Bexhill On Sea

Bexhill-on-Sea: Where the Sea Meets the Sound

Bexhill-on-Sea, a charming seaside town on the south coast of England, boasts a rich musical history, reflecting the town’s diverse character and its connection to the wider world. From the early days of seaside entertainment to the emergence of contemporary artists, Bexhill’s music scene has been a tapestry woven with threads of jazz, rock, folk, and everything in between.

The Early Days: Pier and Promenade

The late Victorian era saw Bexhill blossom into a popular holiday destination. The iconic De La Warr Pavilion, designed by modernist architect Erich Mendelsohn, opened in 1935, becoming a hub for concerts, plays, and dance performances.

The town’s pier, built in 1868, hosted variety shows and dance bands, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere and seafront charm. One such entertainer, Charlie Chaplin, famously performed on the Bexhill pier in his early days, showcasing his comedic talents to a cheering audience.

The Post-War Boom: From Swing to Skiffle

The years after World War II witnessed a surge in popularity for jazz music. Bexhill saw a number of local jazz clubs emerge, hosting performances by talented musicians like Humphrey Lyttelton, a renowned trumpet player and bandleader.

The 1950s brought the rise of skiffle music, a vibrant mix of folk and blues. Local musicians formed groups like “The Bexhill Skiffle Group,” bringing the sounds of Lonnie Donegan and other skiffle pioneers to the town’s pubs and clubs.

The Rock and Roll Revolution: From Garage Bands to Gigs

The arrival of rock and roll in the 1960s sparked a wave of excitement in Bexhill. Garage bands popped up all over town, fueled by the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other icons.

The Bexhill Festival of Music, first held in 1968, offered a platform for emerging talent and became a significant event in the town’s music calendar. Notably, the festival featured The Animals, a British rock band famous for their hit song “House of the Rising Sun.”

Contemporary Sounds: A Diverse Landscape

Today, Bexhill continues to embrace a wide array of musical genres. From the mellow sounds of acoustic guitarists performing at local cafes to energetic rock bands playing in pubs and clubs, the town pulsates with a diverse musical energy.

Funny Fact: Did you know that a local Bexhill band, “The Seagulls,” once released a song called “Bexhill on Sea” that, surprisingly, did not chart? Perhaps it was the lack of a catchy chorus, or maybe the town’s residents were too busy enjoying the seaside to listen to their own anthem.

Whatever the reason, Bexhill-on-Sea’s musical legacy remains vibrant, a testament to the town’s enduring spirit and its love for all things musical. From the vintage sounds of the past to the contemporary tunes of today, Bexhill’s musical journey is a captivating story waiting to be discovered.