Derek JamesLast year seven of the most talented musicians in Norfolk got together to form a new group called High Mileage…now they will be making sure The Golden Years hits the road running next month.Derek James

Last year seven of the most talented musicians in Norfolk got together to form a new group called High Mileage…now they will be making sure The Golden Years hits the road running next month.

The group, their debut gig was a sell-out, will be opening both shows at the UEA on Saturday March 20 and Saturday March 27.

'We are delighted High Mileage will be with us. They are some of the best musicians around and that's what the Golden Years is all about - giving local bands a stage and raising money for charity,' said organiser Terry Wickham.

The members of High Mileage are: Harry Currie (guitar), Steve Dann (keyboards, trumpet and vocals), David Knowles (bass and vocals), Alan Harley (keyboards and vocals), Lorrayne Sharpe (vocals), John Tuttle (saxophone and vocals) and Barry Wortley - the popular Norwich drummer who has encouraged and helped so many other young musicians - including Annie Lennox's drummer, Steve Barney of Spixworth.

Put that lot together and you are in for a treat.

Over the years they have worked with both national and local groups including the Roy Oribson Band, Nazareth, Kiss, Doozoot, Fresh, Boy Bastin, Ken Stevens, Trevor Copeman, Alan Dennis, Chic Applin, White Magic and the rest.

Regular venues included the dear old Samson & Hercules and the Norwood Rooms in Norwich along with Tiffany's in Great Yarmouth.

'The main intention of the band is to recreate a strong live party atmosphere aimed at both dancing and listening audiences,' said sax man John Tuttle who will also be playing on March 27 with a man who has been performing in Norwich and Norfolk since the late 1950s, the original rocker Stewy McIntosh.

Since the Evening News/BBC Radio Norfolk first 'one-off' reunion gig at the Talk in 1996 the event has turned into an annual two-day festival of Norfolk rock 'n' roll and soul music which has raised more than �100,000 for local charities and good causes.

'We have got a great line-up for both nights this year and tickets are selling fast,' said Terry

'Midnight Groove are also making their first appearance and I am delighted that we have The Hucklebucks with us, the band which backed The Beatles when they made their one and only appearance in Norwich - down at the Grosvenor in 1963,' added Terry.

The shows will be compared by BBC Radio Norfolk presenters.

Tickets cost �12 (�20 for both nights) and money raised goes to charity.

Evening News, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich: 01603 772171 or www.eveningnews24.co.uk

The UEA box office: 01603 508050 or wwwueaticketbooking.co.uk

PMT House of Rock, Anglia Square, Norwich

Organiser Terry Wickham 01603 864460.

The Line-Ups

March 20.

High Mileage

Midnight Groove

The Hucklebucks

The Peppermint Men,

The Witnesses,

Mervyn & The Starbeats

Mister Buss.

March 27

High Mileage

Stewy McIntosh

The Offbeats

Garry Freeman & the New Contours

Throb

The Treetops

Lucas & The band.

Did You Know?

On this day in Norwich of 1571 a thaw caused widespread floods across the city and it was reported many people were trapped in their homes by a 'great rage of water.'

On this day in Norwich of 1773 John Hunt and his son Edmund died in a fire at the County Gaol.

On this day in 1842 the first adhesive stamp was used in the USA by the City Despatch Post.

On this day in 1882 the first shipment of frozen meat left New Zealand for England.

On this day in 1971 Britain changed over to decimal coinage on Decimal Day. It was farewell to bobs and tanners.

On this day in 1978 Muhammad Ali lost his world heavyweight title to Leon Spinks. He first won it in 1964.

On this day in 1981 football league games were played on a Sunday for the first time.