Teddy Boys rock and roll up for celebration

Rock 'n' roll, drainpipe trousers and quiffs galore – more than 100 music lovers descended on an international Teddy Boy convention held in the Black Country.

Teddy Boys from across the world rocked around the clock at the annual event, held this year at Gilberts Bar, in Willenhall.

Teds flocked from across the country and as far away as Germany for the World Teddy Boy day celebration, hosted by the International Edwardian Teddy Boy Association.

The venue, in Field Street, was awash with drape jackets, drainpipe trousers and slim ties for the men and pencil skirts, red lipstick and polka dot hoop skirts for the women.

Famed for their unique fashion, they were commemorating the anniversary of a famous march to the headquarters of BBC Radio One to demand the channel play rock 'n' roll music.

Ted Crutchley, aged 49, of Bushbury, in Wolverhampton, travels to rock 'n' roll events across the country.

"It's a great social scene but most of all, it's about the music," said the father-of-two, of Pendrill Road. "My parents were into the music and that's how I got into it."

Mr Crutchely, who works for Wolverhampton Homes, said Bill Haley is his favourite artist and he has even named one of his daughters Haley in his honour.

For Ted JB, who travelled from Great Yarmouth for Saturday's convention, it is a "way of life".

"I've been a Ted for about 27 years," said the 43-year-old.

"I love the music and I really like the style. I can't put my finger on it really, you either love it or hate it. But it's definitely a lifestyle, a way of life."

Factory worker Dave Martin, of Wellington near Telford, said for him, being a Teddy Boy was all about the music.

"I got into the scene about 20 years ago," said the 51-year-old. "I just love the music. I like lots of different kinds of rock 'n'roll and it's still the same now. Modern music does nothing for me."

Music on the night was provided by The Ten Bob Millionaires, The Fabulous Stingrays and Sandy Ford and his Flying Saucers. Organiser East End Mark, from the International Edwardian Teddy Boy Association, said: "We had about 125 people come along on the night and everyone seemed to have a great time. The bands were really good.