Rod Stewart fans party 160 miles from Glastonbury

Die-hard Rod Stewart fans who were unable to get tickets to see the rock legend play at Glastonbury gathered to recreate the festival magic in a hotel 160 miles (257km) away.

More than 100 members of the Rod Stewart Fan Club, from all over the UK and Europe, descended on the Sketchley Grange Hotel, off the A5 at Hinckley, to celebrate their musical hero.

Their three-day Big Weekend event culminated in eager fans gathering round a big screen as Stewart, 80, took to the stage on Sunday.

"There are so many Rod fans but not all of them could get to Glastonbury," said organiser Ian Roberts.

"So we thought we'd bring Glastonbury to Hinckley."

Mr Roberts added: "We're all massive fans and we have been meeting like this every year since 2002.

"But this year is special because Rod is at Glasto again.

"You can't get Glastonbury tickets for love nor money so we have come here to recreate the vibe.

"I think people here think it's even better than the real thing.

"Rod is a proper rock star. He likes a drink, loves his football, and he likes a lady."

Among the fans was the rock star's sister Mary Cady, 96, who is the patron of the fan club.

Her brother offered her a ticket to watch him play at Glastonbury but she opted to join the assembled fans in Hinckley.

"It's wonderful," she told the BBC.

"Whoever thought he (Stewart) would have gone on so long? I thought it would just be a flash in the pan."

Mr Roberts, from Huncote in Leicestershire, said: "Mary's great. She's so supportive - and so is Rod. He's donated his stage clothes in the past for us to auction for charity.

"We've had tribute band - people have got dressed up. There are a few Celtic kits, because Rod is a fan, and some very big wigs.

"Some people have enough of a barnet for real to pull it off, mind you."

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