Now in its 12th year the Cumbria Vintage and New Guitar Show is back on for the August Bank Holiday Weekend and has grown to be a major regional event on the guitarists calendar. There is a great line-up of top players on stage and in the informal demo rooms including this year, the phenomenal young finger picker Gareth Pearson.
As can be expected there will be a huge array of guitars old and new plus loads of amps effects and related gear to try out – a veritable Mecca for enthusiasts and music fans. The show features what the organisers call a ‘widdle area’ for budding guitarists to plug and play through headphones. There are also free workshops with talented players ready to guide and help.
Several leading guitarists have been drafted in for the event including popular duo Rod Sinclair and James Birkett who be playing a set and running workshops on the Monday. Another very talented Newcastle guitarist, Jamie McCredie will be with bassist Laurence Blackadder playing in the restaurant area during both days. And there’s more ….. Acoustic ace Matt Marriot from Cort Guitars, rock hero Steve Smith, Ken Nicol and Gareth Pearson will be playing their own signature Fylde Guitars. Show regulars, Eddie Allen and Tony Foad will also be on hand for workshops and demos.
To prove that there is a lot of talent in the new generation, check out young Cumbrian band ‘Falling Red’ who have been invited to do a set on the Sunday afternoon. Obviously there are loads of guitars and guitarists, but your ticket also gets you into a free prize draw to win a guitar and other related gear as well as a guitar weekend of your choice from ‘Guitar Weekends’ one of the main sponsors of the show. This is a cracking opportunity whatever your age or ability to take a close look at this much-loved instrument. It is also the place to either start your journey as a player or learn some new tricks.
The Cumbria Vintage and New Guitar Show is at the Rheged Exhibition Centre, which is just off junction 40 of the M6 at the Penrith roundabout. The dates are Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of August, 10am to 5.30pm daily. Tickets are £6 on the door each day, but if you require further info, contact Malcolm on 01931 713 241 or e-mail info@cumbria-guitarshow.co.uk. The web site is www.cumbria-guitarshow.co.uk
Getting there is very easy. From South Durham and Teesside take the A66 and from Tyneside or Wearside, take the A69 to the M6 and down to junction 40. By the way, if you take the A69, look at the turn-off from Haydon Bridge, which takes you the scenic route via Alston and the Hartside pass to Penrith. The Rheged centre is also not far from Keswick, so half a day at the show and half a day in the beautiful Lakes is certainly a canny day out.