Rock The Castle 2017
- by Bev Thomas
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- 19 Jul, 2017
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Pembroke Castle Rocked over the weekend
This weeks blog comes from #RockTheCastle on Friday 14th July when world-famous indie rock band, The Fratellis rocked Pembroke Castle along with post-Britpop superstars, Toploader, and support from refreshingly quirky WE-ARE-Z, and up-and-coming Pembrokeshire modern-rock band, Vicetrack. I was asked to capture the weekend events as Pembroke Castle's Official Photographer, and boy did I take some photographs, (sadly a little late to capture Vicetrack).
Best known for their infectious Top Ten hit Chelsea Dagger, now played constantly in bars, clubs and at global sports events, The Fratellis shot to fame in 2006 with their debut album Costello Music, which spent a mammoth 83 weeks in the Top 100 of the UK charts, and included some well-known hits such as Henrietta and Whistle For The Choir. The album propelled the band past the likes of The Kooks, James Morrison and Lily Allen to win the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, and has made them a firm festival favourite from T in the Park to Glastonbury.
Since then, the band have toured the world, released three more albums, in typically vibrant and tune-rich Fratellis style, the latest, Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied released in 2015, reached #16 in the charts and includes Baby Don’t You Lie To Me, a glam tune with ineffably Fratellis-shaped swagger.
Just back from their sell-out tour of the UK celebrating the 10th anniversary of Costello Music, The Fratellis were now rocking Pembroke Castle! and what a show they put on, they were absolutely amazing, leaving the crowd wanting more and more!
Saturday 15th July The Bootleg Beatles brought their phenomenally successful show to Pembroke Castle, supported by The Bootleg Beach Boys.
Justifiably recognised as the world’s premier Beatles Tribute show, The Bootleg Beatles continue to draw critical acclaim from across the globe with their stunning recreation of the greatest songbook of all time.
Charting the Fab Four’s journey through the sixties, every tiny detail is meticulously covered from their costumes to authentic period instruments; from their witty 'Scouse' banter to their uncanny ‘inflection perfect’ vocal impersonation.
They’ve played Glastonbury, Knebworth, the Queen’s Jubilee, the Albert Hall and now they rocked Pembroke Castle.
Complete with a little help from their orchestral ensemble, this was a genuine not-to-be-missed spectacular for Beatle fans of all ages. No, it’s not The Beatles, but you simply won’t believe it! Making this extra special is that it will be 50 years to the anniversary of the Sgt Pepper album. Meeting these guys it was clear to see familiarities of the original fab four and the sound simply did not disappoint. Another incredible performance.
Joining The Bootleg Beatles, were The Bootleg Beach Boys, bringing the unmistakable sound of west-coast America to the west-coast Wales’ most recognisable landmark.
Fresh from a sell-out tour of Ireland’s finest theatres, the band treated the crowds to all of the hits from California’s most famous act such as God Only Knows, Surfin’ U.S.A. and Wouldn’t It Be Nice.
The Bootleg Beach Boys are Dublin-based and made up of Joe Mullins, Damian Butler, Mark Maguire, Fran King, and Joe Leech, who between them create the most accurate version of The Beach Boys' classic sound that you will ever be likely to hear. The cheeky, fun, energy they produced sent out those famous Good Vibrations, leaving the crowd wanting more.
On Sunday 16th July 2017, Horrible Histories “Live On Stage” came to Pembroke Castle with the hit show The Best of Barmy Britain. This was a fantastic finale to the ‘Rock The Castle’ weekend.
It has been over twenty years since the Horrible Histories franchise catapulted itself into our schools and living rooms, making yawn-worthy yesteryear a thing of the past. Since Terry Deary first penned The Terrible Tudors and The Awful Egyptians, Horrible Histories have gone from strength to strength, from sticker books to appearing on our TV screens in CBBC’s BAFTA Children’s Award and British Comedy Award-winning series, and a BBC six-part series aimed at adults and hosted by Stephen Fry, and Deary remains one of the most popular living children’s author.
The Birmingham Stage Company’s world-touring stage performance of two thousand years of British History, performed right here in Pembroke Castle!
Last but not least Preseli Pete and the Merrymakers Band, A unique band with a unique look. Playing a blend of skiffle, comedy numbers, reimagined pop sings and original material Preseli Pete and the Merrymakers Band feature tea chest bass, kazoos, washboard, melodica, guitar, bass and four part harmony vocals, they certainly had the crowd entertained.
The Birthplace of Henry VII was the ideal setting, set on the banks of the river estuary, this mighty fortress is steeped in British history... now brought the community together for yet another year. People of all ages were catered for, whether you heard of the bands that played or not, it was a fantastic weekend. Lots of planning goes into an event such as this, from setting up the stage for four days prior, stage managing, making sure the bands are catered for, security is high level, making sure the toilets are provided and food & drink are available, everyone involved should be super proud of themselves and I for one, was truly honoured to be asked to be the official photographer and meet some amazing people along the way.
I am looking forwards to next year, so we can once again rock the castle and give the public another show to remember.
Bev
https://en-gb.facebook.com/BootlegBeachBoys/
http://themerrymakerstheatrecompany.yolasite.com/
All Photography featured in this blog is Copyrighted by Beverley Thomas Photography, for more images please visit our Facebook page. Thank You
The Bride & Groom chose a beautiful location, the hotel is called Wolfscastle Country Hotel otherwise known as "All yr Afon" https://wolfscastle.com located just 15 minutes from Haverfordwest, in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside and 9 miles from our stunning Pembrokeshire coast. I arrived at 11.30am in order to get some prep photographs of Kayleigh's shoes etc and the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. When I arrived everyone was so calm and ready to go, the bridesmaids hair and make-ups were completed and they were in their dresses ready. Wearing sparkly rose gold gowns they looked stunning. The bride was still getting ready with finishing touches being adjusted. She wore a stunning wedding gown with a cathedral train made from tulle. The flowers were made by Flowers by Quita, they incorporated vintage roses and peonies. Everyone was in high spirits. Not only was it Kayleigh and Mark's wedding day but they were both celebrating birthdays.
I completed what I need to do then myself and Gill, my assistant headed downstairs to capture the groom. I had not met Mark at any of the appointment prior to the big day, so once I found him I introduced myself and to be honest, I felt like I already knew him. He had just finished formalities with the Registra and checking that the best men had the all important wedding rings. The video guys were ready, I was ready and Kayleigh was ready ...
12.20pm Kayleigh was descending down the stairs with her father, that was an emotional moment. She had given him a pair of cuff links which read 'of all the walks we have had, this one is my favourite' such a lovely moment to treasure forever.
12.30pm Mark was patiently waiting for his beautiful bride, and there she was standing in the doorway ready to met her husband to be.
The ceremony was perfect and a kiss seals the the forever moment when the Registra pronounces Kayleigh & Mark as Husband & Wife, Mr & Mrs Williams.
This blog at https://beverleythomasphotographydotcodotuk.wordpress.com is being made as part of an accredited educational programme.
