HEMSBY 2002 By John Gowler

To all you guys and gals, if you are into Grass Roots Rodding and 50’s style, Hemsby’s Rock n Roll Weekenders are the place to be. The party has been going for around 14 years now, with this being the 28^th event from the 7^th-13^th May, from the original weekends it has stretched to nearly a week event.

In those early days there were several hundred people, this has grown now to 3-4000 people, they come from all corners of world. With a large contingent from Europe, bringing with them lots of Rods and old bikes. With the restrictions imposed on them they seem to make the most of their time to enjoy their rides. For two weekends each year the sleepy village of Hemsby is taken over by the 50’s. The shops are selling 50’s music, clothes and house wares and more importantly the streets are alive to the sound of Rods, Kustoms, bikes etc nearly all running fenderless and open headers.  

Impromptu burnouts and street racing while not being encouraged are certainly an awesome sight and by the cheers and smiles awash everywhere seem to hit the right note, as does the smell of burning rubber and burgers. Even the public and locals enthuse at the weekend and the enforcers seem to keep a low profile and only bother the really foolish. Of the two events, May usually features more Rods, there is usually an unofficial party in the dunes with music, bands and rods having fun in the sand, a little bit of California in Norfolk. With the locality of other seaside towns nearby, cruises to Gt Yarmouth usually take place and make for a memorable picture. If you are into the music as well, you’d be hard pushed to see better line-ups anywhere. The contacts they have built up over the years enable them to bring original artists from the States and all over, that you would only ever hear on vinyl otherwise. The artists are from all over Europe and cover most tastes Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Blues, Rock/roll and the list goes on.

This years event suffered a bit with the weather, but it didn’t stop everyone enjoying themselves and the sun did sparkle through on the Sunday. It is unfortunate that it clashes with Drayton Manor, but if you are this way and fancy a lifestyle weekend then give it a look. The next one is in October  ,but not usually as many Rods, roll on next May.

Details of all these events are available on their website:

www.hemsbyrocknroll.co.uk    or  e-mail : hemsby@free.co.uk

Or by mail to: Rock n Roll Weekenders, PO BOX339, Lincoln, LN6 7YW.

Tel: 01522 509067

To Paint or not to paint that is the question?
Thanks John Gowler Uk-hotrods Member for doing all the hard work on this write up from the Hemsby Run/lifestyle meet, and I love it just wish I lived closer. Mind you they wouldn't let my Rod within a hundred  miles of this event this is for Proper Hot Rods!
 If anyone does fancy doing a write up with photos from any UK Rod Run or Cruise I would love to put them on this site so get em sent in now ;>)! Seeya Holmsey

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