The DJ & event organiser

If you’ve lived here any length of time, you’ll instantly recognise Peter Mackley’s voice from his days at Riviera Radio – but these days you’re more likely to know him because of his events business Riviera Organisation.

DH: How long have you lived in Roquefort?

Peter: For 12 years (which is the longest I’ve lived anywhere), but I’ve lived in France itself now for 20 years.

DH: Where were you born?

Peter: Watford, Hertfordshire, outside London.

DH: What brought you down here?

Peter: I did French at University and my father was a Francophile. I got a 3-month summer job on a campsite in Antibes, then progressed to the ‘graveyard’ shift’ at the radio and the rest is history.

DH: What’s your favourite object, gadget or thing?

Peter: My ipod.

 

DH: What’s on it at the moment? I know that’s a tricky question for a DJ, but what kinds of music do you like?

Peter: Everything from Franz Ferdinand & The Fleet Foxes to Duffy & Amy winehouse – I have to say I do like a finely crafted pop song and not just all the trendy obscure stuff.

DH: What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Peter: I’m a chocoholic, so milk chocolate.

DH: Would you choose the mountains or the beach for a favourite day out from Roquefort?

Peter: Both. My birthday is at the end of April, and one year when Isola 2000 was still open then, a group of us started the day up there skiing and ended with aperos at St Laurent du Var and a quick swim! So we did actually manage both.

Normally I would say the mountains, but because of where we live, I’ve become a fair-weather skier and won’t bother going up unless conditions are really good.

DH: What in your opinion does Roquefort lack?

Peter: A centre with a proper village bar with restaurants and a pedestrian area. Somewhere to literally bump in to people you know.

DH: So what would you change?

Peter: I’d like to see a greater choice of shops with better opening hours and something to do post the children coming out of school, say from 4-7pm, it would be good to wander around and be sociable.

 

DH: Your company works not only on the Riviera but also all around the world, what’s been one of your favourite events to date?

Peter: When Star Wars Episode III opened the Cannes Film Festival. That was a very high profile and hugely enjoyable event. And the man himself (George Lucas) wrote us a great letter of thanks which was really nice.

DH: What’s coming up this year?

Peter: We’re currently working with an electric violin show called Viva. They do everything from lounge to contemporary, jazz, rock and disco and are proving to be really popular.

So if you’re organising an event or a wedding, big or small, contact the professionals at http://www.rivieraorganisation.com/ or on 04 93 12 14 01 and hear what they can do for you.