Keane fans on a pilgrimage to a small corner of Sussex

More than 100 people from as far as Australia, Canada and South America will be flocking to Battle and Bexhill to celebrate their idols.

Keane fans hold a special affection for the region, after many local landmarks were name-checked in songs written by band members who originally hail from Battle.

The event will include a fan concert photography exhibit, a collection of unique fan memorabilia, a guided Keane Trail walking tour and a Keane fan swap and shop of merchandise/memorabilia. And, of course, a visit to Bexhill’s Sovereign Light Café – the inspiration for one of the group’s most treasured hit songs.

But the icing on the cake for the weekend will be a special one-off gig from Keane founders Tom Chaplin and Tim Rice-Oxley.

Saturday’s Back To Battle gig at Battle Abbey will be the first time the pair have performed together for around two years.

A spokesman for 1066 Country Marketing said: “It’s a delight to be able to welcome the International Keane Fan gathering to 1066 Country.

“Little did anyone realise when the online Keane Trail was initiated in 2013 as a coordinated effort between the Battle Marketing Group and 1066 Country Marketing that the end result would be such a coming together of true Keane fans from all over the world in our corner of Sussex.

“The Twitter and Facebook accounts helped to spread the word across the world in an original format and to tap into a market which may otherwise have missed out on the charms of 1066 Country.

“We know already that tourism businesses in the area, especially those in Battle and Bexhill, are benefiting from this huge opportunity, with such an influx of fans 
who will be following the Keane Trail this coming weekend.

“We’re sure that the very special #Back2Battle concert at Battle Abbey with Keane’s lead singer Tom Chaplin and Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter and keyboard player for the band, Tim Rice-Oxley, will be a memorable one for those lucky enough to obtain tickets.”

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