Celebration Day 6th September '09'

The legendary Liverpool band China Crisis made a surprise apearance at the Meols Park Celebration Day on Sunday 6th September

The occasion was to mark the success of the Friends of Meols Park Community Group, in raising funds to provide a new Park Play Area which had been in serious decline.

The Park was packed out with families all enjoying the entertainment and activities. There were Donkey Rides,Horse & Cart Rides,Punch & Judy,A Viking Show,Childrens rides and numerous novelty stalls.The Wirral Community Play Rangers were on hand to organise childrens games and there was an under 6yrs & 8yrs old mini soccer tournament with all the boys receiving a souvenir medal.

92.1 7Waves Community Radio Roadshow team hosted the event and presented a feast of entertainment for all ages. Local artistes Steve Wale, Peter Aaron, Billy J Mason (Upturned Collar) entertained everyone at the huge Music Marquee. Another famous face mingling with the crowd and enjoying the day with his family was Andy McClusky the frontman of OMD who originated in Meols.

But the 'best kept secret' was the arrival of Liverpools legendary band China Crisis who opened with "King In A Catholic Style (Wake Up)" which was delivered with the band's usual energetic style and with great audience participation, its just one of their many well crafted pop classics merging rock with jazz and blues,the set continued with "Wishful Thinking",which got a tremendous roar as being one of the crowds favourites the band then went on to sing all the songs that made them famous.

Gary Daly and Eddie Lundun were aided by a solid four-piece band comprising:Eddie Robinson (bass) Glyn Williams (keyboard) and Colin Hinds (guitar).

Gary, chatted effortlessly, sprinkled with superb humour and with great rapport to the amazed and delighted crowd

He had everyone in hysterics by saying they he felt like the Vicar of Dibley and that he would draw the line at judging the bonnie baby competition.

Eddie as usual was solid as a rock and they were both a perfect foil for each other.

At the end Gary said, " Must dash now to get my Sunday Roast in Kirkby" and they departed swiftly to great cheers from the still startled crowd

The Play Area was officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, accompanied by the Mayor & Mayoress of Knowsley. Roy Shuttleworth the Secretary of the 'Friends group said " The 'hands across the water' theme was that Eddie and Gary first met at St Kevins school in Kirkby, Liverpool and it was fitting that the Mayor and Mayoress of Knowsley should attend."

The band had previously performed a superb fundraising Gig for the 'Friends' back in February.

Although Gary and Eddie are now both in their late 40's but still retain the same enthusiasm and performance as they have for over 25 years. Come back soon please