Hundreds of people turned out for Somerset’s very first Mod Weekender last month with local event organisers pulling together to make it a success.
If you were in Frome on Saturday 22nd October, you may have caught sight of the 50 scooters riding through the town to open a scooter display at the Cheese and Grain.
The Mod Weekender event in Frome involved over 100 people, many of whom travelled from all over the South West to take part.
Friday night saw The Wheatsheaves transformed into a Northern Soul party, with DJ’s plus a live performance from Northern Soul band, ‘The All-Nighters’ The venue also hosted a pop up Mod shop with Yarmouth based company Smart Menswear.
Saturday saw over 40 scooters parked in the main hall of the Cheese and Grain, accompanied by A Mod Mobil. One of the main attractions were the scooters provided by Jim Burnham and Steve Holloway of Bristol Mod and Scooter Club.
The event also saw a book signing from author Michael W Salter and a poster signing with artist Jon Davies and Quadrophenia’s Gary Shail, hosted by Frome bookshop Hunting Raven Books. The pop up Mod shop also re-opened and the event went on into the evening. After the scooters had departed, the venue re-opened to host the closing show featuring a special guest appearance from Quadrophenia star, Gary Shail (aka DJ Spider) accompanied by Frome’s, DJ Smileee J.
The event was finally headlined by a home performance from the acclaimed Who tribute, “Who’s Next.”
“We had only eight weeks to create and advertise this event. It was made possible because of the level of enthusiasm from everyone involved,” said GM3 Music’s Leander Morales.
“I was surprised at the level of support from scooter groups, a lot of them travelled a very long way to join us.”
Actor and musician Gary Shail said, “Thanks to Modtopia for inviting me down to Frome yesterday! I had a brilliant time and loved the ride-out through the town! Thanks.”
Other comments on social media included, “It was one amazing day and so nice to be part of the ride out and make new friends. Thanks Mod Weekender!”
Another said, “Thanks for organising this. What great day I had riding to Frome and joining the ride out. Next year I will stay for the evening. Thanks again.”
The team has announced that the 2017 Somerset Mod Weekender is already being discussed with dates and venues to be announced in the new year.
For further details on events from Modtopia and Gm3 Music, visit: www.facebook.com/modtopia or www.gm3music.co.uk
