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On Friday, 27 March, the 3rd 2-Tone Trail plaque went up at 51 Albany Road, or as 2-Tone would call it - the birthplace of 2-Tone.

It was here that Jerry Dammers and the rest of The Specials and The Selecter built an empire and a legacy that would last 30-years.

Charley Anderson and Pete - Photo: John Coles

Special legend Lynval Golding unveiled the plaque, but not before event organiser Pete Chambers got the guitarist to tell the story of how they hand stamped 5000 Gangsters and Selecter record sleeves in the flat that was home to Jerry and HQ to the iconic 2-Tone record label in 1979.

Charley Anderson, Gaps and Aitch from the Selecter were also at the ceremony.

Next day, Coventry Market hosted a huge birthday party for the record label that’s exactly 30-years old on Monday, 30 March 2009.

The Lady Mayoress Caron Matchet officially opened the event and the market's impressive 2-Tone memorabilia collection. Lynval Golding and the boys from Selecter (Charley, Neol, Gaps and Aitch) were all on hand to sign photographs to the never ending line of happy revellers.

2-Tone party at the market - Photo: John Coles

The place was packed and took on the air of a family event as children and adults took to the catwalk for the best rude Boy/girl competition. The event was built around a fashion show from the company responsible for making the bespoke tonic suits for the Specials tour next month.

The crowd were impressed by these amazingly vibrant suits, and more rude boy fashion followed with 2-Tone City Clothing who have just opened a stall in the market.Μύ

Incredible 2-Tone button jewellery by Julia Gandy and 2-Tone photos by John Coles were also available.

There were prizes and ska musicΜύgalore,Μύand even Walt Jacobs was on hand to help cut the birthday cake with the Lady Mayoress. No wonder everyone had a fantastic time.