News and Features

The gig will take place at Bridgwater's Palace Theatre on Tuesday January 8th. It's being organised by Strummerville, who are one of the integral partners in the Town Hall Island Site scheme.

Local film director Julien Temple is a Patron of the Engine Room - the multimedia centre on Bridgwater High Street - who are also helping to put the event on, and he welcomed the news:

"It is now five years since Joe Strummer’s death. Suggs and the band knew him well and are happy to give their time in his memory."

Developing Bridgwater

The partners of the Town Hall Island Site scheme aim to bring together the great strengths of the town's traditional cultural organisations with the cutting edge of contemporary arts and digital media. They believe that the redevelopment of the Town Hall Island Site represents a unique opportunity for Bridgwater.

The scheme has also drawn support from the Bridgwater's Arts Centre, Carnival, Pantomime Society, Operatic Society and Black Lamp Cinema, along with Bridgwater Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council.

Joe lived in Somerset (pic: Sho Kikuchi)

Strummerville

Joe Strummer lived near Bridgwater before his death in November 2002 and was a supporter of the town's cultural development, and even played a benefit gig for The Engine Room himself. Phil Shepherd, from the Engine Room, said:

"This special event is to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Joe’s passing and help launch the Bridgwater Town Hall Island Site scheme, which we all hope will play an important role in regenerating Bridgwater. We know it will be a fantastic night and we hope as many people as possible can join us there."

Opportunity for local bands

Strummerville is a charity set up by the friends and family of Joe Strummer in the year after his death that aims to create new opportunities for aspiring musicians.

Because it is involved with the gig, there will also be the chance for one local band to support to Madness on the night. Strummerville will be starting its new scheme working with young bands in Bridgwater in the new year.