15/10/2026
More than 70 people gathered at the Park Pavilion on Sunday 4th October to celebrate 60 years of music-making by the Pearl Foote Accordion Orchestra in a heart-warming reunion organised by Sandra Rogers and Harwich Museum.
The special anniversary event brought together past and present members of the orchestra to mark six decades of musical achievement, friendship and community spirit. Many former players, some of whom had not picked up their accordions for many years, returned especially for the occasion, creating a memorable and emotional reunion.
At the centre of the celebrations was Pearl Foote herself, who attended the event and delighted the audience by both conducting and performing during the afternoon. Her dedication to music and her encouragement of generations of accordion players was evident throughout the event and warmly appreciated by all those present.
The celebration was honoured by the attendance of the Mayor of Harwich, accompanied by his consort and son, Josh. During the afternoon, the mayor delivered a speech recognising Pearl’s remarkable contribution to local music and community life. Representatives from Harwich Museum also spoke, congratulating Pearl on her outstanding achievement and thanking everyone who had helped make the orchestra such an important part of Harwich’s cultural heritage over the past sixty years.
In recognition of her extraordinary dedication and commitment, flowers were presented to Pearl during the celebrations, much to the delight of the audience.
Visitors were also able to enjoy a fascinating display charting the history of the orchestra. The exhibition included trophies, certificates, photographs and other memorabilia collected over six decades, providing a wonderful insight into the orchestra’s achievements and preserving memories of its many performances, competitions and social gatherings.
The event proved extremely popular, attracting more than 70 visitors throughout the afternoon. Former musicians, families, friends and members of the local community shared memories, renewed old friendships and enjoyed an afternoon filled with music and nostalgia.
Harwich Museum would like to thank Sandra Rogers, Pearl Foote, all the Bella Tones Accordion Ensemble musicians who took part, the mayor and his family, volunteers and visitors for helping to make the event such an outstanding success.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to six decades of musical excellence and a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact that the Pearl Foote Accordion Orchestra has had on the Harwich community.
https://www.harwichmuseum.com/celebrating-60-years-of-music-with-pearl-foote-accordion-orchestra/
