Don't know if this is the right forum to post this on

I was informed this afternoon that the October "Legends" event is not going to take place

Have been waiting to hear from Pontins since the March event

The reason I was given was that "The New Owners" have said that the costs for the event were too high.

I have not been given any official statement to publish, however I felt that people should be made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity

I have no news or information on next years March event yet but as soon as I am informed I will post on this site

Not being a user of facebook or other social networking sites I have asked some friends who use these sites and have asked them to post the news

This post has been promoted to an article

Posted it on Facebook John with a link back to here.

Iam not surprised,i thought back in march this maybe the last time we will be here at the great Prestatynn weekenders.When i just think of the artists we have been so so lucky to have them grace the stage,ive often said that iff some one had told me in Wigan record bar in the later 70ts that one day you will see the likes of Gwen Owens,Don Gardner,The Hesitations,The Volumes and the Del larks to name a few you would proberly think that person had had more than his share of a DDA box but it really did happen,memories till the day i die.Can i thank-you Mr Mark Fletcher,Mr Poole and all the rest of the team for making it happen and the kindness they showed me on all but the first Prestatynn that i didnt attend.MY HAT GOES OFF TO YOU AND THANKS FOR MAKING MY LIFE THAT MUCH BETTER.GILLY

Can only echo what Gilly has already said......."Hats off to you" for making it what it was, AWESOME! Now Mr Poole, no pressure but.......where we going to next?? Lol! x

I think that most who attended in March had a doubt about October. Really gutted. Any possibility of alternative venue, plenty of caravan/holiday sites in same area?

Just hope that March 2012 still goes ahead, if not in usual format then something just as good.

Respect and thanks to all those involved over the last ten years.

Prestatyn - October 2011 Cancelled

View full article

Edited June 10, 201213 yr by John Poole

Working abroad this week and was just sent the news by text.

Such a shame.

But one venue closes, where's the next

Congrats on a job well done to all the organisers.

10 years is no mean achievment and I'm glad to have been there and samples a part of it.

Well John,if Pontins call it a day,at Prestatyn i for one hope you get another Venue

not many years left for us to grace these Legends you have brought to our shores and gave us such joy watching them perform in front of our eyes

such a master in your own right at tracking these legends down

and bringing them to the uk

Even tracking Mel Brit down for Goldsoul for the USA trip

Take a bow John ,one hell of a Gentleman & dam Good promoter

And the Midnight Hour team to, Fish & Mark,Bernie,Mark,Dave,and Rob Wigley for past & present promotional work involved

Mick H

On 11/05/2011 at 20:28, John Poole said:

Don't know if this is the right forum to post this on

I was informed this afternoon that the October "Legends" event is not going to take place

Have been waiting to hear from Pontins since the March event

The reason I was given was that "The New Owners" have said that the costs for the event were too high.

I have not been given any official statement to publish, however I felt that people should be made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity

I have no news or information on next years March event yet but as soon as I am informed I will post on this site

Not being a user of facebook or other social networking sites I have asked some friends who use these sites and have asked them to post the news

A clipped (1000 chrs) forum highlight post of an news/article item

 

That is a great shame.

I am a regular attendee of the Upnorth Promotions "Southport Weekenders" that were held at Pontins in erm Southport, and although Upnorth were guaranteed, by the administrators, that the May 2011 event would go ahead, Upnorth took the decision to pull out of Pontins and re-located to Butlins In Minehead. Which for me, who has been attending & staying in those grotty chalets since 1991, was a complete shock, met with sadness and great reservations. However after just getting back from Pontins Butlins I am happy to say that the Southport vibe lives on .... just in Minehead, so try not despair too much, where-ever you decide to lay your hat, the party will continue.

Good luck in finding a new home

Ali x

Would like to say that the last few years have been a dream come true for us , after being away from the scene for a while we came back to it about 5 years ago .prestatyn wasn't our first port of call.what a fantastic few years ,a few dedicated people ,soul music fans the midnight hour crew have put together with the limited resources of pontins some very unforgettable musical moments and memories . The American stars whom we have befriended have come over to perform to audiences whom really appreciate them.Our gratitude goes to mark Fletcher ,john poole,fish,dave tidswell,mike Balderson ,the midnight hour crew.people have moaned and groaned ,other people have praised the event and remained wholehaeartedly soulful and as a general rule the whole event has been a thoroughly soulful experience for us and I am sure that this will be echoed by all the lovely people whom we have had the pleasure to meet . I hope that the midnight hour crew take the event and move it somewhere else .They deserve it ,the stars deserve it ,and we the soulies all deserve it . Three cheers to the midnight hour crew.

John, well we all thought this would be the case for the October date so no real surprise on that score, have been coming to Prestatyn for 7 years now and every year cant wait for March to come around its been a ritual for us.Already paid my deposit and booked in for March 2012 just hope it goes ahead even if its just the chance to say goodbye to the old place.

I ask myself what other site would not want the place full in early March have massive bar and other takings its beyond belief to me you shouldn't have much problem in finding another great venue to fill.

Keep up the good work lets keep our fingers crossed for March 2012.

Gaz

Ive had some of the best days of my life at the March Prestatyn Weekenders over the past 10 yrs met so many wonderful people seen so many wonderful artist

never in a million years could i imagined when i first started to live the life of a lover of soul music that i would get to see and meet some of the heroes

i was listening and dancin too.. What awesome memories never forgotten and my life has been made more rewarding by the Midnight Hour Promotion

in Prestatyn . I take my hat off to you guys for bringing so much happiness to so many people over the past ten years Thank you from the bottom of my heart

LOVE , PEACE & HAPPINESS ALWAYS.........

Ian Cunliffe & Jane Hamilton.

Don't give up John, there's other places to try and we're all behind you

I can only echo was has already been said and to add that over the years have seen artists perform at Prestatyn that I never would have dreamed of seeing.

To name a few:-

Ray Pollard

Tony Middleton

Hesitations

Volumes

Gwen Owens

Precisions

Chuck Jackson

Dee Dee Sharp

Phillip Mitchell

Roy Roberts

Rita Graham

Gloria Jones

Benny Troy

Pat Lewis

Kenny Hamber

Jesse James

Lorraine Chandler

Del Larks

Thank you to John and all the crew and not forgetting Rob &Karen Wigley and Pat Brady.

Good luck with future promotions

A real shame, hope John gets somewhere else. The October events had their own vibe.

Sad news indeed John. Can't see the logic behind their thinking. Sue and i had a great time last year and it looked like the holiday camp made a small fortune, after all who else will be there out of season ?? Oh well mate onward and upward as they say. Good luck finding a new venue. Hope to see you in the U.K. in September.

Tony and Sue. OZ.

A crying shame - and a short-sighted decision by the new owners. These have been fantastic events and great money-spinners twice a year for Pontins. But it was obvious in March that the writing was on the wall. If next March is now a non-starter I hope the Midnight Hour crew look elsewhere. Sod Pontins if they don't want the business!

JOHN POOLE,, MARK CODDINGTON & MR MARK FLETCHER

YOU THREE ARE THE LEGENDS!!

You have brought all so much Soul, Fun and Pleasure of the Years ,,, i have such FANTASTIC memories of EVERYONE!!

Not only as a punter also its been an Real Honor to be asked to DJ for the team

Being first DJ on after CHUCK JACKSON ,TAVARES etc etc is something il never for get as long as i live!!

Good luck to you guys with any future venture ,, you are TRUE PROs

Thanks for the GOOD/GREAT TIMES,,Heres to the Future

Nige Brown ,,,Stafford

Gilly. I second that emotion, Never missed one apart from the March one just gone ( i was ill ) Have so many memories . Thank you. Thats if the Northern / Modern weekender goes the way of the Motown one

Steve

What a list of Northern legends that have appeared at the venue and not forgetting the tunes played by all the DJ,s. Can anyone remember what Rita Graham sang. TIA

I am presuming it wasn't Gone With The Wind cause Chalky only tracked her down a short while ago.

It certainly was Tony. She sang it in the radio room when John Smith interviewed her straight after my radio slot. remember getting her autograph for Dave (tatoo man) to go with his issue copy and his test press acetate. Lovely lady.

Best

kev

What a list of Northern legends that have appeared at the venue and not forgetting the tunes played by all the DJ,s. Can anyone remember what Rita Graham sang. TIA

I am presuming it wasn't Gone With The Wind cause Chalky only tracked her down a short while ago.

She remembered the track when I spoke to her. Someone did an interview a while later that appeared on Soul Up North or some other mag?

Unlike a lot of you I had only been going to Prestatyn only for the last 2 years and to me it was possibly the best weekender along side Bridlington. I enjoyed every minute of my time there with some awesome friends. John you maybe a red dog Forest fan but to me your a good friend and I know I for one is going to miss Prestatyn if it never goes ahead again but like others say there is other places that I am sure you and your crew could find. A BIG Thankyou goes out to John Poole,Mark Coddington & Mr Mark Fletcher for giving us all these fantastic acts, music and awesome times over the years.

Thankyou very much you guys. KTF

Sad news John & Mark i would like to thank you from everybody down at the right track soul show and wish you all the best

hope you find another venue

pontins you dont know how much people like myself have enjoyed the soul weekenders

over the last ten years i have met lots of the artists at prestatyn and gone over to the usa and met them there even been invited into there homes this is down to Mark Fletcher John Poole Jeanne Sorrenson Benie Obrien And the rest of the gang thank you so much for some great memories that will live with me forever

Hi we Interviewd Rita and every artists on the prestatyn event last year please check our interview page On The Right Track soul show please check link http://www.therighttrack.org.uk/interviews.html

Yes i too had many great times at Prestatyn and i think the writing was on the board after the March event this year when the "new owners" chopped out acts and djs.

Had a feeling October one was a none starter went last year it was great but i think new owners have got it wrong lets see.

A big thank you to John Poole.The 2 Marks,and Of Course Rob Wigley for putting great events on and wonderful artists whats the bet 2012 March will happen !!

We all remember the saying " all good things must come to an end " Well here`s to Prestatyn and the 10yrs I attended Even attended 1 yr the day after my mums Funeral it was the sort of place you could go devestated, upset, etc and with-in moments of being there amongst your mates some you only see there twice a yr and all other things are forgotten for the weekend So just like to say thanks to all involved especially Mr fletcher & Co .......hope you find somewhere new as you will count on my support for another 10yrs " god willing "

Julie xxx

What a bugger; always a great atmosphere at Prestatyn and a great place to meet up with friends... even if the chalets are feckin' freezing!

Really missed the 'street market' too last March. Could see which way the wind was blowing by the rows of fruit machines lined up in its place!

Hope this isn't the end of the line but if it has to be then a great big thank you to all the organisers and dj's involved over the past decade.

Most memorable moment for me was the first time I met Louvain Demps, so an extra big thanks for that opportunity.

Here's a potted history of the camp that was shown recently on BBC, there's a short clip of the soul weekenders near the end.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...tins_Prestatyn/

Carol.

I'd just like to echo previous comments, had some fantastic times at this event and would like to thank John Poole and everyone else that has been involved (not forgetting Rob Wigley).

To see some of "our" artists perform and to meet and talk to them was something special for me - a once in a lifetime opportunity in many cases!

The memories, photos & autographs will be some of my most treasured possessions for a long time after the freezing, crap chalets have been forgotten

Top job

it makes you wonder what there going to put on it it's place,

maybe the new boss likes line dancing,

joe.

In a strange twist of fate, the new owners , Britannia Hotels, will be hosting a fantastic gig in Coventry on 22nd October this year when the BROTHERS OF SOUL (Bridges, Knight and Eaton)will be making their first and ONLY appearance 'live' in the UK. The concert will be organised by the same team that first made it possible for Melvin Davis and the Masqueraders to appear at Prestatyn as well as Betty Boo, the Adorables, Barbara Mercer, Tommy Good, the Falcons, Chris Clark and Almeta Latimore's performances in Britain.

Full details will appear on Soul Source soon, with booking information and a very generous accommodation deal.

I'm sure that everyone who is disappointed at the cancellation of the Prestatyn gig will support this event.

 

Can't we purposefully petition Britannia Hotels?

We go every March and October and love it. The annoying thing is, I rang Pontins, Prestatyn not so long ago and they assured me that the October event was definitely on. I am capped on the number of weekends I can have off a year and I needed to know.

Thanks to John for all the superb effort over the years. I have memories and photos to cherish. I would never otherwise have had the chance to meet so many legends who sang the songs I listen to every week.

It is a shame that October "Legends" is cancelled.I think the new Owners are short-sighted on this one.It was a pleasure working on these Week-enders.

It is a shame that October "Legends" is cancelled.I think the new Owners are short-sighted on this one.It was a pleasure working on these Week-enders.

If that's the case there's only one answer they should get themselves to Specsavers

Sad sad news. Hats of to the whole team of people involved both front and back if house. Was always a delight to be involved in a small way but as much of a pleasure to attend.

My experience of the Britannia group means I'm not surprised but still saddened.

Keep your chin up though John knowing your efforts are appreciated.

Ged and Margaret

hopefully it will be back in March next year. I really hope so as it's THE event that I came to 3 years ago that really got me fired up and back into the scene after too long away. Big thanks to John and the gang for relighting my fire and if Prestatyn don't want us I'm sure we'll find someplace that does

KTF

Martyn

Real shame about the October event but fingers crossed that March one happens

I have been to everyone and have been priviliged to DJ at them all

I remember the first tune played by Pete Stone in the main room

So many memories I would like to thak everyone involved in making the last 10 years so very memorable and enjoyable

Thanks to Mark Fletcher, John Poole, and Fish not forgetting the contributions of Bernie O'Brien, Rob Thomas Andy Rix and all the DJs who made this one of the biggest and best events ever.

Special thanks for all the listeners of Channel 5 Radio who made my job on the radio easy (I'm still counting the money received from the Blackmai show)

The experience of actually meeting and getting to talk to the artists without restriction which was unique to the Prestatyn Weekender is something that I will miss

All the best

Mick

good ..... it was freezing

Damart

I think one or two are getting ahead of themselves, pretty sure the team will bring you the countrys best weekender again next year.Many thanks to john poole fish and mark fletcher for a great event over the years,and thanks for lettin me dj and showcase the soultown djs.

Johnny,

This is indeed a real shame and a bit of a kick in the teeth for you and all you team as I am well aware of how hard you all work to get this venue together.

Your hard work and dedication must be saluted and again, hats off to you all.

Knowing you Johnny boy, you will be seeking a new venue for the October do and i hope, that the new owners (i know who you are) will give us all a chance next March to enjoy this fab venue and brilliant weekend at least once more. If they don't,well, more fool them, and lets hope we know as soon as possible so as to allow the 'team' to seek a new venue.

Prestatyn has special memories as its where I asked Dave to marry me!

Congratulations, John, Mark and all the crew for your achievements and good luck!

Love and enormous thanks to each and every one who made this weekender so very special, and to all the artists who graced its now hallowed stage!

Thank You

Sarah and Dave

xx

Hi

Does anyone know anymore news about Pontins? Is it on in March!! I am gutted been goin for so long can't believe its not happin in Oct.

Martin

As far as I now March will still go on. I presume you know about the September Event at Potins in Southport?

The venue feels very much like Prestatyn with the same arcades, Queen Vic pub etc but my accomodation at least at last Lancs Alliance Scooter Weekender was better than Prestratyn

The big room (the only one for the September weekend) is a better one than Prestayn I'd say.

All the details are at Southport Soul Weekender

I think it'll be a great weekend; different from Prestatyn; but still great.

His the 1 in march on ?