'MARILYN Monroe' will bring a touch of glamour to the town next Saturday, May 5, when Alton will rock to the sound of the 1950s. Music will be key as the town turns back the clock to recreate the energy and colour of those heady rock 'n' roll years, supported by the roar of vehicles congregating in the High Street for an American Car Show. It will be a time for nostalgia with the Market Square vibrating to the sound of the B17s group, invited back after the tremendous reception they received in Alton in 2005. And there will be songs from Matthew Mitchell of The Schmooze Bros with his tribute to the 'Rat Rack' music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. Music by Paladin will keep the entertainment moving throughout the day with records of the era, while jive dance demonstrations by the Swing Dance Company will add to the atmosphere. Cars, vans and motorcycles from the 1950s will also be parked around the Square and a 'cruise' of motorcycles will roar into town at about 12.30pm Meanwhile, a more transatlantic feel will be created in the High Street with American cars from the 1930s through to the 1980s lining the road. There will be a children's carousel, candy floss, popcorn and hot dogs. Leading 'Marilyn Monroe' look-alike and international star, Suzy Kennedy, will also be making an appearance. The event is being organised by Alton Town Initiatives manager Vernon Pearce who said: "I think the Fifties was a great era. It signalled the start of modern pop music – I'm sure there are many Altonians who grew up listening to rock 'n' roll and the sound of the big crooners. "Let's face it, many of today's pop stars like Robbie Williams and Ray Quinn on X-Factor last year are still emulating the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davies Jr. "This event will bring the memories flooding back for many people and I'm hoping they will come dressed in teddy-boy suits and skirts with can-can petticoats." The event will start at 10am and continue until 3pm supported elsewhere in the town by outlets eager to join the fun. Taking a lead is Claire Burry of 'Interiors by Elizabeth Claire' – located in the restored barn in Weyside Walk, off the High Street, behind Costa Coffee. Claire Burry is celebrating three years in business in the town by holding her own event themed on the 1950s and has sponsored 'Marilyn Monroe' look- alike Suzy Kennedy to enhance the whole Alton in the whole experience. "Suzy has starred in many TV films and documentaries as Marilyn Monroe, as well as many TV adverts. "It's not often we get international stars appearing in Alton and Suzy will really add to the atmosphere of the day!" said Ms Burry. Local young jazz group 'Groovin' will be playing in the courtyard of 'Interiors by Elizabeth Claire' during the day and the shop will have lots of birthday bargains. Costa Coffee has also helped to sponsor the town event and staff in the coffee shop will be dressed in 1950s costumes. l Details of this and other events in the town can be found at AIM's website at http://www.altonevents.co.uk">www.altonevents.co.uk.
