Hatfield Town Councillor and heavy metal fan Dean Archer, is presenting the first in a series of regular rock music concerts on Saturday June 8th at the Breaks Manor Youth Centre.
Remarkably he is paying for this out of his own pocket, too, with all profits going to the Youth Centre. “Hopefully” he says, “Some of the profits will continue to fund future concerts” Cllr Archer is a chauffeur by day, and is more used to driving rock stars about than hiring them – until now.
The Breaks Manor Youth Centre is particularly famous for providing a stage for some of Hatfield’s international pop stars when they began their careers; such as Donovan, Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones and Zombies singer Colin Bluntstone amongst others.
In recent years the large dancehall has been kitted out with a new PA system, mixing desk and lighting, but became somewhat underused.
Cllr Archer suggested he might be able to attract some rock bands to bring the glory days back. And, within just a month of organising the first gig, he had so many bands wanting to play that he now has regular bookings for over a year’s worth of concerts.
He also wants to encourage emerging local bands to play live, perhaps even as supporting acts for the more established visiting groups.
To promote the concerts, Dean has renamed the venue ‘The Rock Den’ and he believes that Breaks Manor is an ideal location as its hall can hold 300 people; it is near the town centre; a 5 minute walk from Hatfield train station and good for buses and car parking.
On the bill for the first concert on Saturday June 8th will be: Neuronspoiler, Death Valley Knights and Hatfield's Sonic Scream.
Venue: Breaks Manor Youth Centre, Link Drive, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8TP Doors Open 19.00 first band on @ 19.30 - Show finishes 23.00 Tickets: £5.00 on the door or £3.50 in advance For more information contact: Dean on 07794050978 or rockdenpromotions@gmail.com
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