Joint Press Release from Spalding BID and PastPresentPossible CIC
BBQ67/27 anniversary celebrations get off to a great start
Excitement is building in Spalding as plans take shape for a month-long May festival marking the 60thanniversary of BBQ67/27 — the town’s legendary, but still little-known, rock festival.
A diverse programme of events is already taking shape, with live music, storytelling, poetry, film screenings, talks, exhibitions and even the possibility of a fashion show being explored. The aim is to create a community celebration that honours Spalding's unique place in music history while offering something for everyone.
More than 20 local businesses, organisations and community groups attended a recent stakeholder meeting hosted by Spalding BID and PastPresentPossible CIC. Attendees learned about grant funding opportunities, shared ideas and began developing collaborative plans for the anniversary programme.
Spalding BID and PastPresentPossible CIC are now inviting more businesses, venues, creatives, and community groups to get involved. Support could range from hosting an event or providing a venue to helping shape activities that celebrate Spalding’s place in music history. The next meeting will take place on 23 July from 5pm at Project St Thomas, St Thomas Road, Spalding. Anyone who has not yet come forward is welcome to arrive from 4pm to talk through their ideas.
Originally held at Spalding's former Tulip Bulb Auction Hall in May 1967, BBQ67 featured an extraordinary line-up including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Cream and Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band. Despite those now world-famous names, the event remains relatively unknown and is considered by some to have been the first ever rock festival. Local band Sounds Force 5 also played between the main stage acts, adding a home-grown connection to an extraordinary moment in Spalding’s cultural story.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Sarah or Rachel at Spalding BID by emailing hello@spaldingbid.co.uk, or Harrison or Emma at PastPresentPossible CIC by emailing pastpresentpossible@outlook.com.
