Tyne Valley Big Band entertained the crowds an a lovely sunny afternoon at this years prestigious Northumberland County Show on Bank Holiday Monday.

The previous two days of torrential rain made access tricky with many vehicles getting stuck in the mud early in the day. Luckily the majority of farmers in Northumberland, some with very large tractors indeed, were on site to pull everyone out.

We were situated between the funfair and the Cumberland & Westmoreland Wrestling ring on a small oasis of dry ground surrounded by mud, and the weather held fair for the day.

The Pink Panther himself, MD Dave Hignett conducted proceedings  interspersed by much witty banter and the odd solo just to show how its done. Trombone envy from a certain trumpeter. Andrea DeVere, top tenor Sax solo.  Trumpets with Guest Fintan helping out. Mr Barnes making a welcome appearance in the tromboners. Barbara ‘no relation’ Hignett on top vocal form Saxes featuring Andrea again, with a welcome guest appearance by Matthew ‘Choppy’ Lamb filling in for our favourite antipodean Alto Sax player Kelly Rose (otherwise engaged).  Becky Ben Rhythm Section, closest to the sponsors contribution cunningly hidden between the piano and the Kit, and by a strange coincidence right next to Mark. Mark on solo triangle.

Many thanks to Gaynor Shotton secretary of Tynedale Agricultural Society for inviting us back this year, we had a great day in the sun. Thanks also to our sponsors ‘Wylam Brewery’  for providing us with some welcome liquid refreshment during the afternoon.