 3, 60s/70s, 70s/80s, and I think the other one was just 80s.

To be fair it was along time ago July 1994. You had d?ckheads running around at night trying to kick your door in and sh?t like that. Plus I come from the North of Ireland, so we has that mix of crowd from my end of the world trying to start something because you came from the other side, kick with the other foot, If you know what I mean.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

It was probably 1994 or thereabouts that I was at Bognor in the disgusting flea pit!

It does attract rowdiness, which can be a pain, but probably not as bad as you describe. The usual, people drinking heavily and getting over excited.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Skegness has won a Trip Advisor certificate of Excellence for 2014. Looks lovely. Bus service runs from train station. Looking forward to it.

suss · In the Long Grass

Melv wrote:
Suss- Just noticed there's a pub just off the site which brews its own beer (The Countryman) so may be work checking out at some point!

Sounds good to me mate smile . Although after last night I might keep off the beers for a few hours. Couldn't face one now that's for sure!

Looking forward to seeing a good crowd. Must be 10 of us or more??

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I am starting to think about arranging meet ups on Friday and Saturday. Will see if I can found out what time the evening entertainment begins. They won't give anything away about what artist is on when. We have, previously eaten early and then gone out from there, because we don't eat in the pub. Not straightforward!!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Just found out that there's a pub on site called Sun and Moon. The entertainment guide will be published 48 hours in advance and it seems like the restaurant is open from 4 pm. Will have to make a decision on time at a later point, but Sun and Moon is good meeting point.

Melv · Diamond Smiles

Jules wrote:
Just found out that there's a pub on site called Sun and Moon. The entertainment guide will be published 48 hours in advance and it seems like the restaurant is open from 4 pm. Will have to make a decision on time at a later point, but Sun and Moon is good meeting point.

Sounds good Jules.

I have it on good authority that From The Jam are playing on Sunday. Looks as if we'll have to wait until closer to the time for the complete running order.

Looks like you had a good night Friday then Suss smile

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I hope From the Jam are on the same stage and don't clash with the Rats. They're brilliant and I'd love to see them again.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Blockheads playing Sunday according to Johnny. They were great when they played with the Rats before. Scottie/Irene

-- Edited by Scottie on Sunday 28th of September 2014 06:36:50 PM

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

So I won't be going for an early night on Sunday, in that case.

suss · In the Long Grass

Reliably informed that Rats will play 2 sets on the Saturday, first at 4pm then one later in evening.

Just in case anyone is thinking of being elsewhere during the afternoon....

Before anyone asks I don't know if it's same set, a subset or a different set, but my guess would be the middle one (i.e. a few big hits day time and a few more added later).

I think anyone with a weekender ticket is fine for all sets all weekend but if you're a day visitor I suppose it's best to check with Butlins if there are daytime tickets separate to evening tickets.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

That helps with thinking about meet up. Might do meet up inside venue or after 1st gig for Saturday. Or even at lunch time?

Melv · Diamond Smiles

suss wrote:
Reliably informed that Rats will play 2 sets on the Saturday, first at 4pm then one later in evening.
Just in case anyone is thinking of being elsewhere during the afternoon....
Before anyone asks I don't know if it's same set, a subset or a different set, but my guess would be the middle one (i.e. a few big hits day time and a few more added later).
I think anyone with a weekender ticket is fine for all sets all weekend but if you're a day visitor I suppose it's best to check with Butlins if there are daytime tickets separate to evening tickets.

Thanks for the Tip off Suss. Knowing me I'd have wandered off the site to that home-brew pub on the Saturday afternoon, but certainly won't if the Rats are playing! smile

Should be a good weekend.

Let us know the meet up details when sorted Jules, Sun & Moon looks like a good bet, maybe a couple over the weekend??

-- Edited by Melv on Thursday 2nd of October 2014 08:15:03 PM

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

This may make meet ups even more complicated. But we should be able to at least catch up Friday, then we can find each other Saturday. Will post when the guide/running order is published.

Melv · Diamond Smiles

Jules wrote:
This may make meet ups even more complicated. But we should be able to at least catch up Friday, then we can find each other Saturday. Will post when the guide/running order is published.

Ok, thanks Jules

reevo · Someone's Looking At You

hi gang skeggy next week ye ha! RATS and BINGO am i dreaming!!

Scottie · Loudmouth

Full running order here. Rats doing 4 and 10pm on RED stage http://www.bigweekends.com/pdfs/bw-ents-guide-skegness.pdf

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I vote for a 7 pm meet up in the Sun and Moon on Friday evening. Not so sure about maybe in the venue later.

All in agreement or other ideas?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

If you don't want to meet up on Friday, but do on Saturday and you don't know any of us, please PM your mobile number so we can find each other.

going to put on FB 7 pm meet ups Friday and Sunday in the Sun and Moon. We can catch up Saturday somehow...

-- Edited by Jules on Wednesday 8th of October 2014 05:33:53 PM

Melv · Diamond Smiles

Jules wrote:
I vote for a 7 pm meet up in the Sun and Moon on Friday evening. Not so sure about maybe in the venue later.

All in agreement or other ideas?

Good for us Jules, see you then!

Melv & Michelle

Melv · Diamond Smiles

As already posted-

Friday upstairs Reds-

730 open DJs

830 PM Fukdust

10pm UK Subs

1145 Bad Manners

Friday downstairs Centre stage-

730 open DJs

830 PM Anti Pasti

10pm The Damned

1145 Anti Nowhere league

Saturday Reds

1pm open DJs

2pm The Ouse valley singles

4pm The Boomtown Rats (set 1)

Saturday upstairs Reds-

730 open DJs

8pm Ed Tudor Pole

10pm Boomtown Rats( Set 2)

1145 Goldblade

Saturday Downstairs Centre stage-

730 open DJs

830pm The Chords UK

10pm The Rezillos

1145 Sham69

Sunday Reds

1pm open DJs

2pm Billy Liar

345 pm The Block heads

Sunday upstairs Reds-

730 open DJs

815 PM The Lambrettas

10pm From The Jam

1145 Jeramiah Ferrari

Sunday downstairs Centre Stage-

730 open DJs

830 John Otway and Willy Barrett

10pm Big Country

1145 Slagerij

Shame the Rats and the Rezillos are on at the same time on Saturday night cry

Melv

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Shame Sham 69 are on so late and just after the Rats. Was wanting to see them as warm up for the Rats or on a different evening.

suss · In the Long Grass

Meet ups sound good to me, although suspect any onsite pubs will be heaving. We'll see.

My personal itinerary is likely to be:-

Meet/Damned/Bad Manners

Rats/Meet? and or Ed Tudor Pole (mainly to get a 'spot')/Rats/Sham 69*

Blockheads/Meet/FTJ

*subject to gauging the mood/alcohol intake - Sham gigs can get a bit lively, and this one will include people who've been on it for maybe 12 hours

Melv · Diamond Smiles

suss wrote:
Meet ups sound good to me, although suspect any onsite pubs will be heaving. We'll see.
My personal itinerary is likely to be:-
Meet/Damned/Bad Manners
Rats/Meet? and or Ed Tudor Pole (mainly to get a 'spot')/Rats/Sham 69*
Blockheads/Meet/FTJ
*subject to gauging the mood/alcohol intake - Sham gigs can get a bit lively, and this one will include people who've been on it for maybe 12 hours

Sounds a good call. Our itinerary will be similar, but may check out The Chords instead of Ed Tudor Pole (saw him years ago at Uni) and maybe The Lambrettas on Sunday. Last time I saw Bad Manners was also at Uni in 1981! hmm

We're reliably informed that both Rats sessions will be the same. If that's the case Michelle will probably see The Rezillos Saturday night as she's mates with Jim from the band.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow mate, as well as all the other Rats fans of course!

Melv

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

My itinery looks like Suss' but may give up on Bad Manners to save myself for the Rats, so I'm not the walking dead on Saturday

manatthetop · In the Long Grass

Enjoy your weekend to all that's going. Hope the Rats rock

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I gave up Bad Manners and Sham 69, but am still the walking dead. It was worth it. Rats were phenomenal. Two sets and the energy just increased. They are THE best.

diffbrook · House on Fire

A mate of mine went. Not a Rats fan by any stretch of the imagination. Him and his mates saw them as part of Skegness out of curiosity, and fully expected them to be rubbish (as per what they had read/believed)

How wrong they were. My friend came back and said that he and his friends thought that the Boomtown Rats were brilliant. A remarkable performance from Saint Bob

Warmed the ****les of my heart.

TICKETS EARLY BIRD SPECIAL AVAILABLE JANUARY 14TH 2014 UNTIL FEBRUARY 14TH 2014

Friday 4th July2014