We were strolling around Brighton Pavilion, completed in 1823 for George IV. It is an extraordinary building, quite magnificent, and we were wandering around taking photos. We were at the back and about to enter the gardens when we heard this great sound… which we followed, like children following the Pied Piper, and came across not a man in colourful garb playing a flute, but a man in black playing a bicycle drum kit and another man playing a guitar.
The Puncture Kit, the bicycle drummer, is David Osborne an Australian who came to England seven years ago. He was repairing a puncture oon his bike when he got the idea to set it up as a drum kit – the bike that is… and so was born Puncture Kit.
Accompanied by a guitarist, he produced the most amazing music, bouncing of the walls of the Pavilion beneath a brilliant blue sky. People gathered to listen and applaud, including children and I wonder how many of them were inspired by the performance? David is committed to engaging children in electronic music making and has a course for primary school children called Active Beats. Hurrah for anyone who wants to encourage children to make music – they will have a life time of fun and pleasure!
Lois Elsden 