Last updated 11:55, Friday, 08 August 2008

WHITEHAVEN broke new ground on Saturday night when it staged a rock concert that could rival the biggest and best.

• View more pictures...

...Weathered Rock...

Thousands of fans enjoyed the open air event at The Recre which had an atmosphere that buzzed with excitement. From young children to seasoned rockers, the crowd had a fantastic time – both grateful and proud to see such a major event in their town.

The Whitehaven Maritime Festival Company made this special event happen and there are promises of more to come.

The lovely weather astounded many after the heavy showers in the days before the gig.

It was the 25th Status Quo concert for Andrew Wilson, 41, of Whitehaven. “It is brilliant, could not be better. It’s the 25th time that I have seen them and on your home ground you cannot ask for anything else.” Also enjoying it was wife Lesley and daughter Charlotte, aged 12.

Katy Taylor-Hamilton, 12 of St Bees, was with her mum Emma-Jane Taylor. Katy, playing her air guitar, said: “I am having a great time.”

Paul Clifton, 48, of Marlborough Kennels, in Egremont, has seen Status Quo three times. He said: “It is a fantastic atmosphere. The glam rock band Gobstopper were brilliant and Quo were fantastic, really got the crowd going.”

Mark Neale, 40, of Main Street, St Bees, said: “Gobstopper were absolutely awesome, the best supporting band we have seen. Quo seemed to enjoy the night just as much as we did.”

A group of past and present nurses at West Cumberland Hospital had a great night playing their blow-up guitars.

Anne Wear, a former nurse, bought tickets for Catherine Mitchell and Mildred Linstead as a birthday present. “We are big fans of Status Quo and are really enjoying the atmosphere,” said Catherine.

They were also with Ros Dickinson, of Whitehaven, a former Hospice at Home nurse, Margaret Crosthwaite, a former sister at West Cumberland Hospital and Pat Nanson, former sister at West Cumberland and Sellafield.

Ian Parnaby, 36, of Whitehaven said: “You don’t get many events like this locally so you have to support them when it does happen.”

Stephen Cook, 35, of Cleator Moor, said: “Weathered Rock were top class.”

John Bannister, Rector of Whitehaven, said: “I think that Gerard really should be congratulated and the Maritime Festival Company for organising it. It just shows you what can be done.”

Pauline Henley, 58, of Whitehaven was enjoying Quo for the third time. “The atmosphere is absolutely electric and the town is buzzing. I love It Bites.”

Barbara Pool, of Ennerdale Road, Cleator Moor, said: “This is absolutely brilliant and we should have more events like this.”

Patsy, 55, and John Murray, 49, of Workington, said: “The atmosphere is really friendly and relaxed, it’s brilliant.

Dick Raaz, who heads up the Low Level Waste Repository, near Sellafield, said: “This is an incredible and wonderful experience.”

Cath Giel, deputy leader, of Copeland Council, said: “It’s monumental for Whitehaven and we need to see more of this.”

Lois Carhart, age nine, may not have known the Quo songs before she came to the gig but she is now a big fan.

Sherrie Lewthwaite, of the Whitehaven Maritime Festival Company, said: “It’s been a phenomenal night, the rugby ground has been buzzing.”

Copeland and parish councillor for Seascale, David Moore, said: “It’s been an absolutely fantastic night and a privilege to be here.”

Caroline Canavan, of Whitehaven, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and we should have them more often.”

Becky Heal and Paul Furley, came all the way from Cirencester to see Quo. “It seemed like a good idea when we booked the tickets and we are really glad we came because it was brilliant. Paul added: “It was really raw, Quo really rocked.”

Barrie and Mary Jenkinson, of Whitehaven, said: “It is just what we need round here.”

Katie-Anne Gate, of Ullock, girlfriend of rally driver Matthew Wilson, had enjoyed the night. And her cousin, Jenny, said: “It was better than I ever expected it to be.”

Paul and Mags Turnbull, of Kendal, won tickets to meet Status Quo on Bay Radio.

Paul, a driver for Unichem, delivers to Whitehaven every day and was excited to be meeting the band.

“I have followed them since 1982, it was the first record I ever bought,” he said.

Danielle Warwick from Wigton said: “I’ve come to see Ruffkut and Status Quo and so far I’m having a great evening.”

Cath Weir from Egremont said: “The Gobstopper were very good. As for Status Quo, I have always liked their music but I’ve never seen them live before.”

Sandra Cassell from Seascale said: “Status Quo are iconic and I would have liked to see more people here. I went to Carlisle last year to see them and it was brill.”

Miles Barton from London said: “My mum hated them when I was younger, so I had to love them. I’ve been a fan for years, they are still great now.”

Lynne Harkness from Great Broughton said: “We took our daughters to Manchester airport this afternoon and travelled back so we could see Status Quo.”

Phil Haselhurst from Whitehaven said: “I think they did a very good gig for Whitehaven. It did not matter if you knew the songs or not, it was fantastic.”

Liz Evans, from Whitehaven said: “We are having a lovely time. I have been a Status Quo fan for years, they are great.”

Alex Barton from London said: “This is my sixth Status Quo gig and I’m only 10!”

Moira Campbell from Cheshire said: “It was a class act. They seem to get better as they get older.” And Malcolm Jackson from Frizington said: “It was a credit to the community and all who arranged it. Bring on more!”

The night was topped off by a spectacular firework display and the crowds all left with a smile on their face.