HUNDREDS of happy families were out enjoying the sounds of swing on Sunday (May 25) with the first of the summer season’s live band concerts at Abbey Park.
A special event to commemorate this year’s 80th anniversary VE Day featured music from the Derek Bruce/Wells Swing Band led by director Nick Smith.
Many audience members came attired in period dress and couldn’t resist a bop to music from the likes of Glenn Miller and other forties era classics.
Additional entertainment came from the UK’s only 1940’s drag act Queera Lynn, a London-based comedian and artist who grew up in Evesham and local singer Clive Millward.
The event was organised by Sarah Wells in honour of her late parents, her late father Derek being a familiar figure on the regional banding scene.
She said: “It was incredible. I was overwhelmed with it all, that it went so well and was so supported. It was really nice as without the crowds it would have been nothing.
“It was a lovely afternoon and we had lots of local people all together relaxing and having an enjoyable time. It had a great ambience.”
A display of mostly American vintage military vehicles by members of the Military Vehicle Trust provided additional interest and a 1940’s theme.
Mayor of Evesham, Councillor John Clatworthy, added: “What a fantastic day. The superb organisation by Sarah, the band were outstanding and the entertainment from Queera Lynn brought fun and laughter from the hundreds who filled the park.
He added that the council was proud to support the annual event and it was another example of why Evesham had recently been identified by national newspaper as the second happiest place to live in the UK.
See eveshamtowncouncil.gov.uk/bands-in-the-park/ for full concert schedule.
