SKIFFLE OF THE YEAR CONTEST - THE CELLAR CLUB

Organised by Norman Guest the competition took place at the new Cellar club venue in Orford place, later to become reknowned as The Orford cellar, in Norwich’s city centre. Prizes up for grabs were a silver cup for winners plus trophies for best vocalist, guitarist, bassist and drummer. The contestants for the heats were not published in the local paper so not all contestants for the competition are known. Top prize went to the Coltishall, Sidewinders with Larry Jordan and the Jailbirds chosen as runners up. The venue was packed and the temperature such that a young Lester Middleton then performing with The Downhomers almost passed out on stage.

HEAT1 - 9th JUNE 1958 - Contestants Unknown

HEAT2 - 16th JUNE 1958 - Contestants Unknown

GRAND FINAL - 30th JUNE 1958 - THE CELLAR CLUB, NORWICH

THE SIDEWINDERS Skiffle Group (Coltishall) - Winner

THE REBELS Skiffle Group

LARRY JORDAN & THE JAILBIRDS Skiffle Group (Norwich) - Second Place

THE 8T8 Skiffle Group (Norwich)

JACK O DIAMONDS Skiffle Group - Third Place

THE DOWNHOMERS Skiffle Group (Norwich)

Best Individuals category:

Best Vocalist: Larry Jordan of The Jailbirds

Best Guitarist: Don Ingram of The Sidewinders

Best Bassist: Dave Pennington of the Jailbirds

Best Drummer: Ronnie Hanton of the Jack O Diamonds

Mediography: ‘Home to Norwich from continental Jazz Spots’ ??/??/1958 [ ]