TESTIMONIALS
"We attended the inaugural Cyprus Rocks Festival after attending it's previous incarnation (Rhodes Rock/Rhodes Rock Espana) since 2009 and were simply blown away by pretty much everything about it... the professionalism, the band quality, the organisation and of course the location itself. Protaras/Pernera are both lovely resorts with everything a holidaymaker would need, great beaches, bars and restaurants suiting all budgets and tastes. The event locations were sublime... the welcome/farewell parties at Aeyialos with it's stunning view of the full moon on the sea, the mainstage location was über high end event quality, Blue Spice for the memorable pool party and 'hub' bars Knights pub, Panis and Windmills were all accommodating, friendly, cheap and fun.
Massive massive thank you to Mario for taking over Eddie & Elaine's mantle and in well under a year organising a superb, memorable event which we will be attending hopefully for years to come. If you're undecided about booking it next year don't be, it's friendly, rocking and can be life changing... well done to all involved and see you all next October."
GAVIN ARCHER, LONDON, DEC 11, 2017
"We have been following what was originally Rhodes Rock then Rhodes Rock Espana since 2011, we have enjoyed every year of out travels but last year in Cyprus Mario & team took the event to another level. Loved the location, loved the bands & friendly Cyprus rock people, can't wait for this year. I would like to add a big thank you to Eddie & Elaine who started the whole thing off in Rhodes it was nice to see you both relaxed & enjoying yourself last year. Mario & team have picked up the baton & what a professional job they done last year, the venues were brilliant, the bands were brilliant. & I'm sure this year will be even better as word of mouth will spread the message of a truly enjoyable rock holiday."
IAN BEWICK, MOLD, WALES, APRIL 27, 2018
"Well, what can I say, but absolutely AMAZING! Having never been to one of these events previously, we were unsure what to expect. The fabulous venues, the extremely talented bands and the wonderfully friendly folk at each event completely surpassed our expectations, and made our first experience most memorable. It is clear to see that a great deal of hard work, planning and preparation goes into these events. The organisers really do deserve to be proud of their achievements. Congratulations to you all, and special thanks to Mario. To anyone who is considering joining the gathering in Cyprus, I would recommend you do it - you'll have a fabulous time! Suffice to say, we have already booked our tickets and accommodation for CYPRUS ROCKS 2018!"
STEVE GRIBBON, SHEFFIELD, APRIL 26, 2018
"It's hard to describe how absolutely fantastic this event was. Stunning locations for all of the events, the main stage shows were well organised, and the bands looked they were enjoying it as much as the audience. The bands were all so amazing, wonderful musicians, totally professional, they made sure we rocked! The pool party at Blue Spice was one of the best days ever! The BBQ food was brilliant quality and plentiful, the bands were top notch, the crowd so friendly and big smiles all round. Well organised again, with a cocktail bar, very friendly staff and a great setting. The farewell party, at Aeyialos, overlooking the sea, so enchanting as the sun set, we danced, we sang, and shed tears of happiness at the last song. We have booked again for this year, can't wait to party again with you all. Congratulations Mario, and all those involved in the organisation. It was simply superb, and we feel so very blessed to have been there, great memories that we will treasure forever. Thank you."
GABBY MOTTERSHEAD, MANCHESTER, APRIL 22, 2018
"Last year was an absolutely fabulous holiday, We have been holidaying in Cyprus for many years now and to attend the festival was the icing on the cake. It was absolutely perfect to have a lovely fortnight in that wonderful country and to have some top quality entertainment was just ideal. We wouldn't miss this year for the world. We would just like to thank Mario for all his efforts at arranging it all. We watched Mario work extremely hard last year and the event was excellent and the organisation superb. For a first event it really is going to take some beating but we have every confidence that Mario is just the man for the job. So Mario no need to thank us for our support it is definitely us that should be thanking you for putting on a wonderful event, Even Monarch didn't spoil it for us in 2017! The hospitality of the Cypriot people is wonderful. The very best of luck with this years event we are 100% looking forward to it."
ANN ROLLS, TAMWORTH, APRIL 16, 2018
"I have been attending the Rhodes Rock holidays since the very first one (Floyd Fest) in 2005, so I was more than delighted to find that Cyprus Rocks lived up to my high expectations! The quality of the bands and the music was first-class, the location is sublime, with the main-stage events being right next to the sea. Everything was SO well-organised. All of the venues involved loved having rockers with them, having fun. We had a blast - so sign up and join us for more rock n' roll fun in the sun in Cyprus. Mario did a superb job last year, and we can depend on him to even surpass the fun that we had in 2017. Come and join the fun!"
DIANE WADE, HALIFAX, APRIL 14, 2018
"We attended last year. We had always fancied going to Rhodes Rock but due to my partner's work he was only entitled to take factory holidays so could not go. We attended in 2017 and stayed in Protaras and we love the resort. We didn't do the whole shebang and only attended on the Friday and Saturday nights at Trinity Beach. Used the fabulous bus service to get there and back and thoroughly enjoyed the shows. Very relaxed atmosphere, not overpacked, beautiful setting. We are coming back for 2018. Looking forward to it"
JANET KITTO, BISHOP AUCKLAND, APRIL 13, 2018
"There is only word to describe the very first Cyprus Rocks... PHENOMENAL. OMG, everything about it had a wow factor, from the simply brilliant and outstanding quality of all the bands to the simply stunning location of Protaras. What could be more magical than rocking out to fabulous music on beautiful sandy beaches under a glorious full moon. This simply is the best Rock Holiday on the Planet, beyond comparison. We are already booked up and can't wait to be part of Cyprus Rocks 2018. Definitely an annual holiday that will be in our diary every year. Roll on October 2018!"
DEBBIE SOPER, BROMLEY, APRIL 13, 2018
"Unfortunately, never got to any Rhodes Rock events, but finally managed to get to our first Cyprus Rocks last year. What a great event! Great music, great people and great atmosphere all round. Well done everyone involved for your hard work! Loved all the bands and really looking forward to returning this year for our second honeymoon (25th Anniversary 25th September). We are virgins no more!!! Thank you all. Shaz & Daz"
SHARON HELM, WATFORD, APRIL 13, 2018
"Cyprus Rocks 2017 was our first overseas music event. We stayed in an apartment close to all venues. Protaras/Pernera are very tourist friendly areas with great restaurants and bars at reasonable prices. All bands were fabulous as were the venues. Aeyialos restaurant held the welcome and farewell parties. The views were lovely. The mainstage was held at Agia Triada (Trinity) beach. The location was stunning as were the bands. The Blue Spice held the Pool party serving excellent food and drinks. The Rock bar Kourasos was the venue for simply the best jamming session. The week was over far too quickly and we enjoyed every minute. A huge thank you to Mario for organising such a brilliant event. We can't wait for Cyprus Rocks 2018 and look forward to another week with the best rockers in the world. Mandy & Russell."
MANDY FRYER, STAINES UPON THAMES, APRIL 13, 2018
"There are holidays and there are holidays... Some leave you great memories and there are some that also change your lives forever. Cyprus Rocks is the latter. A holiday shared in the sun, shared with like minded people, run by people that deliver what they promise, that also share your passion. When you return home you will be booking for next year, but before then you will find yourself in Derby, in Scotland, in Kent sharing good times with friends that weeks ago you did not know, that are now some of the best ones you now have. So if you are thinking about coming, maybe you are on your own, maybe as a couple, book it, this maybe the next journey of your life... then we will see you at Legends of Rock and dozens of other events around the country. Mario did a great job... If Carlsberg did holidays they would do Cyprus Rocks."
STEVE LITTLE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, APRIL 13, 2018
"I holiday twice a year at the Blue Spice and to have CR'17 was a bonus, wonderful week, great organising and it felt like a large family gathering... especially seeing my mate Jimi's band headline at the Pool Party. I'm there in July and if my lotto comes in I won't come home until after this year's event! Keep rockin' guys, see you soon!"
JOHN PRICE, WEST HALLAM, APRIL 13, 2018
"Totally brilliant, awesome bands and great venues with some great extra jam sessions. Events were professionally organised, huge well done Mario - Eddie & Elaine were a hard act to follow but you did an amazing job. Of course Cyprus was the perfect choice (even better when it is also your home!) Roll on October 2018 when another superb selection of bands are booked to give us another week of rock in the sun. We'll be there."
LISA GYWNNE, HIGH PEAK, APRIL 12, 2018
"We were so excited when we found out an event in Cyprus was being planned and booked ASAP. Counting the days from that point it couldn’t come soon enough. We’ve been to Lindos and Spain before and knew the lineup would be fantastic and as the bands for Cyprus were announced it was clear this was going to be the mother of all rock holidays. We loved the area, the venues and as we walked onto the beach that first night the atmosphere was electric. Meeting up with old friends and making new ones is a bonus, we’ve always loved the informal get togethers and impromptu meals as much as the gigs. Finding yourself standing on a table in a bar at 3am singing Thunderstruck, taking part in karaoke wearing a tutu or chatting with an awesome keyboard player over a few beers in the sunshine are par for the course. What’s not to love? We booked flights for 2018 the day we got home!"
JAY NOLAN-LATCHFORD, AMERSHAM, APRIL 12, 2018
"Just came to Friday gig as was in Paphos but the full event this year! The gig was very well run and I liked the token system! The 3 for 2 offer should be made clear though . The catering was dire - different sat I believe but needs be better. The sound and light set up was sublime! The VIP area was well policed and security good. The weather was great and sand soft and a fantastic event from what I saw. The after show at Koursaros was great. See you October!"
ANDY COYNE, MANCHESTER, APRIL 12, 2018
"Our group really enjoyed the week. The atmosphere at the events was brilliant and the standard of musicianship from all the bands was top notch. We particularly enjoyed the satellite shows around Pernera where the musicians from different bands got together and put on some great sounds from all genres and looked to be really enjoying themselves away from the pressures of hitting their own particular tribute band sounds on the nail - which they did admirably btw! We booked again for 2018 at the earliest opportunity - cant wait for October to be part of this event again... Well done Mario!!"
STEVE FRANKLIN, EASTLEIGH, APRIL 12, 2018
"A fantastic week. Sun, sea, sand and some amazing shows. From the open air shows at the beach to the more intimate shows it was incredible. The people the bands the locals were all brilliant. The town embraced the event. It was well run, superb production crews and superb value for money. From the opening chords of Stone Free to the closing harmonies of Fleetwood Bac it was truly magical. Many first timers came and were as welcome as veterans. If you've never tried this before, come along and experience the rock holiday of a lifetime."
CHRIS OSBOURNE, CLEETHORPES, APRIL 12, 2018
"I am relatively new to this so I can only compare to Barcelona and must say CR blew the roof off. The best rock holiday ever and a firm constant for years to come for me. The absolute highlight been the main events on the Beach. You can have it any better than Who's Next playing 'I Can See for Miles' and the full moon reflecting in the sea. I can't wait to come back to Cyprus this year and hopefully for many years to come."
ERICH SCHMITT, DERBY, APRIL 12, 2018
"We have been to Cyprus a few times but never Protaras. We have always enjoyed the rock music & venues wherever they have been held. We hired a villa so was within walking distance to all of the venues, which was a bonus! No disrespect to Elaine/Eddie Yates but for your first attempt to organise & plan everything etc. we feel that you achieved what you set out to do. It must have been hard work for you but it was a FANTASTIC! It was nice seeing Elaine/Eddie sitting back & relaxing for a change! Lovely place, hot sunshine, good music, what more could we have asked for? Looking forward to doing it all in October!"
MAUREEN BEWICK, MOLD, WALES, APRIL 12, 2018
"Amazing great place great people amazing music you did us proud Mario and team - see you soon!"
KEV MITCHELL, TAMWORTH, APRIL 12, 2018
"Great event in the sun. Fabulous tribute bands and a great location, with sun, sea, sand and great people. What more could you want? Big well done to all involved, I hope to see it go on to even bigger and better things."
NATASHA JUDGE, CREWE, APRIL 11, 2018
"Awesome performance! All bands had a lot of energy & the tribute to the original bands was spot-on! Keep it up!"
RAFAELLA TRIANTAFYLLOU, APRIL 11, 2018
"As owner and editor in chief at What's On Cyprus, I was so excited to hear about the Classic Rock Festival looking for a new home, but I knew following Eddie's legacy in Lindos, Rhodes would be a tough act to beat. Giving them as much support as we could leading up to and during the weeks festival, I have to say this is one of the best gigs I've witnessed in my 25 years in Cyprus... from the welcome party at Aeyialos Beach Bar, to the weekend main stage event on Trinity Beach, with sand between our toes, on both nights we were all blown away by the stage set up, especially the lighting which was just awesome. It was really cool to meet the travellers, some who have followed this festival for over 13 years, meeting up with others from years past, and it was obvious the feeling was, they all loved Cyprus and that extended to the bands members all world acclaimed tribute acts, some just as good if not better than the originals!!! Then the feeling was solidified at my fav event, the BBQ Party at Blue Spice, my little paradise in Pernera, and the Jam Session on the penultimate night, when they called out names from different bands and they just jumped up on the stage and jammed all night. I mean; this was just an absolutely fabulous event, and I am sooo happy The Classic Rock Festival has found a new home, my home, Protaras, Cyprus... I really cant wait for the next one this October. All I can say is, if you like Rock music, don't miss this. Ps - if you'd like to see more of last years event check out our App, Facebook, Web site and Youtube Channel."
TONY DYNAMOU, WHAT'S ON CYPRUS, 11 APRIL, 2018
"Get on your laptop and book for the Ultimate Rock Event in an awesome location. Mario and the local production team are very much looking forward to giving you a cracking holiday with some of the worlds best tribute acts. This year you will have three days on the Main Event arena plus the satellite events around this beautiful part of Cyprus. To make life a little easier, we have decided to change the layout for the Main Arena at Trinity Beach this year which we hope will be more user friendly for all concerned. We will be using the token system again this October so please get your tokens from the booths within the arena as cash will not be taken at bars or food outlets (yes we have revised the operating procedure). Come along and say hello to the team when you get here."
GRAHAM CARMICHAEL, CYPRUS ROCKS PRODUCTION MANAGER, 17 MAY, 2018
"Having read all the current reviews I’m sure you get the picture of how fantastic this event is and it’s certainly one festival not to be missed. I thought I’d let you know how it is from a musician’s point of view. I have had the pleasure of playing at numerous events over the years, Rhodes Rock with Not The Plot and Towers Of Stone then on to Spain and Barcelona which were all fantastic events.
The amount of organisation behind the scenes it takes to put on these events is unbelievable. From deciding on a new location for 2017 to arranging all the venues and equipment for the bands to put on a great show for everyone (we’d be here all day if I listed everything else that’s involved).
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Mario and all the team involved did a fantastic job. From the minute we arrived at the airport to when we left it was a pleasure to have been invited to play. The location is amazing, the equipment supplied was top quality, all the stage crew, sound, monitor and lighting engineers and all the staff behind the scenes, back stage did a fantastic job and should be proud of themselves. I have made a lot of new friends who I would not have had the pleasure of meeting if it wasn’t for attending these events and look forward to making even more. All of the locals were very welcoming and made us feel at home.
If your in any doubt about booking up don’t be, the event is one of the best you will attend with the nicest people you will ever meet and some of the best bands around. Once again, thank you to everyone involved. Until the next time... 'Stand up and shout' \m/"
PAUL CARNEVALE, DIO RISING, 21 MAY, 2018
"I don’t think there is much more that I can add, every rock holiday I have attended has been excellent, But this one in Cyprus outshone them all, And yes the people and bars and hotels were so friendly you had the feeling they wanted us there, Well done to Mario and the team especially having to deal with the collapse of Monarch. If you’re thinking about going just book it, and if your flying solo don’t worry you will soon have new friends!"
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MIKE MEDDINS, HEREFORD, 26 JUNE, 2018