Glenn Miller Big Band spectacular in Bedford

The Nick Ross Orchestra brings the sounds of the 1940s and 50s to Bedford in June with a spectacular concert celebrating Glenn Miller and the Big Band era.
Georgina Jackson for Glenn Miller at Bedford.Georgina Jackson for Glenn Miller at Bedford.
Georgina Jackson for Glenn Miller at Bedford.

The concert on Sunday, June 1 is at 2.30pm at Bedford Corn Exchange and will mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and Glenn Miller’s arrival in the town.

With a full line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section and special guest vocalists Georgina Jackson and Sam Merrick, the orchestra will recreate the wonderful sounds of such Big Bands as those led by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Syd Lawrence.

Featuring such classics as Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, A String of Pearls, Little Brown Jug and American Patrol, memories of wartime and the Blitz will no doubt be brought flooding back to life.

The music will span almost all the emotions of those difficult times and some musicians seemed to be born to the occasion - none more so than the inimitable Glenn Miller who felt instinctively for the mood of the time.

In 1944 Glenn Miller and his orchestra arrived in Bedford, to entertain the hundreds of military personnel based nearby, and there followed many famous names including David Niven, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

After D-Day Miller flew ahead of his band to prepare for a concert in Paris. Although bad weather delayed his original flight, Major Glenn Miller took off from RAF Twinwood, Clapham, on Friday, December 15, 1944. He was never seen again.

Tickets £18/£16.50 from the box office on 01234 718044 or 01234 718112, or visit www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

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