An exhibition celebrating the musical history of The Fens and Brecks is coming to Wisbech and March this month.
From memories of Manfred Mann, the Rolling Stones and The Who, nostalgia of nights out dancing at the airbases and pogo-ing at West Runton Pavillion, to stories of shimmeying at Slacks and head-banging at the East Anglian Rock Festival – this touring exhibition is a celebration of the local music history, as told by the people who were living it.
Over the last few months, project co-ordinator, Hilary, and archivist, Jess, have trained locals to become historians and travelled around the Fens, popping up in pubs, shopping centres, cafés and museums to collect and record local music stories and memorabilia to create this archive.
Through memory cafes, social media, photographs, interviews and the support of local historians and enthusiasts, Talkin’Bout My Generation – funded by the Heritage Lottery – has put together a display of life in Wisbech, March and Mildenhall in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
They said: “Were you there? Come and add your story and be a part of making history.
“Or maybe it was the era of your parents or grandparents? You might be surprised when you hear what they were up to!
“This vibrant, interactive exhibition is open to all. Hear the stories, bring your favourite 45s for a spin on a Dansette record player with our resident DJ, Paul Sawtell, dress up in the fashions of the day, and spot family and friends interviewed in a short documentary film by Dan Donovan.
“There may be some surprise guests popping up too.”
The tour comes to Wisbech and Fenland Museum from 12–5pm on Saturday June 16, and March and District Museum from 2–7pm on Saturday June 23.
It also visits Market Hill and The Old School House in Brandon from 3-8pm on Thursday June 21 and The Barleycorn Café in Mildenhall from 2-8pm on Friday June 29.
Do you have a story to tell? Register to have your history recorded, or post your photos and memories onto the Talkin’Bout My Generation archive at www.mygeneration.ccan.co.uk.
Click on the ‘contribute’ button to upload images and type in stories and memories.
The Heritage Lottery Fund project was set up by MarketPlace, a creative people and places arts engagement programme for Fenland, and Babylon ARTS in Ely is the lead partner.
For more information, email: Hilary Cox Condron via hilary@cppmarketplace.co.uk
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