Fun in the Sun at West Sussex Music Festival

More than a thousand kick up their heels at annual Summertime Swing Festival at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, in the UK, raising £7,000 for charity. Britain’s Got Talent semifinalists the Jive Aces headlined the concert.  

 

It was like taking a step back into history August 7 when Saint Hill Manor hosted the 12th annual Summertime Swing Festival—an afternoon of vintage everything, from cars and dresses to music and dance.

 

 

 

Britain’s Got Talent semifinalists the Jive Aces were the headline performers for the concert that raised £7,000 for:

• The Not Forgotten Association, a charity that provides entertainment and recreation for the benefit of the serving wounded, injured or sick and for ex-service men and women with disabilities;
• The Bluebell Railway, a heritage line running for 11 miles along the border between East and West Sussex, run by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society;
• East Grinstead Museum, documenting the history of the town through its many collections.

As though ordered especially for the afternoon, the balmy, 77-degree weather was perfect for joining in the dancing or kicking back to listen to the best in swing performers. The Jives were joined by Maurizio Meterangelo, lead singer of Italian swing band The Billy Brothers, and Laurie London, whose hit “He’s Got The Whole World in his Hands” sold over 2 million singles in the 1950s.

There was barbecue for one and all and the vintage car display, a popular festival tradition, attracted its share of enthusiasts.

The Jive Aces lead singer Ian Clarkson called it “the best Summertime Swing ever” and thanked festivalgoers for supporting the charities benefiting from the program. “When you see the happy faces and know you have raised money for a good cause it all becomes worthwhile,” he said.

 

Internationally renowned as the home of L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, Saint Hill Manor is also among the most historically significant estates in Sussex. Mr. Hubbard acquired Saint Hill Manor and some 60 surrounding acres in March 1959. The Manor served as his home and worldwide headquarters for the Scientology religion until 1967.