Blue plaque unveiled for The Plaza in Newbury, where Jimi Hendrix played
A blue plaque has been installed to commemorate a historic concert venue in Newbury.
Mayor of Newbury Andy Moore OBE unveiled a new plaque dedicated to The Plaza on Wednesday, August 28.
Mr Moore was joined by Phil Woods, of the Newbury & District Field Club, and Anthony Pick, of the West Berkshire Heritage Forum, who each addressed a small crowd on the building’s historic significance.
The former entertainment venue, located at 16-18 Market Place – now Bill’s restaurant – functioned at various times as a theatre, cinema and a dance hall.
During the 1960s, it hosted a diverse array of rising and acclaimed music talent including Cream, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Billy J Kramer and The Dakotas.
A young Jimi Hendrix also played there during his UK tour in 1967.
Newbury man Roger Dunford performed regularly at The Plaza with his band the Trolls and recalls meeting the music icon.
“We used to go to most of the gigs and he [Hendrix] was playing there,” Mr Dunford told newburytoday.
“He wasn’t such a big star as he ended up being.
“We came out to get some fresh air at the interval and he came out the back door.
“We realised who he was and got chatting with him.”
Hendrix approached them saying: “There must be some kind of way outta here.”
No, he didn’t. But they did go for fish and chips at Brindley’s fishmongers in Cheap Street, said Mr Dunford, who also claims to have caught Mitch Mitchell’s drumstick during Hendrix’s set.
His brother, Mike Dunford, also shared memories of the venue: “I used to work for John Angel of Angel Entertainment.
“On Saturday evenings, we ran bingo in the early evening. I was bingo caller.
“Then we had a quick clear up to prepare for a disco dance.
“We also had live groups. I can remember Billy Fury, Merseybeats and many others.
“My brother's group were often the support group.”
The Plaza was sold in 1983 and demolished to make way for a new office called Dreweatt, Watson and Barton the following year.
It was built in 1925 by an eccentric Newbury businessman and bought by Newbury Borough Council in 1933.
Its hall was used for public events and community groups until the late 1970s.
The venue is still missed by some in the community.
