Some interesting flyers from the Fiesta. These used to be laid on the tables in the Fiesta to advertise forthcoming attractions. Courtesy of Alice Gardner who thinks they are probably from 1969. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
Aberfan Disaster 21 Oct. 1966 Can anyone tell me the name of the American comedian who was performing at Fiesta probably week beginning 22 Oct 1966. He made some “joke” about the Aberfan Disaster. I think he did not last very long, at The Fista, after that!
Regards
Allan Murrish
If my memory is correct the person who made the off colour joke about Aberfan was the singer PJ Proby. Apologies all round if I’m wrong.
Hi Alan, remember me from the Sheraton, you used to come in with brother Billy.
Hi Billy
I do remember you from Sheraton. You will also remember Billy my brother. I am living in Australia, Perth and Billy is in Acklam.
I am due to visit UK at Christmas Mam’s 90 birthday.
Perhaps we can catch up.
Regards
Allan
It was an American bloke called Napoleon IVI (the sixteenth). His one and only hit record was They’re Coming To Take Me Away Ha! Ha! I can remember the “joke” too. It was in bad taste. The song is on YouTube.
Hi Chromeboy
Thanks for the information. The answer has eluded me for years. You have made my day.
I was on my way to Blackpool (Illuminations) when the news of the disaster broke.
Again thanks
Allan Murrish
I worked as a barmaid at the fiesta in the 1970s, it wasn’t all that good from what I remember.
I worked at the Club Fiesta in 73/74. I used to be a waitress in the Scampi Bar to begin with then I used to cook the basket meals when the chef broke her ankle at home. Best nightclub ever. It never felt like work as the atmosphere was so good.
I also worked at club fiesta in the 70s, Norman was the manager and Queenie aka Sandra Whyte was in charge of the Fawns. I remember a Fawn called Margaret who I think lived in Middlesbrough and also Ann Wilkinson and Susan Bianchi who I think were best friends. They were great days lots of laughs.
Was my nana working there at the time, Kath Moore?
Here is a list of SOME of the American artists who appeared at the Fiesta. The list comes from a book of “American Rock’n’Roll” artists who toured the UK between 1956 and 1972, so it’s by no means a complete list! For example I know the Beach Boys played there but are not listed in the book – I guess they were not thought of as “Rock’nRoll”, but strangely enough Bobby Vee is listed!
Roy Orbison – July/August 1968, April 1969, April/May 1970, June 1971 & June/July 1972. Chubby Checker – September 1965. Del Shannon – September 1965, November 1967 & November 1971. Brenda Lee – November 1967. Duane Eddy – May 1968. Bobby Vee – July 1968. Bruce Channel – September 1968. Bill Haley & his Comets – July 1969. Ben E King – October 1969 & November 1970. Neil Sedaka – September 1972. The Crickets – December 1972. Buck Ram’s Platters – December 1972.
Do you remember the date in Sept. 1973 that Brenda Lee appeared in the Fiesta club?
It was on or around my birthday, early October. I was there & met Brenda backstage; we chatted about our kids & me being in a rock’n’roll band. Lovely lass!
Thanks to everyone that has helped me (including Picture Stockton) on research for my book on the Stockton Fiesta. ‘No Siesta ‘Til Club Fiesta’ will be launched at the reunion next Saturday, November 10th, from 2-4pm. Please come down and share your memories!
Hello Neil, thank you so much for sending a copy of your book to me, I have already read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would dearly love to be at the reunion, but distance and other commitments prevent me. Again, thanks for the book but even more, thanks for the lovely memories. Cheers Pauline
In the book Stockton Fiesta, it says Jimmy Young sang there on Boxing Day 1965, did anyone see this?
Yes I remember seeing Jimmy Young.
Yes he did. I remember him.
I used to work at the Fiesta in the resturant. Osie was the head waiter. I was there from 1971-1973. It was the best time of my life. My name is Jean Roachford, nee Daniels.