The UK National Drum Fair - 14 and 15 September 2002

The UK National Drum Fair marked the world debut of the VISTALITES.COM tee-shirt. In this exclusive report, Andy Youell looks at the other highlights of the day...

The fair took place in the Red Barn at Hoar Park near Nuneaton. The building was a large barn, in something of a vivid red colour - natch.

Winnie (left) and Tanco travelled all the way from the Netherlands just to see the VISTALITES.COM tee-shirt. Winnie was very keen to get a photograph of it - as I'm sure you can imagine..

Winnie also bought along a very rare "Triumph" kit - made in Amsterdam a long, long time ago..

The fair provided an opportunity for dealers, producers and enthusiasts to get together and trade. There was a superb range of drum kits and...........

...snare drums. Since the show was held in the UK, punters were allowed to smoke.

Len Howe is probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet buying a drum. He had a great range of Ludwig gear, including some very tasty Vistalite snares.

Richard Carr, caught trying to hide behind some see-through drums, displayed a whole stack of his Ricochet drums which generated a lot of interest and some very favourable feedback.

Steve White and the Drummettes brought some much-needed glamour to the whole event.

"Hey, Winnie - There's that man in the VISTALITES.COM tee-shirt again.........."

Tam Rankin, from the Vintage Premier web site, gets a warm feeling from your correspondent

Rob Cook - the man from REBEATS.COM - came over from America to take part in the drum-fest