The band has had a weekend away at Ridley Hall since we  started up in 2012.

It gives us a great opportunity so spend some quality time rehearsing new numbers with an eye on the Sunderland Big Band Festival pieces.

Some of the pieces we have chosen for Sunderland are quite challenging for the band so were lucky to be able to persuade local percussion legend Jack Ruddick to sit in on Kit for the weekend.

Saturday night saw the annual Tyne Valley Big Band ‘World Snooker Championship’   Modesty almost forbids one to mention the eventual winners but needless to say the dream team of Dave’ Interesting’ Hignett and Johnny ‘Hurricane’ Knappers came to the fore, once again winning the event on a fair and square basis.

An evening listening to some of the world best Trumpeters led to a late night ‘I’m Maynard Ferguson’ Jam session by some of the more overexcited band members.

Thanks as always to our sponsors Wylam Brewery for providing some excellent liquid refreshment

A snowy Sunday morning saw us pack up and head home to recover.

Here we see MD and vocalist  Dave and Barbara Hignett relaxing after a lovely romantic walk. (Spot the lead trumpet player)