2025 Blackpool Rock & Roll Weekender

The Firebirds

A True 4 piece Rock & Roll band recognised as one of the finest Rock & Roll Bands in Europe. The Firebirds; Jim Plummer, Dan Plummer, Rich Lorriman and Paul Willmott are four first class musicians/vocalists able to cover the complete spectrum of music from the 1950s and 1960s, including rockabilly, doo wop, instrumentals and ballads.

Over the years, the band have a built a reputation in the country as the go to act when it comes to 50’s rock ‘n’ roll. This has led to the band being invited to perform alongside Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lonnie Donegan as well as the Holliday Sisters (Elvis’ original backing singers) to name but a few.

As well as being incredibly popular in the UK, they continue to enjoy success on the European rock ‘n’ roll scene and are regularly invited to perform at Europe’s top rock ‘n’ roll festivals as well as headlining sell-out tours.

To date, the band have released three singles and twelve albums. The last five, recorded in their own studio and on their own label ‘Rockville Records’, include a Rock’n’Roll Special with Linda Gail Lewis the sister of ‘The Killer’ Jerry Lee, and two Doo Wop albums – the second featuring guest vocalist Den Hegarty of ‘Darts’ fame.

With the global commercial success of their back catalogue on music streaming services such as Spotify and iTunes, the band have embarked sell-out theatre tours across the USA as well as performing at music festivals across the country.

In addition, they have performed on tours of South America to packed out dance halls.

Their self-penned single ‘59 Ford has reached over 5 millions hits on Spotify and is recognised as a staple in any rockabilly collection.

Darrel Higham & The Enforcers

Born in Bedford, England in 1970, Higham grew up listening to the music of Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Through the influence of these artists, Higham took up the guitar in his early teens and joined his first band whilst still at school.

In 1992 he spent 6 months living in the USA; touring and recording with Eddie Cochran’s original backing band, The Kelly Four. His first solo album was released in 1995 on Nervous Records, entitled Mobile Corrosion. 

Higham played lead guitar in the West End production of Elvis: The Musical in 1996. He co-wrote the first biography on his musical hero, Eddie Cochran for Mainstream Publishing in 2000. 

Along with solo albums and records released with his Rockabilly band, The Enforcers, throughout the 90s and 00s, Higham also played lead guitar and produced many other artists. He co-owns Embassy Studio in Hampshire and oversees a great many sessions there. 

In 2007, Higham started work with Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom. Together they recorded 2 albums and toured Europe, even making an appearance on BBC’s Later With Jools in 2012.

In 2011 he shared the lead vocal duties with Imelda May on the Jeff Beck DVD and subsequent CD,  A Rock 'n' Roll Party .

He has played guitar for Robert Plant, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Sharon Shannon, Shakin’ Stevens, Jeff Beck, Billy Lee Riley, Rocky Burnette, Bono, Paul McCartney, to name but a few.

Darrel is endorsed by Gretsch guitars, Peavey amplifiers and TV Jones pick-ups. Darrel also helped design The Rockingham semi-acoustic guitar for Peavey.

Joining Darrel onstage throughout 2024 will be his regular bass player, Adam Miles. Adam has played in the band since the early 2000's and has played on the CDs, Monochrome Dream and Rocky Burnette's Rockabilly Boogie. Adam plays upright and bass guitar. 

Drummer Rob Tyler has worked with Restless and Dave Phillips and The Hot Rod Gang, amongst others. He also was a member of The Enforcers in the early 2000's for a couple of years and played on the bands Urban Jamboree CD for Foot Tapping Records. 

The Roosters

The Roosters, are a 3 piece Rock ‘n’ Roll band of dedicated musicians, travelling throughout the UK. Led by the brilliant Kevin Swain this band is sure to pack out the Dance Floor.

Having played in many of the top rock ‘n’ roll locations, the band members have played on the rockin’ 50’s scene for many years.

Their 4 albums – Rocket Trip, Crazy Party,  Rockin & Flying & Henhouse Riot – incorporate many well known rock ‘n’ roll songs from the 50s together with some lesser known ones – each played in their own individual Rooster style.

Having played at Paignton in 2023 for Venture Away Music Weekends, this was simply a must have performance at Blackpool in 2025.

The Revolutionaires

Established within the ‘hotbed’ of the North East music scene in the UK, they power out jumpin’ hot rhythm & blues in their own indomitable hard hitting style.

Primarily, they are influenced by 1940’s and 1950’s R&B. In particular, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Roy Brown. However, they have adopted a harder and more aggressive approach, synonymous with modern blues artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Duke Robillard, Jools Holland and Mike Henderson which helps create their own high energy sound.

Over the last decade The Revolutionaires have established themselves on the UK and European Rockin’ circuit, as well as the Blues scene.

They have toured extensively both home and abroad, performing at festivals in Ireland, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Malta and Dubai.

Highlights include performing at festivals with artistes such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Sting, Tom Jones, Hugh Laurie, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Cray, Walter Trout, Eric Bibb, Albert Lee, Snake Davis and Dave Edmunds.

Now also touring with their Big Band project which consists of extra horns and pianist, The Revs are hitting the Festival circuit with this power house line up and big sound.

The band has recorded five CDs to date, containing a collection of Hot Rockin' R&B tracks. Each CD captures the 'rawness' and sheer energy of the band, who like to give their performances a 'hard-edged' vibe!

The Jets

The Cotton Brothers - Long May they Play

THE JETS secured a major recording contract with media giants EMI, achieving phenomenal success. Scoring hit records around the world, " Love Makes the world go round"," Yes tonight Josephine""Rockin around the Christmas tree" appearing on hundreds of TV shows, and featuring in national BBC and ITV Dramas. The ultra talented Cotton Brothers, have thrilled audiences professionally since 1980.Having performed alongside Sir Cliff Richard, Shakin Stevens, Meatloaf, the Police, Boy George, Madness and even Led Zeppelin! With over an amazing 2000 live shows to their credit, THE JETS never fail to deliver a sensational show.

A regular on the Venture Away Rock & Roll Weekenders - a band that never fails to impress.

Glenn Darren & The Krew Katz

Venture Away is delighted to welcome back this fabulous band with their charismatic leader Glenn Darren, the Krew Katz are certain to get you on your feet dancing the night away. This quality Rock & Roll band from Nottingham is known and loved by many.

Glenn Darren is also our fabulous compere for our weekends and we are delighted to have him. This band delivers every single time and the hits simply do not stop, this band loves what they do and we love what they do too! Always the first name on any weekender list and loved by many people a like.

Andy on the Drums, Flat Cap Dave on Guitar, Laura on the Bass and everyone's favourite Band Leader Lord Glenn Darren on vocals - always a crowd pleaser.

The Strollers - After a long break they are back!!

GREAT TO HAVE THIS FABULOUS BAND BACK WITH US IN 2025 @ BLACKPOOL

The Strollers are a 4 piece band playing real Rock 'n' Roll, Jive, Rockabilly & Blues.

A few year's have passed but we are delighted this band are coming to play at Blackpool in 2025.