Electrifying skiffle night for Seaton Delaval Hall appeal

Nov 1 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

A BAND featuring the son of the late King of Skiffle Lonnie Donegan will be putting on the style for Seaton Delaval Hall.

The Peter Donegan Band will give a concert at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre on Friday, November 21, to raise funds for the National Trusts bid to buy the beautiful stately home.

Donegan, who lives in Bedlington Station, Northumberland, was a member of his late fathers band and toured with Van Morrison.

Base player Michael Bailey was born and bred in Seaton Delaval, and wife Rachel, who plays violin and accordion, is from Tynemouth. They now live in Wellfield in Whitley Bay.

The band also includes Mark Anderson from neighbouring New Hartley and ex-Lindisfarne star Ray Laidlaw, from Tynemouth.

Michael said: We feel very strongly that Seaton Delaval Hall should be enjoyed by the public.

To do our bit for the appeal, were going to take a break from playing theatres and festivals around the UK to do a concert on the doorstep of the hall at the fantastic arts centre in Seaton Delaval.

It is vital that the hall goes to the National Trust. It would be tragic if the opportunity was lost.

Peter and the band appeared at the Albert Hall in the Lonnie Donegan tribute concert, alongside Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison and Roger Daltrey.

We play what we call electric skiffle, which is a mix of rock and roll, folk, gospel and blues, said Michael.

Tickets are s6 and all receipts less the cost of the hall hire will be donated to the appeal.

You can buy tickets from the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre at www.seatondelavalartscentre.com or at the box office on (0191) 237-5460. Doors open at 7.30pm.

:: To see the band in action click here