Rock disco returns for Rugby Bikefest

The Captain, aka Captain Christmas, and Mick Entwistle return the Exchange Pub, now Bar 29, tomorrow (Sunday).

The original shows ran seven nights a week with a different rock/alternative theme each night from 1974 to the early 1980s.

The DJs were the among first to play punk and reggae in 1976, alongside rock and heavy rock, establishing the venue as the centre for all alternative sounds in the region.

The Captain and Mick will be performing in the original building for the first time in 35 years from 12.30pm on Sunday. They will be accompanied by projections of clips from biker films and other projected visual treats.

The Captain said: “The management of Bar 29 asked us, me and Mick, if we’d try to recreate the atmosphere from the Exchange for a reunion – how could we refuse?”

Bar 29 manager Julie Chesters said: “I hope The Captain and Mick will bring back a few great memories of the Eki, fondly remembered by many people, and that we will have a great day at Rugby Bikefest.”

Throughout the day, the town centre will echo to the sound of motorbikes and music the Bikefest returns.

The festival, organised by Rugby First and Rugby Borough Council, in conjunction with local motorcycling groups, businesses and organisations, will take place in the town centre between 10.30am and 3pm,

The free family-friendly festival includes a ‘ride-in’, displays of vintage and modern bikes, stalls, children’s activities, music and food – something to keep everyone’s engines purring, bike enthusiast or not. Acts playing on the day include child rockers Tan Trum, Go Primitive, V8 and festival favourites White Men Can’t Funk.

St Andrew’s Church, in association with the Christian Motorcycle Association and Air Cadets, will be running a helmet park at the festival in St Andrew’s Church. It will be open from 11am to 3.45pm and will offer a “helmet blessing”.

The Church Café will also be open.

Visit http://www.rugbytowncentre.co.uk/events/bikefest for more information about the event.