Enjoy England, the domestic marketing division of VisitBritain, has launched a new campaign to promote sites across the country linked to England’s rock and pop heritage.
The England Rocks! initiative maps out places ranging from the Cavern Club in Liverpool to Abbey Road in London and from Knebworth House in Hertfordshire to the site of Eddie Cochran’s fatal car crash in Wiltshire – locations that a large number of Britons make pilgrimages to every year because of their musical connections.
Laurence Bresh of Enjoy England said: “England’s rock and pop music has been renowned worldwide for the last half a century. It holds a unique fascination for domestic visitors – not only visiting the famous haunts where rock stars used to hang out, but also music venues and festivals.”
The England Rocks! website features 200 locations, which can be searched for by artist, geographical location and theme, or by using the onscreen map.
Birthplaces – and resting places – of famous stars are included as well as sites featured on album covers, locations that inspired musicians and iconic venues.
The campaign capitalises on the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Cavern Club – where The Beatles famously played – the return of Glastonbury, The Who’s outstanding achievement award from The South Bank Show and the reformation of The Police.
The initiative will run for six months and Enjoy England is working with Liverpool in the run up to the city’s European Capital of Culture celebrations next year, as well as Virgin Trains, Superbreak, VisitLondon and Isle of Wight Tourism. Details: www.england-rocks.co.uk
