Torquay's star-studded history to feature in new film

Lionel Digby with some of the musicians who played at Torquay Town Hall in the 50s and 60s

The rock and roll history of Torquay's Town Hall is set to come alive at a film screening this spring, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The story will cover the venue's star-studded history and explain why the Sex Pistols never made it to the stage.

Music promoter Lionel Digby brought some of the biggest names to the town hall.

He will attend the event on 4 April, as well as film director John Tomkins of Music Scene Memories.

The film will feature local people who were part of the scene and share their memories of watching and playing alongside big-name chart acts of the time.

'Showcase the legacy'

Mr Digby said he brought bands such as The Who, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Clash and The Jam.

He also said he was the "first man to bring ground-breaking rock and rollers to town".

The premiere will feature live music from musicians who supported the big bands in the sixties at the Town Hall as well as a question-and-answer session with Mr Digby and Mr Tomkins.

Mr Tomkins said: "Lionel got out his contacts book and invited many of the people he worked with in the heyday of the town hall, some of them traveling across the country to be interviewed.

"It really does showcase the legacy of the extraordinary music scene at the Town Hall which was instigated and promoted by the remarkable Mr Lionel Digby."

All ticket profits will also go to Children's Hospice South West.