A BIG band will play an evening of swing and seasonal songs at Maldon Town Hall, this month.

Essex based big band, Five Star Swing, will deliver classics from Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and many more, on December 20, from 7.30pm.

As part of their national Poppy Appeal tour the band appeared at London’s Leicester Square Theatre.

As seen on BBC “Children in Need” The show is led by bandleader Chris Smith Jr, composer and arranger for the BBC Radio big band.

Speaking before the performance, he said: “My father Chris Smith Senior played Trombone with Frank Sinatra’s band on the European tours so I’ve been brought up with this “feel-good” style of music that’s loved by all generations.

 I’m especially excited to be bringing our Big Band Christmas show with all the favourite seasonal songs!”

Tickets are £12 available from the Maldon Tourist Information Office call 01621 856503.

Meanwhile, Maldon-based dance group Sunscreem, who have had 12 entries in the UK Singles Chart since the 90s, are back with a new album after a 20 year recording hiatus.

‘Sweet Life’ is 50 minutes long and features 12 new songs recorded by the original founder members Lucia Holm, Paul Carnell and Duane Brazier.

They are also billed to play a fresh gig at the Bassment on Wells Street, Chelmsford, next Friday **December 11** from 8pm.

Supported by Paolo Morena, Black Chapel and the Boy Jones DJ’s, they will play a mix of anthems old and new.

Expect to hear old rave-tunes like Love U More, Perfect Motion and Pressure, as well as hits from their new album.

Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the door, which open at 8pm.