Judy Garland in Beverley

The International Judy Garland Club www.judygarlandclub.org is pleased to announce a weekend celebration of Judy Garland’s life.

Gary Horrocks writes:

‘Judy worked for 45 of her 47 years, bequeathing a legacy of films, records, radio broadcasts and TV shows. Her 15-year tenure with MGM generated the greatest Hollywood platinum-coated musicals. Her 1, 100 plus international stage appearances are the stuff of legend. Gene Kelly described her as “the most talented performer we’ve ever had.” For Fred Astaire it was “one of the greatest thrills to work with her.” “The happy times,” reminisced Mickey Rooney, “were with Judy.”’

Author Joan Coulson will be flying in from California for the event to sign copies of her new Judy biography ‘Always for Judy – Witness to the Joy and Genius of Judy Garland’ and to share her memories of the star. Gary writes: ‘Joan met Judy on a number of occasions. It is a profoundly personal biography. Very few books about Judy capture the human being, the lady with a wicked sense of humour, the performer who offered no artificial Hollywood edifice, who gave her heart and soul in a personal connection with her fans.’

Video producer and editor Frank Labrador will be another special guest. He has produced several tribute videos and documentaries in honour of Judy, including ‘Judy 90: A Celebration’ (2012). These films have not been seen outside of Los Angeles and New York.

Two of them include a definitive overview of Judy Garland’s three concert engagements at New York’s Palace Theatre (‘Judy at Home at The Palace’) and the exciting documentary about Judy’s CBS TV series ‘The Judy Garland Show.’ There will also be the world premiere of a documentary about Judy’s final and only British movie ‘I Could Go On Singing,’ with many more special and rare video treats in store.

Gary Horrocks will also present ‘Judy Garland’s love affair with the UK, a photographic tribute.’ He says:

“Judy held the UK in great affection, and her visits here were often high points in her career, not only London, but great provincial concerts across the north of England, including Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and also Scotland and Ireland.”

“My presentation will provide a whirlwind tour of her visits here over the years, including a special half hour documentary about Judy at the Dominion Theatre, London in 1957.”

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to see these films and presentations. There will be plenty of opportunity to socialise with dinner on the Saturday evening and a cocktail reception on the Sunday afternoon.’

Call 01482679940 or email judygarlandclub@gmail.com for tickets on either the Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th October 2014 and for programme information.