The old village of Rottingdean has welcomed a new arrival in the last month with the opening of the Rottingdean Terraces Stage on the beach next to the White Horse Hotel.

Thanks to the efforts of Volunteers from Rottingdean Arts and the grant from the local council the old terraces, which have lain dormant for a number of years, have been transformed into a stage area and auditorium.

The first performance was held at the end of July and this last Sunday – August 7 – the area was really brought to life with a concert from the Dave Masters Big Band. Brighton's longest established big-band it played a wide spectrum of band music from Glenn Miller to Count Basie and Duke Ellington.They gave a tremendous and lively performance in spite of the problems brought about by the rushing wind coming directly at them from the sea and blowing their music sheets all around the place. There were some marvellous songs from Jazz Singer Jacqui Samson who gave a performance which would be worthy of some of the top venues in the Jazz music world. She also had a wonderful personality which added to her performance.

The whole programme received resounding applause from the audience which packed the enclosure.

There is still much to be done before the development is completed. A new power generator is to be installed – the electricity for Sunday's performance had to be taken from a neighbouring ice cream parlour.

In the coming weeks There Are Further Performances at the Terraces with something for everybody including a brass band, excepts from the Pirates of Penzance and a Punch and Judy show etc.

Enquiries about performances should be made to: 01273 308779.

If