Saturday 2nd August 2008

What is Stompin’ on the Quomps ?

Stompin’ on the Quomps is an out-door music event broadly based on a theme of Jazz.

Headline band, as ever, are the Christchurch-based award-winning Taverners Big Band, playing an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary Big Band music.  Hot from her performances in the West-End, the delightful Ally Cox will be joining the band for the first time, singing some of the most popular vocal big band charts.

What does it cost ?

Nothing.  £0. Zilch. $0, gratis, €0 , ¥0, nada, zip, no-charge, zero-money . . . . its absolutely free.

It cost us, the organisers, over £6,000 to stage the event, and we do encourage you to make a donation.  In 2007, we just about covered our costs, and it is only through the enormous generosity of the audience and sponsors that we are able to run an event in 2008.

Time

Starting at midday with the local Twynham School band, just back from their summer tour in Europe followed by Lemon Grove, Not Just Sax, Baddest Blues Band Ever and then right the way through until 10pm with the Taverners Big Band
We try and bring the event to a close at 10pm . . . . . . unless that is you want the band to play an encore.

Food & Drink

There is a delicious BoatHouse stir-fry. Baggies will have sandwiches for sale and many people bring their own picnics

Thomas Tripp have a bar selling beer, wine and a range of soft drinks

Can I bring my own food and drink ?

Of course but, why not pop along to Waitrose for a wonderful summer hamper of food.
We are very grateful to the people disposing of their litter properly.

Is it suitable for my 8-year old child ?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.
Many families come year after year . . . . we are very child-friendly

Is it suitable for Granny and Granddad ?

Granny and Granddad will love it.  They’ll love the Big Band but they’ll also enjoy the Lemon Grove and Not Just Sax, all of whom play tunes known by all generations.

How do I get there ?

From Christchurch (Dorset) High Street, follow the signs for Christchurch Quay . . simple as that.

Christchurch is 35mins from Southampton, 90mins from M3/M25

If you’re not wanting to drive, Quomps is a 15min walk from the train station and there are always lots of taxi’s in the High Street should you need one.
The last trains going towards Waterloo leave at 22:19 and 23:19 and towards Bournemouth & Poole, 23:10. Check for changes to the timetable.

Parking

Don't leave it till the last minute to arrive!

Priory Car Park is adjacent to the Quomps.  When full, an alternative is Mayors Mead at the other end of Quomps - follow road-signs for Captains Club.
Slightly further, at the junction of St Margaret’s Avenue/Sopers Lane, is another car park which almost always has spaces . . . and its a very pleasant 5min walk along the river bank in front of the Captains Club and Rowing Club.

Wick Lane car park, behind the Regent Centre, is 5mins walk away, accessible from Wick Lane.

10mins walk away is Pitts Site Car park, at the junction of the A35 and High Street.

There are approx 20 car spaces on the quay . . . and 4,000 people looking for a space. . . . only slightly better odds than winning the lottery, but probably more frustrating.

Can I bring a BBQ ?

No. The event licence does not allow us to have naked flames or smoke.

Is there any public seating ?

There are half a dozen bench seats at the periphery to Quomps . . . and 4,000 people looking to sit down.  Our advice is to bring your own low backed picnic chairs and/or a blanket or groundsheet.

Can I bring a dog ?

Dogs don't like Jazz, so please don't bring them.
With the exception of well-behaved guide-dogs.

Toilets

There are Public conveniences at the perimeter of Quomps open until late.

Disabled Access

Quomps is public open space and therefore easily accessible.  All of the car-parks above have a small number of disabled spaces.
The public conveniences does have a facility for disabled

Accommodation

There are many B&B’s within 10mins walk of quomps and several hotels within 20mins walk.  Christchurch Tourist Information can provide up-to-date information

For Further Information: enquiries@christchurchtourism.info  01202 471780

Who runs Stompin' on the Quomps?

Stompin’ on the Quomps is run by 3 individuals, Adrian Dwyer, David Hopkins and Eliot Walker. As a result of the huge success in the last 2 years, the event is being turned into a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, a type of company recently established especially for community interest groups.