Vintage Ball

Mayor Merlin Milner has conjured together a splendid array of local entertainers to perform in the Lewes Town Charity Ball, to raise money for his chosen causes. Guests include the legendary God of Hellfire himself: the Rev. Arthur Brown, whose outrageous live shows back in the 60’s and 70’s earned him a permanent place in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, and as recently as 2005 won the ‘Showman of The Year’ award in Classic Rock Magazine. In addition, there’ll be performances from the hip-kat jive jumpin’ big band Fat 45, who top the bill, and insight into the spectacularly weird world of The Las Vegas Mermaids.

Speaking to our host for the night, Mayor Merlin, I was keen to find out more about the evening. Would it be all quiffs and circle skirts? “We’ve said pre-1940s dress code, so whether there’ll be people arriving in Medieval garb; who knows?! This is Lewes!” he tells me over the phone. All the people performing are either from Lewes, or close by, and he tells me that ‘everyone involved is offering their services for free’. Harvey’s beer and local wine will be on tap, and a veggie-friendly two-course meal is included in the ticket price. Rikki Tarascas will be MC for the night, and other acts on the gargantuan list include a Starfish band, Huntley and Palmer and The Neil Andrews Sisters. I also have it on good authority that we can expect some surprise collaborations, and that some familiar faces might be among the ‘special guests’ advertised. Sounds like a magical night in store. RL

Belles of the Ball: Fat 45’s jumpin’ jive
Where?
Lewes Town Hall
When? 7.30-Midnight
How Much? £20
(t) 01273 471469