SKIFFLE CONTEST 1957 - THE INDUSTRIAL CLUB

Very much seen as a watered down or British version of Rock'n'Roll, skiffle gripped the teenagers of the nation back in 1957. Norwich's first ever Skiffle contest was held in June 1957 at the Industries Club (The Talk). Many critics argued it was a passing phase, some even said it wasn't really muisc at all. I don't think they realised what it had actually started. The Industrial Club was one of the first venues to embrace the so called passing phase and organised this competition for the growing number of young bands springing up. It is certainly the first recorded event in Norwich but it could actually be the first of it's kind in Norfolk. The audience were treated to some of the areas finest skiffle outfits and as suspected by many The Saints featuring Tony ‘Mac’ McGinnity later to become Tony Sheridan walked off with the £15 first prize, proving to be a slight cut above the rest. It was a tie for second place between the The Cygnets who were resident at The Swan Public House and The Vampires.

CONTESTANTS:

THE ANGELS Skiffle Group

THE KESTRALS Skiffle Group

THE CYGNETS Skiffle Group - Joint Second

THE SAINTS Skiffle Group - Winner

THE JAILBIRDS Skiffle Group

THE RAMBLERS Skiffle Group

THE VAMPIRES Skiffle Group - Joint Second