The island roads were deserted when we left home at a most ungodly hour to catch the 5.30 am ferry.  This early start was to avoid the extortionate charges and saved £15 (Lilian said she would happily pay the extra and stay in bed). The other advantage was that we avoided the rush hour traffic and arrived in Eastbourne at 8.30 am - in time for breakfast!  It was good to have some time for a walk along the seafront and a look at Eastbourne before making our way to the Cumberland Hotel as we know from experience that once the fun starts there is no time for anything else!

By 3 pm the Cumberland was buzzing with friendly banter as accordion friends old and new were welcomed. The serious playing was soon off to a fine start with the one and only Alan Young, another ‘caulkhead’ (Isle of Wight native).  The sounds of the jazz harmonies soon allured Harry Hussey who sidled over, ‘Baloo-like’, and joined in.  Sometimes I think he and that Borsini are joined at the hip.  Next, a demonstration of the Roland accordion given by the entertaining and capable Romano Viazzani. He certainly put the Roland through its paces and showed us a number of accordion sounds including Italian folk, French musette, diatonic accordion, classical, Scottish, bandoneon and Alpine, plus many styles: jazz, scat voice, various wind instrument sounds and combinations, more than I can remember. Gennaro Fiondella took the stage after dinner and showed what a versatile player he is with a varied programme on both piano and button accordion.  He has not been playing the button instrument for long and is already an impressive performer.  Makes you sick!

At 9 pm a new sound for Eastbourne – Café Noir.  This quartet consists of Mike Piggott – violin, Mils Solberg – guitar, Gerry Higgins – bass and Harry Hussey – accordion.  A real treat for the jazz fans; four amazing musicians who stunned the audience with their technique and ensemble.  Then the ‘Flying Scotsman’ himself, Gary Blair, accordion steaming, fingers a blur, but where was the kilt?  All the girls were disappointed, Gary.  Make sure you dress up ‘proper’ next time.  Young Gary joined in and proved he is a real threat to the Blair throne.  Accordion dynasties were well represented this evening as next up was the fabulous Johnny Lee Leslie who held us all spellbound with his intelligent and sensitive playing.  The guest busking session followed for those with stamina, lasting well into the small hours while us weaker mortals went to bed.

Saturday proved to be an 18 hour marathon starting with various seminars and workshops all morning.  There was orchestra with Gennaro, Sue Bennett took the absolute beginners, folk and barn dance with Angie Lukins, seminars on blues with Trevani and jazz with Harry and finally tips and tricks from Gary.  Alan entertained at lunchtime, Charlie Watkins joked and sang as only Charlie can though his support from the Eastbourne Voices could have been stronger!  It’s all very well, Charlie, but some of us are too young to know the words!  The guest concert was over-subscribed but provided an enjoyable variety from many brave players.  Gorgeous Georgeous (George Bennett) entertained us through teatime and then, at last, an hour off to get ready for dinner.

The evening concert featured Harry, Johnny Lee, Gary Junior and two fabulous Italian stars – Romeo Aichino and Guiseppe Grosso – two very contrasting styles, superb mastery of the instrument and a huge wow factor.  Just one request for next time, boys – please announce the titles and composers of pieces to avoid frustration.  Did recognise Rossini’s ‘Thieving Magpie’ overture to which Guiseppe received a well-deserved standing ovation.  Gary Senior led a ceilidh for those who still had some energy and Gennaro led the merry making into the small hours.

Sunday morning was filled with yet more workshops and seminars and the afternoon concert sessions gave everyone the opportunity to show off in their groups as well as with various solos or ensemble items.  There were more fantastic performances from the quest artists throughout the evening (it would make this report pages long if details were given) and the party mood prevailed. The charity raffle for Winston’s Wish, a charity for bereaved children, was very well supported.  John and Jackie have now raised well over £5,000 for this deserving cause – and they thanked everyone for donating many excellent prizes and buying plenty of tickets.

Mention must be made of the quality trade stands.  Charlie Watkins had a fine display of accordions, music, CDs, DVDs and electronic gizmos, Trevani had a phantasmagoria of music and The Accordion Shop ensured Cooperativa accordions were well to the fore – many of the performers played Cooperativas and a suspicious number of Cooperativa t-shirts were being worn all weekend!  It was really good to see Rob Howard down south with his Accordion A-Z books.

As always, guests were well catered for, the food was excellent and hopefully, by now, the accordion fraternity realise they need to book early for these very popular events.  See you at St Audries in September and back in Eastbourne in October.  Can’t wait.  Another huge success John and Jackie – as always your organisational skills have been superb and your choice of artists and teachers excellent – these events just get better and better.