"It's an audio-visual celebration of music, art, poetry and performance. Pretty much anything goes."
Pete Bradley started Enjoy The Ride at the Malt Cross in February 2004. The aim of the night was to offer a platform to local musicians and performers in a city centre setting. After getting over a hundred through the door at their first event it has moved on with gusto ever since. We caught up with Pete to pick his brain about bands, Butlins and biscuits…
What was the inspiration behind Enjoy The Ride?
I was so fed up hearing myself moaning about the state of our city’s nightlife that I decided to do something about it. I wanted to provide a platform for Nottingham’s creativity to express itself and for people to have a wicked night out.
How many events have you done now?
22 and counting…
What can people expect from a night at Enjoy The Ride?
It’s an audio-visual celebration of Music, Art, Poetry and Performance. Pretty much anything goes. Enjoy The Ride attracts all walks of life looking for an alternative. Many of Nottingham’s creative types hang out and plot their next projects with like-minded souls.
Who are your regular performers?
We try to keep things fresh by having different performances and to give others the chance to play. However, we’ve had Skinny Sumo on three times now, they just know how to press the right buttons with the crowd. I’ll definitely be inviting James Leong (magician by night) back to do his thing.
Tell us about this Pete Finch dude with the funny eyes…
Pete Finch had been wooing crowds for years on the holiday camp circuit. In 1982, at the height of his career he was appointed head Red-Coat (his proudest moment). Unfortunately things took a turn for the worst when a nasty mono-rail accident left him paralysed from the funny bone up. We found him singing Ob La De Ob La Da at a local Karaoke pub and just had to get him back on the stage where he belongs.
What’s your most favourite ride at Goose Fair?
Your mum! Sorry, couldn’t resist…I used to love watching the pikey boxing. Proper working class entertainment. If I could get away with it I’d set up a ring at Enjoy The Ride!
What do you do outside of Enjoy The Ride?
This summer I took a flavour of Enjoy The Ride to different festivals. Through collaboration with Broadway Cinema, Bang and Brit Films I showed a selection of the best films Nottingham had to offer at Glastonbury, Womad and Burning Man (in Nevada).
Who are your favourite Nottingham bands or musicians?
As I mentioned before, Skinny Sumo really do it for me. I can’t believe they haven’t been picked-up yet. I saw them do an amazing set at Glastonbury a couple of years ago. They smashed it! Ed Bannard’s acoustic sets are also well worth catching.
I believe Andy and Matt (Kids in Tracksuits) are destined for success. They’re both way too cool for school and ooze attitude without a hint of arrogance. Big up the Eastwood massive!
What are your favourite places to go out in Nottingham?
I practically live in Broadway but spend the rest of my time between Malt Cross, Wax and the Dragon for beers. I tend to go to Stealth, Rock City or Blueprint for a boogie. I love partying outdoors best though. I’m a hippy at heart.
What have you got planned for the next year?
Enjoy The Ride’s going weekly (every Saturday) from December, so I’ll be busy searching the country for the best talent. We’re going to be meeting some of Pete Finch’s family members in the New Year and I’ll be off to Burning Man again in August for my annual dose of craziness. We’re buying an old yellow school bus, ripping the seats out and taking the Nottingham crew on a journey to the Black Rock Desert via Vegas and the Grand Canyon. If anyone reading this wants to jump on board, get in touch…and visit www.burningman.com
Is there anything else that you want to say to LeftLion readers?
It’s all about the bourbon biscuit.
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