Well, we got off to a cracking start with a few songs and poems from Bernard, Pauline, Jim and Phil. Kimbers Men then took to the floor and gave us a lively first set.

Pauline

Jim

Phil

Kimbers Men

Kimbers Men had everyone singing with great gusto from the very first song, right through to the encore - 'Leave her, Johnny, Leave her'!

John Conolly then gave us a mix of his own songs, old and new, and songs by other writers and some traditional. At the end of his second set, he was joined by Bill and Dave for a couple of Rushbearing-related songs 'I'll be home for the Rushbearing' and 'Tom of Holmfirth'.

John Conolly

Maggie

Dave

Vin

Between John's two sets we continued the singaround with songs from Maggie and Vin, and poems from Dave.

John, Bill and Dave occasionally work together, and gave us a taste of that formidable combination of talent - both at the end of John's second set, and at the start of Bill and Dave's first set.

John Conolly

... joined by Dave

and Bill

Following John Conolly we had a few tunes and songs from Rex and Patrick. Patrick has been playing melodeon for less than a year, and already plays like a veteran!

Rex and Patrick

John, Bill and Dave then joined forces again for two more songs, before John had to beat a hasty retreat - he had to get to the Ring O'Bells at Warrington!

Bill and Dave...

joined by John!

During the break between Bill and Dave's two spots, we had song spots from Ali and Geoff - always a treat to hear!

Ali and Geoff

Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher have a magical quality as a duo - Bill's concertina playing (including the prototype MIDI one!) complements Dave's singing perfectly, and their choice of material always pleases.

Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher

Our last guests of the Extravaganza were the very lively Boat Band, whose mix of Cajun and other styles had everyone's feet tapping! Their first set was music mostly from Louisiana, and the second set was mostly English - with a Cajun twist!

Boat Band

Well, that's the eighth extravaganza over - best make a note of the next one!!