“Love Cleethorpes is exactly the type of events we love”: Act revels in success of event

Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, a New Orleans meets 90s rave style street performance band, were the standout performers from the event capturing the hearts and ears of the audience.

Formed in 2013, the band, compromising of a saxophone, loud haler, drums and more travelled down Sea View Street blasting tunes for all to hear.

Band Leader, Will Lenton, said: “The band was born from and idea my partner, Sonja Moorhead, had. She wanted to do something cheerful and positive, connecting with different age groups. We mixed the New Orleans traditional culture with some of our favourite music and started doing a few festivals and gigs.

“From there, everything just carried on.” The name itself originates from that of 90s club legend Tony Wilson, whilst paying homage to the diehard days of the Hacienda club in Manchester.

He added: “The band is about reclaiming public space with music and enjoying what comes with that. We’ve travelled all over the world as Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners doing private events, weddings and everything in between.

“Whilst the pandemic was hard, we got through it and now we’re better than ever performing here, there and everywhere.” One of those performances included Love Cleethorpes in February which celebrated everything the seaside resort has to offer.

“Love Cleethorpes was exactly what we’re all about. The audience didn’t know what to expect, but they loved it. That’s the best thing for us, when people get on board and let us take them on a little journey.

“Overall, we think it went really well. It was our first gig of the year, with the sun shining and an amazing audience, it was just such a great way to kick everything off.” For Will and the team, the ultimate goal will always be to take the band full circle.

“We want to get to perform in New Orleans one day. That’s where our style originates and it would be great to get there.”

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “Love Cleethorpes was a sensational event and we were thrilled to have Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners as well as the other acts and stallholders there.

“It was brilliant to see the community come together to celebrate one of the most impressive parts of the borough. The Love Your Town events are essential for showcasing just how amazing North East Lincolnshire is.”