. . . Next September Up North or Down South ?. . .

[Preachymarvin]

A form of Shadows convention I'm sure would work, and what would be wrong with Lakeside, after all we know the venue.

Vic

[George Geddes]

I think Lakeside is too big. Yes, Bruce could fill it, but there's no guarantee he would have any involvement in a non-Shadowmania event...

George

[John M]

I've been to the Newcastle event for the last 3 years with George, and it always been enjoyable.
The only problem is the size of the venue and for quite a few of the visitors it's, initially, dificult to find a seat.
But still great value for £15 for the two days.

[roninnes]

Vic,
There may be nothing wrong with Lakeside, although I believe it would benefit from a makeover, it is simply the geography. If you live in the north or in Scotland it is one heck of a journey to Lakeside. If a national event were to happen it would make sense to hold it in a central i.e. Midlands location which would mean everyone travelling a similar distance. This could also mean more people from all areas attending therefore a larger audience.

My biggest concern is who would decide on which bands appeared, and how p****d off other bands would be when they don't get the nod.
Words like thin, ice, eggshells, quicksand come to mind.

Ron

[ecca]

The worst that can happen is a sulk surely ?

[MikeAB]

Wth other tribute bands it is the bands themselves that organise, as it is in their interest to do so - hopefully if 'ours' did that they could and would avoid silly punch ups. The Dankworth's place at Waverton near Milton Keynes (The Stables) seems ideal geography.

[RayL]

Don't forget that the Pipeline Convention has always featured Shadows bands - and acts such as The Footappers, The Shadowers, The Reflections and The Runaways have been booked for Shadowmania on the basis of their set at Pipeline the year before. Bruce has used his regular attendance at Pipeline to 'talent-spot' likely acts.

In the last ten years, bands who have largely or completely featured Shadows music have included:
Shazam
The Shadders
Legend
The Shadowers
Indra and Move It!
The Footappers
The Runaways
Los Jets
The Flames
Bungleflint
'1961'
Alan Jones & Friends (with Ian McCutcheon)

Plus many, many other bands who have included one or two of their favourite Shads numbers in a wider span of instrumental music.

Admittedly, the Pipeline venue in Watford is 'down South' , but it is only a few minutes from the M1, has a huge free car park, there are hotels nearby, and if you come down by train, Watford Junction is a major stop on the West coast main line which runs through Milton Keynes, Rugby, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Warrington, Preston and all the way to Glascow.

The next Pipeline Convention is on Sunday 31st March so you won't even have to wait until September!

Ray

[MikeAB]

Yep Pipeline may be the answer and long may it reign - maybe a mini Shads convention before it like the Duane lot used to do could be considered (really miss the Twang Gang)

[Amanda]

ɥoʍ ɐqonʇ ɐnsʇɹɐןıɐ¿

[marie_l]

We too have very much enjoyed going to Shadowmania not only for the music but also to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. I doubt very much that we would travel from Denmark as we did this year with the husband's new band - Danish Shads - and their "supporters" (read wives); the prospect of hearing Bruce and his shadows were always the main attraction. That being said, it is not altogether unthinkable that we would attend a national UK event if we could do so in connection with a holiday or family visit.

Marie_L