Beltane Bash success.

Well what a day.


It all started at 7 am when we left Eastbourne on the Coach. The sky was black, the roads were wet our bums were sore... from the small seats!

We arrived in plenty of time, which meant we were able to grab a parking space.
After fuelling ourselves with teas and coffees we made our way over to Conway hall.

We introduced ourselves to a few people and said hi to those we recognised but it was not long before we were all itching to drum!
As the crowds were lining up to get in to the event we made our way outside and started to drum to cheer up the crowds and try to scare off the rain.

We played a few of our favourite numbers, Call and Return, Section 5 Medley, Rise and Fall. We also played our newest track for the first time in public.
The crowd seemed to like us as there were a few people getting into the rhythm and dancing to our beats.
We were drumming so ferociously that one of our drums broke. Now that's power.

But did that stop us?

NO!

A quick swap around of drums and we were off again.

As we were finishing a track, we noticed the procession beginning to form around the park so we ended the tune and quickly took our place at the end of the procession. No sooner had we got in line than it was time to march.

Off we set, playing our slow thumping marching tune, Nines.
Our drumming outside the hall had not seemed to scare off the rain, as down down down it came.
But did we give up?

NO!

We drummed even harder.

We were not going to let a little rain get us down. After all we would dry off... Wouldn't we?

We got to Russel Square and made a large circle round the fountain.

There were two of the Bogies drummers there in the middle of the park and they beckoned us to come out from the crowd and join then by the fountain. We didn't need asking twice. A few of us made our way forwards adding to the beats that were already reverberating through the park.

We drummed, for about 10 minutes, to a crescendo where a small colloquy was given.
Again we drummed for the crowds.
It didn't matter that it was raining. Loads of people started to make their way through the fountains, those brave few walking right through the middle.

In the end we had to begin the procession back to Conway hall. I'm sure we drummed even harder back to the hall.

Again, outside the halls we entertained the crowds as they waited for the giants to go back inside.
We kept hearing "More, More" from the crowd. It would have been rude not to have carried on.
But alas, we had to stop. Otherwise people may not have gone back into the hall.

Then, out of the blue, one of the Bogies drummers approached us and asked if we wanted their slot on stage.
It turned out that a few of their drummers were not able to attend due to an accident on one of the main roads into London. Here is hoping that they only were held up by it and not involved.
We took up their kind offer and were told to be ready for 13:45.

The time approaches and we get ready to go on stage with our little surprise.
I give a little introduction and off we went.
I am biased but... the sound was truly amazing. I don't think we have ever sounded better.
We pounded out some fantastic tunes. The hall suited the drumming perfectly.

For our second tune we played "Giants' Dance" at which point Herne and Andred, the Eastbourne Giants jumped up and started to dance around the hall.

After our set was over, we were issued a challenge by the Compare.
Apparently the sound of a drum can blow out a candle at 170 Db.

Could we do it? Well heck... we would try.

So, the time approaches to see if we are made of the stuff that can blow candles out.
So we try the first time... all we succeed in doing if deafening half the audience...after 60 seconds of beating our drums as hard as we can we regroup.
Our second attempt is just as successful but finally we thought we had it. One last try.
We got our biggest drums either side of the candle and beat alternately within 20 seconds the candle was out.

WE HAD SUCCEEDED.

The Pentacle Drummers were rewarded with a much needed and much appreciated drinking horn full of mead. That didn't last long.

After a totally successful day we were approached by Jeanette who has invited us to play at Halloween Bash and another event that needs a little ironing out before details are announced.

We readied ourselves to board the coach home, arms aching, soaked with either rain or sweat heads thumping, but with a feeling of total satisfaction that we performed our best. And I think that showed.

Until our next blog,

Peace.

The Pentacle Drummers.

Beltane Bash - London

Sunday (27/05/07) we will be drumming in the parade at the Beltane Bash.

Not only will we be in the parade we will be drumming on stage with Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, which will be fantastic.
The Drummers have attended this event for a few years now but this is the first year we will have been on stage.

Our Album will be availible for sale for £6 up there so please grab a copy.

See you there.

Peace.

Jack In The Green

Well here it is.
Our first bit of Blog.

Lets Talk about Jack in the Green, well...
Wasn't that windy?
But we did it, tired, cold, wet, but still drumming all the way round.
The event ended with a fantastic impromptu drum up with just a few drummers from the various sides and soon there were about 10 drummers giving it their all for about an hour!
It was nice to see the crowd really getting into it too.

I'll add a little more as I go.
Till then.
Peace.