‘Huge success’: Sixties fans pack into Maldon Town Hall for sold-out fundraiser concert

Throwback - Mars Garden’s Martin Page, Chris Colmans, Vic Scott, Rob Walsh and Chris Chitticks performed hits from the 1960s. (Credit: Bob Cross)

FANS of the swinging sixties packed into Maldon Town Hall on Friday, for an evening of music to raise funds for the district’s community radio station.

The sold-out gig was organised by Caroline Coastal FM, with support from Maldon Town Council, and welcomed more than 160 guests.

Punters and presenters danced as tribute band Mars Garden belted out hits from the Beatles, the Monkees, the Kinks and more.

Fab five - more than 160 people watched Mars Garden perform at Maldon Town Hall. (Credit: Bob Cross)

Assistant station manager Joshua Holmes-Bright was “thrilled” with the success of the evening.

He said: “Words can’t sum up how proud I am of the Caroline Coastal family for making our sold-out fundraiser concert such a huge success.

“It all goes a long way in keeping this wonderful radio station running.

“Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us with our biggest event yet.”

Support - Maldon Town Mayor Andrew Lay attended the opening of the event. (Credit: Bob Cross)

Volunteers from Maldon’s Little Ship Club ran the bar, so punters could enjoy refreshments in-between dancing the “Jitterbug” and the “Watusi”.

Martin Page, lead guitarist for Mars Garden, said: “A great time was had by all!”

Bass guitarist Chris Chitticks added: “It was such a fun night.”

On the airwaves – members of the Caroline Coastal team helped run the event. (Credit: Bob Cross)

Mars Garden was formed in early 2022 by five lifelong musicians from in and around Essex, who share a passion for music from the sixties.

Fronted by Rob Walsh on lead vocals, the band performs at gigs throughout Essex.

The band also features singer and music teacher Chris Colmans on keyboard and rhythm guitar.

Swinging sixties - members of the audience got up to dance. (Bob Cross)

Drummer Vic Scott carries his own musical history. Long before joining Mars Garden, he helped form a blues band which later went on to become heavy metal group Iron Maiden. Vic left just six months after its formation.

Mars Garden will return to the Maldon District on 5 July, to perform at a “Fun Day” event in Tollesbury.

Amongst it - frontman Rob Walsh joined punters and presenters as they danced. (Credit: Bob Cross)

Meanwhile, Caroline Coastal’s next community event will be a celebration of Burnham Ramblers Football Club’s 125th anniversary, on Monday 21 April.

Festivities at Leslie Field Stadium in Burnham will include a special football match, traditional games and stalls. Representatives from the Football Association are also expected to attend, to film the celebration.