A Herefordshire venue plans to host a double bill of politics and the reunion of an infamous band, both featuring Britain’s longest-serving political party leader.
Born plain Alan Hope, Howling Laud Hope has led the Official Monster Raving Loony Party (OMRLP) since the death of its founder Screaming Lord Sutch in 1999.
On Friday March 7 he will lead what is billed as a “manifesto suggestions and discussion night” at The Barn, Ledbury.
It is unclear how serious this will be. Among policies in the party’s most recent ‘manicfesto’, it commits to “ban all tipping of flies, insects, and zips of any kind” and to “replace employees of the Border Force with GP receptionists”, to “dramatically reduce the number of people getting in”.
The event will also introduce the party’ newest candidate, Count ‘Totally Tonto’ Oakey – better-known locally as the venue’s co-owner Robin Oakey.
OMRLP said on its website it was also “very likely that The Barn, Ledbury will be the venue of our 41st annual conference” in September.
Saturday March 8 will then see the “resurrection” of Screaming Lord Sutch and the Savages, the party founder’s horror-themed act which released several singles in the 1960s including a Joe Meek-produced ‘Jack the Ripper’, banned by the BBC.
The gig will feature both Howling Laud Hope and fellow original member Dangerous Dave.
Entry to the Friday night event is free, while tickets for Saturday’s gig are priced £10.
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