Allstars rock bikers' festival with anthem

They took to the stage in Madeira Drive, Brighton for the biker’s festival last Sunday. Performing on their own converted bus stage, known as the Allstars Stage Wagon, members of the young musicians’ collective from Shoreham played their own version of the festival’s Brightona Anthem. The song was originally written for the biker’s charity festival by EastEnders actress Samantha Janus’ father, Noel Janus, who died in Brighton in 2009 aged 60. Stage manager David O’Connell said: “It had been worked on by members of the Allstars House Band over the last few months and received its first public airing at Brightona in front of a packed crowd.” Mr O’Connell, managing director of Original Allstars Music, which runs the Shoreham collective, said the Allstars’ version was well received by the crowd. He added: “We feel honoured to have been asked by the Brightona organisers to cover this song and the kids have loved learning and playing it. “Performing it at Brightona was definitely a bit of a moment for everyone and I’ve got to say the band smashed it – their confidence, enthusiasm and skill is legendary.” As well as featuring the Allstars House Band, the Stage Wagon showcased bands from the Allstars roster, such as Gravity’s Invisible Ghost Hands, Amputhracture and Hybrid Holiday. Mr O’Connell said; “It gave them a unique opportunity to play their music to a completely new audience and they rose to the challenge, delivering rocking sets to an appreciative and supportive crowd of bikers and rockers.” Musicians from Shoreham Allstars will be playing closer to home on Saturday, November 8, when, from 5.45pm, they will be on Beach Green, Shoreham Beach, playing live and unplugged. The acoustic session is the build-up to the annual Shoreham Bonfire Society celebrations. “We’ll be there with bells on,” said Mr O’Connell. While the music is playing, people will be able to collect a free balloon ready for the procession. Organisers wanted to make this year’s event even more special, so the have expanded the usual feature and made it a balloon and samba procession, from Beach Green, along Kings Walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The bonfire will be lit on the beach nearby at 7pm and the fireworks will start at around 7.15pm. Some of the money raised will go to Chestnut Tree House hospice. Visit the website www.shorehamallstars.com for more information on Shoreham Allstars. Visit www.shorehambonfire.co.uk for more information about the procession and fireworks.