I've only ever missed two as I was out of the country.
Cleethorpes has been a permanant fixture on my calendar for all those years through births, deaths,marriages, jobs and the odd record purchase.
Nothing else has come close for music, entertainment, venue and bacon rolls in the cafe at 430 in the morning.
The live acts over the years have been truly astounding...remember Willie Tee, Bettye Swann, Carl Carlton, HB Barnum..oh, and of course Maxine...et al
But its also been a place where real friendships have been forged, some of whom I see only at Cleethorpes and the conversation always picks up right where we left off..
If I'm honest what I'll miss most is the camaraderie of the crazy Sunday night session, without doubt my favourite night of the year, which would never 'work' anywhere else, which if anything tells us to just enjoy the bloody music. If I had to explain you'd never understand! Everytime I hear 'California Montage' I always get a lump in my throat.
Truly gutted its probably the last one but hey , 25 events is a helluva thing eh?!
I've never followed football, but if I did its akin to my favourite club shutting up shop and calling it a day.
Apologies in advance for my emotional state on the Sunday night this year, Ill be a bloody blubbing mess for sure.
Thank you for it all A.C.