Annual Mod weekender set to ride into town

Button up your stonewash Sta Pres trousers, slip on your suede loafers, and shine the Lambretta wing mirrors '“ the Ribble Valley Modweekender is riding into town with a 500 strong parade of scooters, writes Tony Dewhurst.
Ribble Valley Mod Weekender.Ribble Valley Mod Weekender.
Ribble Valley Mod Weekender.

The popular Mod and 2-Tone jamboree starts on the Friday evening, but kicks off in style the next day, with a colourful cavalcade of scooters and riders, setting off from Langroyd Hall, Colne and parading around Clitheroe at lunch time.

“Last year was very special, with riders from all over Britain taking part and the ride out in Clitheroe is always a huge draw,” said one of the founding members of the Modweekender, Dave Cott.

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“The scooter parade brings Clitheroe to a standstill - it is a wonderful spectacle.

“We’ve gone from a handful of scooters in the first year to hundreds of riders.”

He added: “It is always great to see day trippers enjoying the event, too, and the warmth many people show towards the festival, some who just come to see the scooter rally as part of a day out in Clitheroe, shows how really well loved the festival has become.”

Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre will once again be the focal point for the popular three-day fashion and music festival with tribute act The Style Councillors providing the headline act on Saturday, September 23rd.

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The London-based doppelgangers will celebrate the best of Paul Weller’s soul crew and their many hits including classic Long Hot Summer, Walls Come Tumbling Down and My Ever Changing Moods.

There will be free live music and DJs playing all over town, with the Brown Cow, The Royal British Legion, the Rose and Crown, Key Street, The Buck Inn, Hoof and Rooster and The Inn at the Station all staging live acts throughout the weekend.

Bands already booked include Clitheroe’s Joe Publix, Channel Orange, Gumball, The Micradotts, Palace Motion, The Ruby Tuesdays and Electric Newt.

“There’s so much variety of music: punk, ska, 2-Tone and reggae, so it appeals to a much wider audience than just mods,” said Dave.

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“And it is not just about the older mods. We get a lot of younger kids who have discovered the music and the style for themselves and that’s really special to see.

“We are very proud of that diversity and that’s what people seem to love about the festival, and, of course, the friendliness of the town.”

The annual pilgrimage to Clitheroe is now in its sixth year and Cott added: “We just wanted to create something to bring live music into the town and it has grown into this amazing festival with people coming from all over the world to be here.

“We’ve a couple who come from Canada, and people from the south coast and Scotland, so it has forged a reputation nationwide now.”

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As well as the live music, there will be DJs, vintage and merchandise stalls and food stands.

Previous headline acts at the festival have included The Lambrettas, Secret Affair and DC Fontana.

The Ribble Valley Mod Weekender, Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 25th.

Tickets for the Style Councillors are available from the Grand in Clitheroe, 01200 421599 or thegrandvenue.co.uk

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