Yet again Camber is on the map, in the headlines and pulling in the visitors. Last week saw a visit by Michael Caine and his film crew on the beach at Camber (see Lights, Camber, action) but the focus this week has been on Pontins who hosted this years Rhythm Riot, billed by the organisers as “the UK’s biggest and best 1950s Rhythm & Blues and Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll weekend”.
For those who didn’t realise it, this is a huge event which attracts thousands of visitors and runs from Thursday, October 13 to Monday, October 17, with guests having the choice of 5 levels of self catering accommodation at Pontins. The list of live bands performing over the weekend is very impressive with bands and DJs from all over the world and with music and dancing in three venues within the complex.
There is an art and design show featuring work by Jacqueline Davies, the in-house artist for the Vintage Hot Road Association and whose designs are in demand worldwide.
A shopping mall offers genuine and reproduction 1950s clothing from specialist dealers as well as shoes, accessories, memorabilia and rare records and CDs. There’s even an indoor Sunday morning flea market with thousands of of cool, kitsch and collectible bargains on offer, a free vintage shuttle bus to and from Rye in a fully restored 1956 Bedford coach. The coach leads the Sunday car cruise into Rye where it stops at the station carpark for all to see and drool over!.
Over the weekend visitors to the Rhythm Riot celebrations have been spotted in 1950s dress taking in the sights of Rye and the ladies at the Sue Ryder charity shop on the High Street joined in the theme by dressing their window with vintage clothing of the period (see this weeks article Getting retro at Ryder).
Image Credits: Rhythm Riot , Nick Forman .
Sunday afternoon was fantastic as the classic cars cruised along Rye High Street, and the watchers clapped as each beautifully restored car drove by. Added to which the car drivers and passengers all looked fabulous in their clothing that mirrored the period of their cars. Rye is beautiful itself, but this bygone era of style and class really brought something very special to the town. I hope all that made such an effort to come here had a great time.