Donovan and John Illsley and his Band herald the Summer of Love at Stowe!
The remarkable story of the Roxburgh Hall at Stowe continued on the last Friday of the summer term with an unforgettable concert by 60’s singer-songwriter Donovan and John Illsley (founding member of Dire Straits) and his band. They were delighted to come to Stowe at the request of David Wynne, world-famous sculptor and Old Stoic, to play in the same Hall where the Beatles had performed on one incredible night in April 1963. The concert was held to help raise money for a set of statues of the Beatles, sculpted by David, that will be installed on a plinth outside the Roxy. These will be the only life-sized statues of the band outside Liverpool.
Nearly 400 Old Stoics and Parents enjoyed picnics in the grounds on a blissful early summer evening before the concert started in the Roxy at 8pm. The Hall was soon rocking to the sounds of Dire Straits (Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, Sultans of Swing…) before Donovan reminded us of the wonderfully eclectic and distinctive sound that had made him one of the leading British recording artists of the 60s.
The event raised over £10,000 for the installation of statues of the Beatles. A highly-collectable and limited edition of twelve sets of maquettes of the statues is being produced by David Wynne. Those interested in purchasing a set should either contact the Headmaster, Anthony Wallersteiner, or Colin Dudgeon at the School for further information (awallersteiner@stowe.co.uk / cdudgeon@stowe.co.uk)