Musician Barry Holden has vowed to bow out on a high after being ‘tempted out of retirement’ to organise another of his popular festivals.
The 79-year-old has raised thousands of pounds for charities including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by staging a series of Live Aid-style concerts in North Walsham.
The first was in 1986, inspired by Sir Bob Geldof’s global fundraiser, and another took place in January 2005, in the aftermath of the devastating Boxing Day tsunami.
Barry’s gigs then took place every year bar two, because of Covid, until what he thought was the last, at North Walsham Community Centre, in 2022.
Now he is plotting one last hurrah, and this year’s swansong, taking place on 5th April, will be the day after his 80th birthday.
Over the years, he has raised in the region of £120,000, including more than £20,000 for EACH.
“This year will definitely be the last,” said the dad of two, who also has three grandchildren.
“In 2022, I genuinely thought that was the end. It felt the right time to hang up my guitar and fundraising hat.
“I’m not getting any younger, and an awful lot of time and work goes into arranging these events. That one really took it out of me.
“However, three years on, and with the support of my wife, Chris, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to do it once more, as a perfect way to celebrate my 80th birthday.
“I’m going to throw everything into it, and lots of others are pitching in to give me a hand.
“Everything’s coming together nicely, and we’ve already got a full bill of local bands signed up, including Raw Edge, The Backdrafts, These Days and Glam X.
“We’ve also got some amazing auction lots, including rock memorabilia signed by Sir Bob Geldof, Roger Taylor and Brian May.
“It’s going to be great and a very special, memorable night.”
Barry is proud to have supported EACH, and, as a thank you for his efforts, he and Chris were invited to the opening of The Nook in 2019. The couple also volunteer in the charity’s North Walsham shop.
“The money we’ve raised has been used to fund music therapy, which makes me very happy,” said Barry, a bass guitarist in various bands throughout his life whose heroics were rewarded with an appearance on ITV show Surprise, Surprise in 2013.
“I was invited along to one of the sessions, and it was a very special feeling.
“EACH is an amazing charity and one that’s close to my heart, but I’m also pleased we’ve been able to support other worthy causes like the Teenage Cancer Trust, Nelson’s Journey and The Clare School, in Norwich.
“People have been generous, helping us raise a phenomenal amount of money, and I know our donations have been well spent and appreciated.
“On a personal note, I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride, and the memories will stay with me forever.
“I’ve got an awful lot out of it over the years, meeting so many amazing people and celebrities like Eric Clapton and Sir Stirling Moss.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way and can’t wait to bow out on a high next month.”
In addition to the music, there will also be a raffle and burger van, and tickets, which cost £12, can be bought from Postle’s, Jolly Roger Tattoo, North Walsham Community Café and EACH’s North Walsham shop, in The Terrace. They can also be purchased online by heading here.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@each.org.uk or call 01223 205183 (option four).
Concert photos: John Newstead
