Vale of Belvoir band to play a special VE Day concert

The 26 members of the Belvoir Big Band, who usually rehearse weekly at Harby village hall, have been unable to meet since social distancing restrictions were brought in to limit the spread of Covid-19.

All their summer gigs have been cancelled but the band was keen to do something special to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Musical director Jonathan Barker has put together a virtual concert with a selection of 1940s music from some of their concerts over recent years.

Band secretary Jon Jayes told the Melton Times: “As the band has been in isolation since the beginning of this Covid-19 outbreak and not attending rehearsals or gigs, we thought that stitching together clips recorded at our previous concerts and dances and containing 1940s swing music, such as American Patrol, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Take the A Train and more, would replace the concerts which have been cancelled this year.”

Go to www.belvoirbigband.co.uk to enjoy the special VE Day concert.

The Belvoir Big Band, which was formed in 2015, plays charity events and concerts throughout the area.

Mr Jayes added: “There is other music on our website and recordings from assorted venues, and we hope that those who see it will feel a little uplifted during the lockdown.

“The band will be back as soon as it is safe to do so and will perform at other charity events around the area.”