by Kate Forrester, DPW West- Jan 30 2012
THOUSANDS of rock fans from across the world jetted to North Wales for an annual winter music festival.
More than 2,000 followers from the US, Europe, Japan and North Wales descended on Pontin’s in Prestatyn at the weekend to celebrate two decades of an event dedicated to local band The Alarm.
The festival, known as The Gathering, has been hailed a huge success by organiser and band member Mike Peters.
He said: “Our 20th anniversary Gathering attracted some 2,000 fans from all over the globe to my hometown.
“The expectations were high and the weekend itself was absolutely fantastic.”
Revellers were treated to an acoustic and electric set from Mike Peters and The Alarm, along with performances from special guest stars, Simon Fowler from Ocean Colour Scene, The Men They Couldn’t Hang and Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet.
There was also a full itinerary of daytime events for all the family, including a Gathering master class and guitar show.
Peters, who is now preparing for a nationwide tour with Big Country, which he also fronts, added: “The place was packed all weekend long and the highlight was the three-hour Alarm set on Saturday night.
“We’ve already announced that tickets for next year are already on sale and the fans have really taken to the event, which is now coming into its fourth year at Pontin’s Prestatyn.
“Roll on the next 20 years of The Gathering, I say.
“But now I have to get my head into gear to sing for Big Country on the crossing tour, which begins at Manchester Academy on Friday night.
“From 68 Guns to the Fields of Fire here I come.”
Mike continues to receive maintenance treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia under at Ysbyty Bangor.
His charity the Love Hope Strength Foundation, also hosted a walkathon on Sunday morning at Pontin’s to raise funds for the cause.