Taking its ever-evolving membership from the long-established and well-respected Highbury Area Band, the youthful nature of its players ensures that the Big Band is always receptive to new ideas, new influences and new challenges. From Glenn Miller to The Blues Brothers, perhaps via Moon River and Soul Bossa Nova – all delivered with a gusto! "I try to select a wide range of music in the band's repertoire mixing swing and big band classics with more modern pieces. I like to surprise people with something a little different."

  With the events centred around the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar last year the Big Band were asked to perform at the International Festival of the Sea at the historic dockyards in Portsmouth. With over 250,000 people from all over the world attending the festival it was a truly global performance. "The opportunity to play a part in such a prestigious local event was too good to pass up and the experience we gained was invaluable."

  The Big Band has also been asked to provide musical entertainment at private functions and last year performed at a wedding reception aboard the historical warship HMS Warrior. "It was a great opportunity for the band to play in such a unique venue and a marvellous chance to be a part of the happy couple's special day."