Country house relives concerts, all nighters and ‘happenings’

But a period in Burton Constable Hall’s more recent history when it rocked to bands like Mick Ronson’s The Rats is being relived.

Between 1967 and 1969 the Hall’s stable block hosted concerts, all nighters and “happenings” with local bands like The Mandrakes and The Rats as well national charttoppers The Pretty Things, Fairport Convention and Geno Washington.

“An all night festival of sound and colour” held in December 1967 promised “London’s top 3 in-groups” - Amboy Dukes, Joe E Young & The Tonicks and The Ferris Wheel, “an incredible 20th century happening in a unique 16th century setting.”

The harmony vocal band The Hullabaloos - one of the original British Invasion bands, which enjoyed a brief period of fame in the USA - was managed by the colourful squire, the late John Raleigh Chichester-Constable, and even lived there for a while.

People are being invited to share their memories and memorabilia at a reminiscence event being held in the carriage house in the newly refurbished stable block between 1pm and 4pm on Thursday November 6. Organisers,

Heritage Learning, are gathering information and everything from old vinyl to scrap books and photos for an exhibition next Easter. People can add their names to the guest list by ringing 01482 318733 or emailing [email protected].