It's the Summer!! Something for everyone at The Viking!

First of all, I'm sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a bit busy to say the least! However it's now the summer and that means just one thing, there is something for everyone at The Viking over the next 6 weeks!

Daily entertainment includes, quiz nights, race nights etc, however the really exciting bit is that there id live music now 4 times a week!!! 3 tribute or party bands and of course country on a Saturday night. For the full line-up, please see www.vikingcwdc.co.uk and click on the gig guide!

Don't forget if you're a member or an owner it's FREE ENTRY to nor only the country nights, but to EVERY night this summer. So come and party or let your hair down and enjoy The Viking this summer!

Another update will be coming soon I promise! Hope to see you this summer at The Viking, don't forget to say Hello!

May 9th - Henry Smith review

UK country at its best visited The Viking on Saturday in way of Mr Henry Smith and his Country Band.

Saturday fun at The Viking started with line dance instruction from Julie. This week’s dances included Bad Boy (Big Bad Handsome Man by Imelda May), Poker Face (Poker Face by Lady Ga Ga) and Whiter than White (A Whiter Shade of Pale by Annie Lennox).

Saturday Night saw the return of Henry Smith with Robbie, Clive, Neil and Dave making up his Country Band. Henry and the boys are very much at the top of the UK Country Band Tree. Playing songs from Henry’s new album, Laid Back, plus song from his older albums, Henry and the boys played three sets of the highest quality to a very full house. Henry has one of the most distinctive voices in UK Country and is backed by some of the most experienced country musicians in the UK. All 5 are extremely nice fellas too. Highlights included Hello Mr DJ, The Auctioneer, Rollin with the Flow and of course Laid Back and Low Key.

Look out for Henry’s new album and especially track 2 Fooling Myself, a duet with Billy Yates that is taking off around the world giving Henry some much deserved coverage and success.

Many thanks to those who came, saw, listened, danced and enjoyed. It was good to see the Bournemouth girls, The Blonde Waltons and their houseguests, Sue back from Oz and the girls and of course our regulars who make The Viking the place it is.

New UK country band next week, One Hand Tied together with Rosie Horne visit The Viking. Hope you can make it!

The Bank Holiday Weekend - Review

It’s getting very difficult to write these reviews and trying to get across how good last weekend was at The Viking.

Being a Bank Holiday, 4 live acts visited us this weekend, plus of course line dancing with Julie!

Friday night was tribute night. Two sets of live music from 4 very talented young men. ‘Westlifes’ (bet you can’t guess who they were) played an hour of hits both fast and slow from the Irish foursome. Then after a short break they returned to play an hour of hit songs that have graced the charts over the last 20 years. Great singing, great dancing, and a great night.

Saturday started early, very early for The Viking. It was a 10.30am start for Julie and her line dancers. Poker Face, Whiter than White and Chocolate Covered Candy Hearts were on the menu for the seasoned dancers, while Country Walking and Black Coffee were introduced to the beginners before we welcomed The Texas Tornados for some great live music in the afternoon.

Having live music on a Saturday afternoon is a new venture this year at The Viking on Bank Holiday weekends. It wasn’t as busy as a usual Saturday evening would have been, but the bonus is that you have plenty of room on the dance floor to strut your stuff! Those who were there enjoyed two sets of live music from The Tornados that included, Moonlight Kiss, Cabo San Lucas and two more hours of great country from Pete, Roger and Scott. We’re doing it again at the end of May. Please come along and enjoy a 15 hour day at The Viking for just £5.50.

Saturday Night was Rock n Roll night with Rollin’ The Dice. Three very familiar faces played their hearts out with the best music from the 50’s and 60’s. It was great to see some good friends of The Viking supporting Rollin’ The Dice and they even dressed to impress! It was a very refreshing evening with the entire crowd enjoying the night from start to finish letting their hair down (well maybe not the’ fresh from Australia’ Rob Childs, as his hair must still be down under!) and keeping in the holiday party mood.

Sunday was again Tribute night with a new act gracing the stage of The Viking. It’s been four years since we started Tribute Nights at the club and within those four years we have been looking for a David Bowie tribute. Last night we not only found one, we found the best. A very talented band also accompanied the best David Bowie tribute. Absolute Bowie were absolutely brilliant, with two completely different looking and sounding one hour sets, first up was early Bowie in the form of Ziggy Stardust, and the second set was Bowie through the 80’s and 90’s – both with fabulous outfits, fabulous musicians and a fabulous crowd to cheer them on.

I can’t really say much more than that about yet another great weekend at The Viking. Thanks to those who came, listened, danced, enjoyed and partied with us this weekend.

Could it be the best weekend of the year?

Just a quickie!

Friday - Michael JAckson and Tina Turner Tribute
Saturday - Linedance with Julie, Livewire and The Pete Donegan Band
Sunday - ABBA Reunion

Come and enjoy. Each day is just £5.50 or FREE if you're a member!!!

Hope to see you there!

Review - 4th April - Plain Loco

The Plain Loco boys were back in town at The Viking last Saturday Night and I’m happy to say both Steve and Tony were on top form, as usual!

The boys have a very good chemistry on stage and have been playing and entertaining at The Viking for many years. They are one of the best duo’s who mix the classics with new songs extremely well and suggest dances that fit their own personal favourites. Among the new songs to their playlist for this visit were Cabo San Lucas and Moonlight Kiss, both firm favourites on the dancefloors at the moment.

It’s always a pleasure when Plain Loco play. Look out for Stebe and Tony later on in the year as The Loco Boys, their pure country alter-egos!

Busy 2 weeks ahead

Lots of different live music music at The Viking over the next 2 weeks! There really will be something for everyone!

Friday 3rd - Frank Sinatra & Will Young Tribute Night
Saturday 4th - Plain Loco
Sunday 5th - Party band EXCEL
Wednesday 8th - Neil Diamond and Tom Jones Tribute Night
Friday 10th - Michael Jackson & Tina Turner Tribute Night
Saturday 11th - Livewire and The Pete Donegan Band - ALL DAY EVENT
Sunday 12th - ABBA Reunion - Tribute Night
Wednesday 15th - The Everley Brothers Experience
Friday 17th - Buddy Holly and Elvis Tribute Night
Saturday 18th - The Hayley Oliver Band & Stubby

Come along and join in the fun this Easter at The Viking

Hope to see you there
Andy

The Viking Mad March Party - Review

The Viking Party – Review

First off, what a weekend!, Secondly, thanks to everyone who made it a weekend to remember. Staff, artistes, Julie and most of all those you came through the door with the party attitude!

Friday night kicked off with the wonderfully bubbly Mr Alan Gregory. Alan has a very up to date country repertoire that kept the dancers and listeners very happy throughout the night. Highlights were Cabo San Lucas, No More Cloudy Days and White Rose, although I could have picked any song as Alan gives every single one his all. Alan has a very good following on circuit and justifiably so and is already booked for 2010.

The second band appearing on Friday was meant to be Raising Cain. However due to medical reasons they pulled out just 4 days before the event. However these things happen and Cajon Moon were the replacement act. These guys had only been to The Viking once before in the last 5 years or so, and took to the stage immaculately dressed and performed a great mixture of up to date and country classics. They played them extremely well. In fact as good as any band we’ve had on the main stage. Drawing fine applause from the crowd I’m pleased to say that they were more than just a worthy replacement and it wont be long until they return to play The Viking again.

The night finished off with Alan getting up on stage with Cajon Moon for a Jam session (one of the advantages of having a drummer). It finished off the night in style.

Saturday morning saw a rather early but busy start to Julie ‘KATZ’ Murray’s first line dance session. Amongst the dances taught today were ‘Catch me if you can’. Penned by Audrey Watson. It’s a fun Irish style improver dance to the music ‘Catch me if you can’ by Hugo Duncan. It received two thumbs up from the dancers.

Next was ‘Mojo Rhythm’ a great Rob Fowler dance to a non-country track, ‘That’s how rhythm was born’ by Wyonna Judd. Again two thumbs up for this fast Charleston style dance!

The third dance was the hardest dance of the day, but to what I think is the best piece of music I’ve heard this year. ‘Footsteps of our Fathers’ is a great dance by Kate Sala to the music of the same name by Pat Green. (Yes him of wave on wave fame, but don’t let that put you off). I hope this dance takes off so I can play the music each week.

‘Dreamboat’ was next up. Written to a very bouncy Boney M track called ‘I saw a boat on the river’ Robbie M. Hickie has penned a dance to it that may just take off around the country. The Viking crowd enjoyed making ‘waves’ to this dance the whole weekend (and some even wore armbands, just in case they fell overboard!).


To top today’s session off, Julie walked through ‘No more cloudy days’ choreographed by Alan Burchall if a very popular dance on the circuit that is being picked up by most bands.

Saturday afternoon saw Harrison County take the stage. Chris has very accomplished vocals that do justice to his set list. He even had the courage give a superb acoustic version of Three Wooden Crosses. Chris and Jimmy have play list that is deeper than most thanks to Chris’s voice and Jimmy’s talents on the pedal steel but the rhythm guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Their relaxed approach, make this duo ideal for any night of country or line dance.

Saturday Night and two duo’s were performing tonight as Nadine Somers was replaced by Vegas 50/50 to play along side Brushwood. Joe Mitchell joined Andy Saphir and were Vegas 50/50 and they provided a superb 2 sets of country-dance music. Joe’s voice must have liked the southern air as every tune he sung sounded as sweet as candy! Someone who will be returning to The Viking in the future I’m sure.

Brushwood was the other duo on the stage tonight. This duo never fail to give the dancers and listener what they want. Plus a Jam session at the end of the night saw all four on stage keeping the dancers and listeners happy.

Another early and busy start on Sunday saw a full dance-floor for another helping of Julie ‘KATZ’ Murray. This mornings dances were:
‘Romeo and Juliet’. A great dance by Gaye Teather dance to Love Story by the currently ‘wonder kid’ of US country music, Taylor Swift. Think this one may be a chart topper.
Absolutely Positively is a pop line dance by Kim Ray. Written perfectly to fit the tract Absolutely Positively by Anastacia. Not too sure on this one from the music side of things, but the dance is doing very well across the country, so it may grow on me too!
The third dance was ‘Make my day’ by Francien Sittrop. Another pop dance to the Pussycat Dolls version of Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps. This popular dance is being danced on dance floors all across the UK, and is set to be there for at least the rest of the year.
And we had a guest instructor this morning. Lesley Michel who runs ‘Timezone’ in Walthamstow with her husband Paul, took the stage to teach ‘Toes’. A cracking little dance by Rachel McEnaney to the fun tune Toes by The Zach Brown Band

After the morning’s workout, Live music was provided by Darren Busby. It was a wonderful afternoon, warm weather and an even warmer atmosphere inside thanks to two mighty fine sets from Darren. He’s not only a great singer, and a nice bloke but some photos on the internet show him doing the housework too! He’s like a first class postman, he never fails to deliver!

Sunday Night saw two very fine trios take to the stage after Julie had walked through yet another another dance – Rodeo Blues by Kate Sala, alongside reviews of all the weekends new dances (so far!) Muddy Boots and Texas Tornadoes gave the listeners and dancers over four hours of live music. Both bands having very broad and deep play-lists, the vocal talents of Muddy Boots and the energy of Pete, who fronts Texas Tornados, meant this was a classic Viking Party night. We were lucky to have 6 very different and very talented musicians on the stage and the audience and dancers benefited.

Monday and sadly it was the last day of the party. However, another strong showing from the hardened line dancers meant Julie had another busy morning. Dances this morning were ‘Secret Giggles’ a danced penned by Julie herself to ‘She Says’ by Take That, Wanna Be Elvis by Rep Ghazali, and finally she taught the very popular
‘Moonlight Kiss’ a dance by Maggie Gallagher to a bouncy number by Raul Malo of the same name, for those that had seen the dance being done over the weekend and were bursting to learn it.

Julie performed heroically, teaching a dozen dances to suit all abilities and tastes. Well done.

Monday afternoon saw the close of the party with two cracking bands. The Thrillbillies never fail to entertain. Dave and Ed provided a great set of music, plus their own blend of humour kept the crowd entertained and smiling all afternoon. Singing songs from their new album, The Thrillbillies have this knack of connecting with an audience. They certainly did that this afternoon.

Henry Smith’s Country Band had the pleasure of finishing off the party. It was great to see Henry and the Boys back on the stage at The Viking. If Henry cut himself he would bleed country music the boy is like a fine wine and gets better and better with age. He also has the help of some of the most talented musicians behind him as well! I don’t think there’s a better 5 piece. Henry new album is fast becoming a best seller and it’s obvious to see why.

Well that was it. Another Mad March Party over for another year. But wait; don’t forget our NEW Red Hot Country weekend in June. Tickets on sale now!

March 14th - Double Header Review

Comic Relief Double Header

The first double header of the year coincided with our Red Nose Day fundraising efforts. It was a great atmosphere with great dances from Julie, great music from Broadcaster and Kay D and quite possibly to longest raffle in history.

Julie kicked off the day at 1pm with 3 hours of line dancing. It was mostly a review of the dances taught over the last three weeks plus the addition of a fun dance for the day that Julie has especially written to the comedic parody of Leonard Cohn’s Hallelujah. Comedy Dave from the Chris Moles Radio One Breakfast Show (well done Chris for getting up that mountain) had sung a version about an Indian Take-a-way called My Lamb Bhuna. The dance went down as good as the dish does in a top restaurant. The afternoon session included a short raffle that raised £80 for the fund.

On now to the evening and Live music from Kay D and Broadcaster. The later doing an hour set each side of Kay D. There’s no doubt about it, Broadcaster seemed to have found another gear of late and are producing as good a sound than any other duo one the circuit. They also keep both listeners and dances happy. It was great to hear them sing everything from Rascal Flatts to Tracy Byrd for the country lovers and dances like Human Dancer and Little Red Book to keep the floor full through the night. As well as having a pair of fine voices, their ability to make the guitars sing complimented each other in every song.

Feedback from both the floor and the seats was extremely positive and if you haven’t seen Broadcaster for a while, go now, they will not disappoint.

Kay D first appeared on our stage last year. She had an hour slot in our Peter Dula Support Day. She took everyone’s breath away with her very accomplished performance. So it was only right that we invited her back for an evening slot. This very young lady (still in her teens!) has a voice and personality way beyond her years. Kay’s performance included classics like Blue Roses and Carlene Carter’s Every Little Thing to current female standards Closer and a splash of Gretchen Wilson. It is incredible to think that Kay D can perform like this at her tender age. I think she could be destined for great things in the future.

The longest raffle in the history of raffles also took place. It was so long thanks to the wonderful amount of donated prizes kindly given by local businesses, dancers and staff at The Viking. After the last ticket had been pulled and the money counted, we had raised another £214 for the Comic Relief Fund. Making a grand total of almost £300. Thank you all.

Next week it’s The Mad March Party. See you there!

Just a quick one!

Just a quick one to say that there will be a Red Nose Day Raffle tomorrow night at The Viking. Bring along any donated prizes please!!

Lights - Camera - Action

I spent last night programming our new lighting system at The Viking. Well I made a start, it's a long, repetitive process, but hopefully the results will add to the atmosphere of the club.

The new televisions have now been installed and this will allow the showing of images and video to also enhance to the experience that you will receive when visiting the club. I may also be able to display what dance is coming next too! I have to get my head around some more software first.

The club is really looking great. The dance-floor has been stripped back to it’s former self, thanks to the efforts of Jim and is back in perfect dancing order.

So come on down, enjoy not only the best country and line dance nights, but make the most of your membership and experience some of the best tribute bands in the country and party the night away!

Don’t forget to visit www.vikingcwdc.co.uk to keep up to date on who’s playing at The Viking

Little Rock - Review

March 7th – Little Rock

Week 2 of the 2009 season and it was the turn of Little Rock, the newly crowned UK country band of the year, to take to the stage.

However, before that Julie kicked off the day at 1pm with another free session of linedancing. A very good turnout were treated to walkthroughs of the 6 dances Julie taught last week, (See last weeks review/blog for details) plus 2 brand new dances to the Viking class.

First new one this week was;

Human Dancer choreographed by Alan Burchill. This is already receiving a strong following on the dancefloors up and down the country and will be one that is danced and played for the coming months at The Viking. The music is Human Dancer by The Killers

Wanna Be Elvis is another great Robbie McGowan Hickie to a track called Elvis Tonight by Jason Allan. This a great dance that is easy to pick up thanks to the bouncy music.

After the very successful afternoon, and the recap session at 6.30, it was time for live music. Little Rock are a three piece country band with a real drummer and not a backing track in sight. It’s a very simple, but effective format, drums, lead guitar, bass guitar and three strong vocalists belt out a fine selection of classic country, country rock and country ballads to a standard which is amongst the best you are likely to see in the UK. These three professionals were indeed very worthy winners of the UK Country Band of the Year for 2008.

Highlights included a great selection of Keith Urban and Lonestar numbers plus some wonderful renditions of Seminole Wind and Some Beach. We welcome back Little Rock with John P Taylor in April when they take to the stage as Cross Country.

Next week it’s a Double Header, Broadcaster (who have been cooking on gas as late) with the 17 year old sensation Kay D. Plus it’s a Red Nose day for the line dancers in the afternoon session, so please buy your Red Noses from Sainsburys or OXFAM and wear something red (or funny!). Julie will be making Red Nose Day cakes and will be selling them for 50p each, and we will be holding a charity raffle at 3 p.m. if you have any items you would like to donate to the raffle, they will be gratefully received.

Hope to see you there.

This weekend at The Viking

Just a very quick one today to let you know that The Uk Country Band of the Year 2008 are at The Viking this week. That's Little Rock of course!

Hope to see you there
Andy

FEB 28th - Opening day review

It was great to be back. So many friendly faces that we haven’t seen for four months, however there were some good friends missing as Bunn Leisure had not been granted to open the park a day early to allow owners to stay overnight in their caravans. So we will have to wait another week to see those people. Another teething problem we had was that the internal décor had some bits missing as the replacements hadn’t been delivered yet (but they will be up next week) and for the first time in 10 years a company was charged with the task of cleaning every floor surface throughout not only the Viking but the entire Bunn Leisure Complex. Unfortunately they left our dance floor just a little too slippery in places. However they are coming back this week to rectify the fault.

Julie kicked off the first dance session of the year by teaching the following dances to a very full floor which included 4 Viking Squirrels - Photos to follow!!! (don't worry they weren't the ones with big fuffy tails)

LONG SHOT was up first. A dance by Maria Hunnings Hunt to Long shot by Bailie and The Boys. It’s a beginners dance that is similar level to The Lemon Tree and even got a cheer from the dance floor after Julie showed them how easy it was….they were relieved to have an easy start to the year….

Next was RODEO BLUES by Kate Sala which is a new beginners dance to a great song called ‘Sea of Cowboy Hats’ by Chely Right. Julie chose ‘I like it I Love it’ by Tim McGraw which is a prefect training track / split floor for this dance, before dancing it to the correct track. Another hit with the dancers.

DREAMBOAT by Robbie McGowan Hickie to ‘I See a Boat on the River’ by Boney M. It’s a great fun bouncy dance that will be filling floor for some time. Julie even had the dancers joining in with the ‘waves’….

NO MORE CLOUDY DAYS by Alan Birchall was up next to the song of the same name by The Eagles. It’s a beautiful dance that is gaining popularity around the country.

MAKE MY DAY to Perhaps, Parhaps, Parhaps by the girl thingycat Dolls is going to be an instant hit on our dance floor thanks to the perfect choreography of Francien Sittrop.

The final dance of the afternoon was RESPECT YOURSELF, a dance to challenge the higher intermediate dancers. The music is by the Weather Girls and the dance was penned by Frankie Cull.

6 dances in one afternoon and something for everyone filled the 3 hours.

A break for dinner (thanks Paul) and with the band set up, the doors opened for live music for the first time in 2009. Julie started off by recapping some of the popular teaches in the first hour, then from 7.30 it was the dancers requests. It was great to see some of the favourites from last year were still filling the floor.

The first band for 2009 were the Texas Tornados. They are one of the most down to earth bands on the circuit. Both, in touch with the dancers, and with the most up to date country tracks. These three talented guys kicked off our season in style, belting out dance after dance, song after song and insisting on staying on stage and giving the dancers and listeners more even though it was well after midnight! Songs included, High Time, a cracking slowed down version of Just to see you Smile, which She Believes fitted to, Cabo San Lucas, Whole Lotta Leaving, Walk with Me, Rollin’ with the Flow and a great rock and roll medly ending with At The Hop, which the dancers danced Baby Blues to.

All in all it was a great night, it was great to be back, great to see old friends and great that there’s 38 more weeks until we have to shut our doors for the winter months once again.

It’s Little Rock next week. Hope you can make it

Andy

An Open Invitation

Hello all,

It's less than a week now until The Viking opens for the 2009 season and this blog will start giving weekly updates on what's been happening at the club, who's been playing there and what has been taught etc.

So this will be the last 'pre-season' blog (Unless I get any more thoughts before Saturday!), so this is really an open invitation to you all to join us at The Viking this Saturday, 28th Feb and enjoy from 1pm FREE line dance instruction with Julie and from 6.30pm, more line dancing with Julie and three sets of live music from The Texas Tornados. The fun stops around 1am, so if you can come down and enjoy the atmosphere at the club.

For more details, directions and prices visit, www.vikingcwdc.co.uk for all the onfo you need.

I look forward to seeing on Saturday, if not sometime between March and October.

Cheers for now
Andy

We want you to talk!

We've just created a brand new message forum designed for dancers and music fans who visit The Viking to hang out and tell us about their thoughts on linedancing and country music in the UK. So you are all invited. We don't mind if your a once-a-week dancer, line dance addict, club orginiser, singer or artist. Please log in, say hi and get involved in all matters regarding the past-time that we all love. Of course you will find Julie and Andy on the forum, together with artiste that that play at The Viking including Tony Rouse and Bob Keeley, plus there are loads of dancers from Julie's KATZ dance clubs. So please join in and tell us what's important to you, or just han-out with like minded dance and country folk.

Log-in either here www.linedancingmessageboard.com or www.linedancing.proboards.com and we will see you there!

There's never been a better time

I’ve spoken to loads of people over the last few days and they are all saying the same thing. They can’t wait for The Viking to re-open this year and they believe that 2009 will be one of the best years for UK country and Linedance music. I tend to agree. We all know that it’s not only this country but the whole world going through a rough patch at the moment and our thoughts and feelings are with you if you are suffering. But it’s never been a better time to socialise with others and enjoy yourself at not only The Viking but at your weekly classes and the vast amount of social gatherings put on by the hard working clubs up and down the country.

You can’t put a value on happiness and enjoyment at the moment, however the amount of fun and laughter available at line dance events costs next to nothing compared to what else you can buy for the same money. £5.50 is all it costs this year at The Viking for 12 hours of linedance and country entertainment including; 4 hours of quality instruction, one or two live acts and in the gaps your requests played by yours truly. What other sort of entertainment can you get in this country for that? I’ve been trying to find out!

One game of ten-pin bowling - £5.00 and it’s over in 20 mins
Cinema ticket £7.50 – it’s all over in a couple of hours
Bingo – about £20 a night and it’s all over in 4 hours
Rent 2 films - £7.00 over in four hours

I really can’t think of anything else that comes close!

So please continue to support not only The Viking this year, but your weekly classes and other events where good, honest, likeminded folk can go any enjoy themselves and put a smile back on your face. That surely is priceless

Really looking forward to it now!

I attended a social tonight run by a Viking regular Janis at Chichester. It was great to see so many people that I haven't seen since November. Loads of them are really looking forward to the 28th of Feb when the club re-opens, and so am I.

I visited The Viking last week and the club is looking fantastic. The stage has be re-laid and finished in a lovely matt black. New lights have been delivered together with new televisions and there are both waiting to be installed by the sound and light guys. Loads of the pictures and flags have been relocated to different places around the club. The small bar now has sofas! and the main bar also has new lighting.

All of this has got the fires burning for the coming season. I hope to see you there!

Rant!

Sometimes, usually when I'm bored, I will post some off topic thoughts that run through my head. The first is very British. The weather.

What is it with this country! One night of snowfall and we come to a halt. I know it's meant to be the greatest snowfall in 20 years, but it didn't even reach 12 inches!! All of a sudden there were no busses in London, Trains broke down and Schools closed. Has the British state become so much nannyfied (sorry i don't know if that's a word) that we can't be trusted to go out of our front doors if there's a dusting of white stuff on the ground? Don't the government trust parents to get their youngsters to school in the snow? Or drivers of busses to drive with care and attention? Or has the Health and Safety man become over paranoid about someone sueing them because the bus was a bit cold this morning?

It's a good job that we don't live in Canada, Sweeden, Russia or any other country where there's not a problem with the snow and people still go about their bussiness in three of four feet of the white stuff. In fact I saw on the news that one Canadian said 'we only start to panic when you can't get out of the first floor window due to the snow'

I see from today's news there's more snow on the way tomorrow and Friday. Quick everyone go and but the contents of your local supermarket while you can, just in case the busses don't run for a day.

Rant over

4 weeks and counting!

Just 4 weeks to go until the doors open once again at The Viking for the 2009 season. There are new opening times for this year too. Everyday the Viking will open at 12 noon and stay open until the following times. Sunday to Thursday (with the exception of the school Holidays) This Viking will close at 11.00pm. Fridays and Saturdays the club closes at 1.00am. Although having said this, we will never put a dampener on a good time! Our official licence does allow us to close up until 2.00am! So if the party is still thumping, the only cry you will here from behind the bar will be ‘Carry On’.

There’s a lot more to do than just dance and listen to music at The Viking. This year we will be keeping the sports fans happy with EVERY LIVE Football match on SKY or SATANTA, Rugby Union and League games will also be shown as will the best of Summer Cricket and Golf, and of course if you want to cheer Andy Murray on at Wimbledon this year, The Viking with it’s new luxury bar furniture is the ideal place to do it from.

Every day is an ideal day to meet with friends for a drink or coffee and take advantage of the lovely Selsey sun by drinking in the fresh air on one of our two outside patio and dining areas. Or take your friends on at darts, pool or dominos. The Viking offers the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

So it’s not only one of the best venues for Country, Line Dance, Tribute Bands, Karaoke, Quiz Nights, Race Nights but The Viking is also a very socialable place all year round during the long spring and summer days. And it’s all just 28 days away (and counting)

The countdown has begun

6 weeks to go until The Viking 2009 season starts. This year is going to one to remember. First we have a great list of country artistes for not only our Saturday Nights and 3 Viking parties, but for the first time Country and Linedance live acts will perform on some Saturday Afternoons! Once again if you are a member these special afternoon sessions will be FREE. So keep a close eye on the gig guide and The Viking's homepage for more details (www.vikingcwdc.co.uk)

It looks like a brand new visual experience will also be coming to The Viking for 2009. New video screens and lighting are due to be installed before the doors open on 28th Feb. This will not only add to the atmosphere of the club, but hopefully the video screens will be able to show not only images to enharnce any live act, but i should be able to display what request is coming up next! and if you put your name on it who requested it. As i say there are due to be installed and I remember this time last year when we were installing our NEXO house audio system, we were still installing it the night before the club opened!!

We have over 75 live events for you this year, more than any other year, so please come and enjoy the fun when we fling the doors open for the 2009 season. I'll update you on the tribute acts appearing at the club very soon.

Andy

Credit Crunch? Not at The Viking this year

We’ve decided to ignore the credit crunch at The Viking by bringing all prices down for the 2009 season! This year The Viking will bring you more value for your money than every before!

Starting with membership. If you become a member of The Viking for the 2009 season, you can gain FREE entry to every single entertainment evening at the club with the exception of the 3 party weekends. (More about them later on this year). That means that if you become a member you can gain free entry for, wait for it 72 live events, 34 sessions of linedancing, 30 karaoke nights, 10 quiz nights, 10 race nights plus you can use the club to watch your favourite live football, rugby and cricket, play darts and pool or just enjoy the atmosphere for a quiet drink with your friends. The cost for all of this? Just £55 for the entire year! That’s £20 cheaper than last year and there are more things to do! Yes for just £55 you can gain FREE entry to The Viking and enjoy all of entertainment that we offer. Just think if you come just on Saturday evenings, you will get linedance instruction with Julie from 6.30, one of the best country / linedance bands in the land (or from abroad) and your requests played until 1.30 in the morning! That’s 7 hours of quality entertainment every Saturday for just £1.60. That’s got to beat the credit crunch!

If you don’t want to be a member, but still visit The Viking, the door entry price is also coming down. This year entry for any live event is just £5.50. Again this is cheaper than last year by a whole £2

Bar prices are also coming down! Prices behind The Viking bar are now lower than the national average. Don’t forget you will find all of the premium products behind the bar at The Viking in larger measure than most other bars and social clubs.
So there’s never been a better time to come and enjoy yourself at The Viking. To join just drop us a line or email, the full details are available on www.vikingcwdc.co.uk and we look forward to seeing you at The Viking soon!

Hello and welcome to the NEW Viking Blog!

Hello all and welcome to the brand new Viking blog. Here you will be able to get weekly updates on everything that goes on at the best venue in the land together with band reviews and previews and everything esle that happens at the club.

Please subscribe to the blog to keep upto date on who's appearing, the latest dances being taught and all other news from the club. Don't forget to see the website at http://www.vikingcwdc.co.uk/ for everything else!

In the meantime, The Viking re-opens for the 2009 Season on Saturday 28th Feb with FREE linedancing with Julie at 1pm. This will be followed by live music in the evening with The Texas Tornados. So please come and enjoy the new season and say hello to friends old and new on Saturday 28th Feb.

Also if you want to keep upto date with the dances Julie has been teaching over the winter months, please visit http://www.linedancingevents.com/ to find out. Also listed on that site is Julie's blog! So please stop by and say hello.

More details on special guests appearing this year at The Viking will be posted here soon.

Bye for now.