Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra – Testimonials and Reviews

Testimonials

Click here for reviews

Thanks so much for coming to Knowsley and taking part in our Serious Nonsense Festival. Your performance was one of the highlights of the programme and we have had so much positive feedback from audience members and visitors. Especially Lady Anne Dodd who loved the tribute! Thanks for taking the time to create this for her. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was as popular as ever!
Bev Ayre, Knowsley Council – Prescot
August 2022

Nice to meet you at The Milton Rooms on Saturday night. Everyone enjoyed the evening. I loved all your sets. Love that Swing era music and the songs. You can dance ballroom and latin to almost all of them. So, thanks to everyone in the band and I hope to see/hear you again sometime. Good luck and take care! All the Best.
Barrie and Pat Elener – Strictly Spectacular, Malton
July 2022

We just wanted to drop you a quick message to say thank you so much for being such a fantastic part of our wedding last week!
We have lost count of the number of guests who commented on how fantastic you all were, both on the night itself and in messages afterwards. The atmosphere was exactly as we had hoped it would be. We can’t think of a better way that we could have gotten all of the different people from all walks of our lives up and dancing all night! Dexter particularly isn’t much of a dancer so I hope you do take it as the high praise that it is that he was on the dance floor for so much of the evening. We also just wanted to say a massive thank you for being so flexible with the timings and playing later than planned without any issue. Hope the rest of the wedding season continues to be such a success. Thanks so much again.
Helen and Dexter’s wedding – Newcastle
May 2022

The band was superb. We all had a brilliant evening. Even James the golf club manager commented at the end of the evening and asked how we’d found you. He also thought you were great.
Will definitely highly recommend you. And when my next two girls get married will be in touch! Thank you Matthew.
Kim & Kevin O’Connor – Groom’s parents – Wedding, Bradford
December 2019

Thank YOU for coming! I have had overwhelming feedback from my dancers, they loved it! We will definitely have you back.
Sophie Brooke
Dance Promoter – Howden, East Yorkshire
September 2019

Can we just say WOW! You guys on Saturday were unbelievable. Everyone absolutely thrived and we couldn’t get people off the dance floor. Thank you so much to you and the whole team for making our day unforgettable! I have already had people from the wedding asking for the bands details!
Rachel & Dan Farman
Wedding – Great Broughton
July 2019

An ultra-professional show of classic tunes that went down a storm with the audience that gathered to watch.
Sean Durney – Stage Manager
River Festival – Liverpool
June 2019

We just want to say a huge thank you to you and your band. You were absolutely amazing and we couldn’t believe the amount of people who were up dancing. Your entrance music was the best and got everyone in the mood to dance. The first dance was magical. Everybody loved the sets. We had had an amazing day with Andy Carroll starting the entertainment off and then Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was the icing on top of the cake. Thank you so much again.
Lauren and her mum, Yvonne – Wedding
Newton Hall, Alnwick
May 2019

Matthew, what can I say about the band. Firstly everyone at the party has commented on the amazing atmosphere you all created from the moment you stepped onto the stage. I knew that you would be good as obviously I had watched your performances on your site, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the utter joy that your performance would give to everyone who was there including the staff at the hotel!
The music choices were perfect, the vocals and commentary perfect and the feeling that I couldn’t have booked anyone better a delight. I know my father really enjoyed his night and has sung your praises far and wide. You all made the night truly fabulous and I cannot thank you enough for it. I hope to book you all again for future functions and obviously will let everyone know just how incredible your band is. Once again please give my thanks to the whole band, they were absolutely amazing.
Lesley and Denise – Father’s 85th Birthday
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newcastle
May 2019

Thank you so much Matthew. Honestly everyone was raving about the band. Honestly in that room it was just incredible. Truly was. Thank you xx
Sam & Joe’s wedding – Carlton Towers, Goole
February 2019

It was a real pleasure to meet you and your band members. You stole the show with a magnificent performance, superb! From all at LHG, behind the scenes we thank you also. We will be in touch with regards to a further potential event later. Thank you again!
Barbara Birkett (Liz Hobbs Group) – Newark Festival, LHG Live
June 2018

Sue and I cannot praise you and your wonderful swing band enough. We have organised many prestigious balls and dinner dances over the years and we have hired some of the finest dance bands in the country but we can truly say that Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra is the best we have ever used. It was absolutely magical, thank you. We are so so overwhelmed with gratitude to you for the evening because you absolutely made it. We would recommend you to anyone in the World; we already have a few people in mind. Comments from the guests included “The best band I have ever heard” and “What a fabulous band!” Not only were the musicians excellent but more importantly they all enjoyed playing which made for a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a pleasure meeting you Matthew and a privilege to listen to your wonderful band which helped to make the evening very special indeed.
Sue & Malcolm Humpage – Elmslie School Centenary Ball – Blackpool
May 2018

Thank you for being part of our special day. You were outstanding and gave us the night we had dreamed of. We’re always looking for when we can see you again.”
Hannah & Nick – Wedding – Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley
November 2017

Chris and I cannot thank you enough for the entertainment you provided on Saturday. We had a marvellous time and the compliments we received from all guests young and old were only positive. You had people having the time of their lives on Saturday with some dancing who would usually not get up and dance. The skills the band have are undeniable. I truly couldn’t have asked for better music for our wedding day. I’m so sad it’s all over but I’m hoping I can get some event planned in the further where I can invite you guys along to play again. Our greatest appreciation and thanks to each and everyone of you.”
Evie & Chris – Wedding – Crathorne Hall, Yarm
November 2017

The band went down a storm and already I’ve been asked for your details. We really appreciated the effort and journey and thank you all. In hindsight, I wish that we had you on longer as the feedback really has been amazing. Please pass on my thanks to all of the band.”
Lexi Hambro – Make A Wish Foundation Sports Ball – The Savoy, London
November 2017

Just about to embark on our honeymoon cruise but wanted to say a huge thank you for playing at our wedding at Crathorne Hall on Friday. We had a wonderful day in which you played a huge part. Everyone loved the music and even the hotel staff said you were the best band they had had play there in the past few years!!! The whole day was fantastic but the culmination with your orchestra absolutely topped off the day – FABULOUS. STUNNING!!!!!
Angela & David – Wedding – Crathorne Hall
October 2017

Thank you very much, we really enjoyed the evening. A lot of guests praised the band and your enthusiasm!!”
Joy & Justin Williams – Work’s Anniversary – York
October 2017

We absolutely LOVED the band. The enthusiasm of the musicians was contagious!! Fantastic!! So glad we chose MR SWING for our special day. More than happy to provide references for future clients. Fabulous night. Worth every penny! Matthew, you are a star! Thank you.”Ken & Jane – Wedding – Saltburn-by-the-sea
September 2017

You were great and I’ve had some lovely comments about the music, people were impressed. Thank you.”
Helen Bletcher – 70th Birthday Party – Walcot Hall, North Lincolnshire
July 2017

I’d like to thank you and the band for an outstanding performance on Saturday night. The members and overseas guests commented on a great night of entertainment. I hope you all had a safe journey home. It was very much appreciated that you travelled down south for this event.”
Patrick Cunningham – Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club 125th Anniversary Chairman
June 2017

Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra made our wedding! We thought our special day couldn’t get any better after we exchanged our vows and heard the kind words from our family but, as soon as we heard the music, I knew that the band would leave an impact on our guests. I did not stop dancing all night! We truly enjoyed every moment of the band’s set and all our guests have commented on how wonderful they were. Really wish we could have had them longer. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Matthew and the rest of the band for making our wedding magical. All our love, Mr & Mrs Colbeck”
Roisin & Steve – Wedding – Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
May 2017

We had the most unbelievable day. You were amazing, so thank you!”
Loredana & Marcus – Wedding – Bradford
April 2017

You guys went down a storm and everyone loved you! Thank you again for an amazing evening of entertainment. Your guys were brilliant!”
Martyn Barnett & Dominic Butterell – Corporate Christmas Party – Sheffield
December 2016

Thank you again for the wonderful evening/night of music. Everybody loved the band and I’ve heard a few music lovers say it was the best swing band they have ever seen. The band and yourself have made an ever lasting impression with everyone. The intro was fantastic and definitely started the evening off with a bang. Katie and I thank you for our first dance it was more perfect than we could have imagined. I can not express our appreciation enough to you and the band. You guys made the evening a brilliant success and are true professionals.”
Michael & Katie – Wedding – Yorkshire Wedding Barn
November 2016

Our sincere thanks to you and all of your amazing musicians. Your performance was outstanding and the amazing singer alongside fantastic musicians was such a wonderful thing to listen to and watch. It truly made our evening special.”
David & Jamie – Wedding – Liverpool Town Hall
October 2016

We had a wonderful time! We had great feedback from our guests, who all loved you and the band! It was really great having you as part of our day.”
Jude & Chris – Wedding – De Grey Rooms, York
September 2016

Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had an amazing night and all the guests commented on how fabulous you were.”
Faye Hartley – Wedding – The Parsonage, Escrick, York
August 2016

Thank you for last night. Everyone has said what a fantastic band you are. We all had a fabulous time and we have no hesitation in recommending you. I wanted authentic and I got it! Thanks for learning the Louis Jordan tune too. That made my night.”
Graham Stables – Family celebrations – The George Hotel, Piercebridge
June 2016

Thank you so much! We’ll definitely be recommending your fantastic band!”
Helen Pocock – Wedding – Doxford Hall, Northumberland
April 2016

It’s always a pleasure to see and hear you. A truly great orchestra and our customers can’t wait for the next one.”
Ellen Boyle – Remembrance Day concert – Bradford
November 2015

You guys were absolutely fantastic and everyone has been raving non stop about how good the band were! Thanks again for letting me on the stage and I wish you every success for the future. You really were brilliant and I will be sure to pass your details on and recommend you to friends and colleagues!”
Richard & Charlotte – Wedding – Pannal CC, Harrogate
October 2015

Please accept our thanks for such a wonderful performance at the Battle of Britain Ball on the 19th September. The band were wonderful and fitted our evening to perfection. The feedback we have received has been nothing but complimentary, and we would definitely call on your service should we ever be brave enough to do something on this scale again.”
Karen Birch – Battle of Britain Ball, Bradford
September 2015

Thank you so much for playing on Sunday night. Our first dance was perfect and just what we wanted! All of our guests loved the music and said how good the sound was. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were absolutely more than we could have hoped for and made many happy memories for us.”
Kate & Jonathan – Wedding – Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 2015

Thank you and the swing band more than I can say. You were terrific. We are trying to think of an excuse to have another party at which you would play!”
Dame Eleanor King – Mother of the bride – Wedding near Harrogate
June 2015

Thank you so much for performing on our wedding day. The weather was great and the guests on the terrace enjoyed your sets. The guests comments were very complimentary, you were very much appreciated by them. It was exactly what I had envisaged so you fulfilled a dream for me. So once again please accept and extend our sincere thanks to all concerned.”
Rachel Cordingley-Constable – Wedding – Ilkley, West Yorkshire
May 2015

Just wanted to say a huuuuge thank you to all of you at Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. You made the wedding evening truly amazing and absolutely eeeveryone loved you guys! So many people have said to us since the wedding how amazing you guys were! Thank you so so much, we had an absolutely fab time, I’m so glad you could play for us! I think you’ve heard from my sister-in-law Faye and I hear you’ll be playing at her and Carl’s wedding next year! Yay. So we will see you all again then 🙂 Thanks again.”
Sophie & Ben’s wedding – Rowley Manor, East Yorkshire
April 2015

Thank you and Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra on behalf of The York & District Branch of The Multiple Sclerosis Society for helping us raise the fantastic amount of £1445.00 at the recent Christmas Balls. We all had a great time and would be thrilled to come back next Christmas.”
Jackie Chapman – Secretary/Fund Raiser, The York Branch of The MS Society
December 2014

Just wanted to say once again what an excellent performance you guys treated our customers to yesterday. Everyone was over the moon and the event was a total success.”
Ellen Boyle – Remembrance Day 1940s concert – The Ginger Goose, Bradford
November 2014

Fantastic! Could not fault! From the performance to the introducing of the music, absolutely fantastic, could not be any more pleased with the band – huge thank you.”
Julie Dowling – NHS Middleton Demonstrator Bid – Middleton Arena
October 2014

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the rest of the band for helping to make my 60th party such a special occasion. You were fantastic and everyone was asking where I had found you and how good you were. Maybe we’ll do it all again when I’m 70.”
Jackie Farnsworth – 60th birthday party – Whirlow Hall Farm, Sheffield
September 2014

Just a quick note to thank you for last weekend – the band and disco were excellent. Everyone commented on how good the band was – many thanks. It made for a good evening.”
Maj Andy Cooper – 1940s Summer Ball – Officers’ Mess, Ousefield House, York
June 2014

I just wanted to be in touch to say thank you to Mr Swings Dance Orchestra for an excellent evening on Saturday night. How could anyone not be inspired to get up and have a dance to such great music! We feel, with your help, Gordon’s retirement has got off to a brilliant start!”
Jean Selbie – Dr Gordon Selbie’s retirement party – Huddersfield
April 2014

On behalf of our client and ourselves, we would like to extend a huge thank you for helping to make the Elior Awards Event on Friday 14th March such a huge success! The feedback we have received is that this has been the best Elior awards night yet, praise indeed! Everything went like clockwork on the night which was a testament to the professionalism and calibre of each and every person that contributed to the event. Please can you pass our thanks on to every single member of the band; you guys really made the show and the stings were fantastic! Your contribution was key to the success of the night all the way through and you delivered to a phenomenal standard. We hope you enjoyed the evening also and have some great memories from it, you have set a very high standard for next years event! Needless to say we will be in touch again for future events.”
Rachel Kearns – Apex Event Management – Imperial War Musem, Duxford
March 2014

Many thanks to you and the band for a fantastic night. We have had lots of great feedback and the only complaints are that it was all over too soon.”
Sgt Dawn Grubey – RAF Leeming Battle Of Britain Ball
September 2013

Thank you and the band so much for providing the music to our wedding last night. As I’m sure you’d expect, very many of our guests expressed their admiration of your performance. However, we’d heard you before and knew what to expect. Notwithstanding, your wedding swing band over-delivered on our expectations and we had an absolutely fantastic evening of music and dance thanks to you and you colleagues. We were genuinely delighted with your delivery and the way you made the party swing. Again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again at your public performances.”
Graham & Janet Lishman – Wedding reception, Sandburn Hall, York
July 2013

We just want to say what a fabulous night Saturday was. You made our wedding so memorable, particularly when you let our friend up there with you! We will be recommending your wedding swing band to all our friends. You have already received a great deal of compliments from those who were there!”
Caroline & Jack Lewis – Wedding reception, Old Lodge, Malton
July 2013

We had such a lovely time at the De Grey rooms last night dancing to your superb band that we would love the opportunity to do it again. You told my husband to email you for a list of upcoming appearances; I would be grateful if you could let me know. Thanks for a fab evening.”
Trish Watson – Big Band Dance Night, De Grey Rooms, York
May 2013

Thank you for the excellent entertainment – it was even better than we expected and everyone has given us very positive feedback about the swing band. In fact I am listening to your cd as i type this.”
Lucy & Paul – Wedding reception, Rudding Park, Harrogate
December 2012

We’d just like to say a massive thank you to you and your swing band for performing at our wedding on Saturday 8th Sept 2012 at Beamish Hall. The overall presentation was extremely professional from start to finish and the standard of the music was superb – we had a lot of guests who are musicians including the bride, and they’re still all talking about the quality of your performance! We all thought that the way you got everyone involved with certain musical numbers was great fun and created a whole new dimension to the evening. We have had lots of guests comment on how much fun they had dancing and how incredible your performance was. Quite a few guests said that you were the best swing band they’ve seen at a wedding by a long way. We are also very grateful to you all for learning That’s Amoré for our first dance. It was an excellent rendition – so much so, that we danced to it twice! All in all, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played a very big part in making our wedding day so special and unique! We will certainly be recommending you to everyone we know and I’m sure our guests will be too. You will be talked about with great delight for many years to come!”
Jill & Simon Cox – Wedding reception, Beamish Hall, Co. Durham
September 2012

On behalf of Coby and I, we just wanted to thank you and the Mr Swing musicians for the fabulous evening of music and dance on Sunday. We all enjoyed the swing band tremendously and have highly recommended you to our interested guests. Hopefully will see you all perform again soon.”
Coby’s 80th Birthday Party – Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire
August 2012

Mr. Swing’s Dance Orchestra performed at our wedding at the Hospitium in York in May 2012, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect band. The swing band was fantastic at reading the room and getting everyone up and dancing. All of our guests have raved about how amazing they were, and we totally agree. If you want to make your special day even more memorable, definitely hire Mr. Swing.”
Beth & Carl Mewse – Wedding reception, York Hospitium
May 2012

Just a quick email to say thank you so much for playing at our wedding reception. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were simply amazing and we have had so many guests comment on how great you were. Thank you again and all the best to your Yorkshire swing band for the future.”
Steph & Tom Glasby – Wedding reception, Raithwaite Hall, Whitby
May 2012

Just wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ for a great night on Saturday at Kate and Matt’s wedding. We had a fantastic evening and all of the guests enjoyed it. The acoustics in the National Railway Museum were very good. Would not hesitate in recommending your Yorkshire swing band in the future.”
Chris Nicholls, mother of the bride – Wedding reception, York
New Year’s Eve 2011

A great cause and a terrific night out. Jackie and I enjoyed it all thoroughly. Please pass on our thanks and congratulations to your band with our best wishes for another successful night and for a good Christmas and new year. You have some new fans and we’re looking forward to the 2012 extravaganza!”
Chris Igoe – Day after Mr Swing’s Christmas Ball
December 2011

A huge thanks to you and the band in contributing to a very successful Battle of Britain Ball on Fri 23 Sep 11. The music was varied, fun and had the dance floor full from start to finish. This is the 3rd time I have seen the swing band and each time there has been a different arrangement or new tune to add to each occasion. Looking forward to next year.”
Andy Rice – Battle of Britain Ball, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
September 2011

Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. The music was fantastic and all the swing band members were wonderful. Everyone commented on how amazing you were. We will definitely be recommending you in the future. Many thanks.”
Jane & James Parkin – Wedding reception, Thrumpton Hall, Nottinghamshire
June 2011

I just want to thank you so much for making our wedding celebrations so perfect. Everyone who came has fed back to us how amazing you were. You were absolutely stunning and I loved every minute of your sets – terrific voice and music. It was lovely to see everyone dancing – from my 6 year old niece to my 83 year old aunt! Thank you so much.”
Helen & Giles Carr – Wedding reception, Crockey Hill, Yorkshire
April 2011

If I didn’t say it enough to you last Saturday (or to any other member of the swing band I could find!), thank you so much for the amazing set Mr Swing did at our wedding! What a fabulous night! The swing band was something I was really looking forward to and you exceeded all expectations – it was amazing! From start to finish, we loved every second of it and the fact that you were able to play ‘Let There Be Love’ for our first dance made it even more special and meant a lot to both of us. Every one of our guests came and told us how much they loved the swing band and I’m not sure there was a single song you played when Phil and I weren’t up on the dance floor! I’ve never seen my dad and uncle as animated as when they were singing along to ‘Delilah’ and even my 87 year old grandma joined the conga line at the end of the night! It was everything that we imagined it would be and more; Mr Swing really did help to make it the best day of our lives. I know I managed to accost most members of the swing band on the night but can you please pass on our most heart-felt thanks to everyone involved – the band was truly fantastic! We’ve been singing ‘Ain’t that a kick in the head’ all week! I’ll email you any pictures that we get through from our photographer. From your most enthusiastic fans.”
Rachel & Phil Probert – Wedding reception, Horsforth, Leeds
February 2011

May we say a very big THANK YOU to Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra for helping the MS Society York & District Branch to raise a whopping £1,377.00 at your concerts on 17th & 18th December 2010. I’m delighted to present you here with our Certificate of Appreciation which we hope you will display with pride!” (See Christmas Balls page)
Helen Birdsall – York & District Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society
February 2011

We just wanted you to know that your swing band were absolutely fantastic last night and made Karen’s celebrations so special. Everyone we have seen today has said how good you were and how professional. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to such a talented group and you should all be so proud of the ability you hold. Everyone would recommend you all over the North East and that to me says it all. Good luck for the future.”
Jon Coates, Karen Coates’ 40th – Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington
February 2011

We just wanted to drop you a note to thank you so much for the music at our wedding. We have received so many compliments about the swing band that we hope you can pass on to all of the members. Special thanks for putting together the My Funny Valentine piece for Karen’s parents, they really appreciated it. We both had the most fantastic day and one we’ll remember forever, thank you so much for being a part of it.”
Guy & Karen Bowyer’s wedding – York Maze
May 2010

A fantastic professional performance. I must say that you now are the Number One swing band in my estimation. By far the best sets I have had the privilege of enjoying. I highly recommend you and your swing band to everyone. It made the wedding day perfect. Thank you.”
Stuart Browne, father of the bride – York Cricket & Rugby Club
March 2010

This was my first ever swing band concert and what can I say – it was fantastic – I didn’t realise how good they were! What a great evening. We travelled in ice, snow, high heels and dresses and it was very worth it. Fabulous music and excellent entertainment. It really started off my Christmas. Can’t wait for next year.”
Lorraine Knowles – Mr Swing’s Christmas Ball, York
December 2009

The Round the World Clipper Ball at the KC Stadium this weekend was a huge success! Thanks to all those who attended and made the night go with a Swing! Talking of Swing – Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were a huge hit and had people shaking their stuff on the dance-floor all evening.” (http://www.dellaroundtheworld.com/news-update/clipper-ball-success)
Della Parsons prior to sailing around the World – KC Stadium, Hull
June 2009

Just to say a big thank you to you and your wonderful swing band for providing such wonderful music and entertainment for our evening reception. We both thought it was brilliant and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Jo & Glynn Alderman’s wedding – Rowley Manor, East Yorkshire
September 2008

Many thanks for providing an excellent day’s entertainment – much enjoyed by all”
Dr Jazz plus disco John & Juliet Drewniak’s wedding – Howsham, North Yorkshire
June 2008

What can I say? Simply fantastic. Spot-on entertainment that kept the dance-floor packed from beginning to end. Your team’s professionalism shone out on the day by a country mile and they’re the kind of standards i love and expect! The band was absolutely fantastic. The set up, look and standard of music was second to none and the many comments we received back from our guests reflected this. The vocals from your lead singer were simply stunning. Also, the accompanying disco that you provided for us was absolutely fantastic too and together with the band it made for perfect wedding entertainment. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services. Thanks again and should the opportunity arise I hope to book you again one day.”
Tom & Natalie Broughton’s wedding – Sun Pavilion, Harrogate
August 2007

Thank you so much for providing wonderful music at our wedding. We all really enjoyed ourselves and had a fab evening dancing! See you at the Christmas ‘do’! Thanks again.”
Katrina & Doug’s wedding, Hazelwood Castle nr. Leeds
August 2006

The music in church was well-judged and the positioning exactly right – my thanks to you and Julie. The swing band too went down very well and we notched up a good number of brownie points among locals who’d already heard you play. Even shady expatriates can get hold of the right band from time to time.”
Fortissimo at church ceremony, Mr Swing at evening reception Robin Alder (Luxembourg), father of bride – Kelleythorpe Farm, Driffield
July 2006

We would like to thank you and the swing band for making our silver wedding anniversary so special and such a memorable occasion for us. We had such a perfect evening and we are sure all our family and friends enjoyed themselves as much as we did. We would like to think if in the future we have another occasion to celebrate that Mr Swing would be there!”
Malcolm & Angela Stather – Expanse Hotel, Bridlington
October 2005

I felt I must write to thank you for the part you played in making the ball so successful. I have had many telephone calls since and everyone says it was the best event they have ever been to at Elland Road. I am fully aware that without your help this would not necessarily have been the case. I could not have wished for a better start to my testimonial year.”
Lucas Radebe – Testimonial Dinner, Leeds United FC, West Yorkshire
April 2005

I think I thanked you about a dozen times on the night but once again thank you so much for making our wedding such a magical day. Everyone enjoyed Mr Swing and would have danced to you all night. We have both been singing King of the Swingers ever since. Keep us informed of any future events.”
Chris & Claire McManus’ wedding – Rudding Park, Harrogate
February 2005

Please will you pass on our thanks to all members of Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. We have such good memories of our friends having a great time when the swing band was playing and loads of people have been in touch to say how much they enjoyed the music. We really hope to see you perform again in the North West but until then we shall continue enjoying listening to the CD – it has enlivened every car journey since we returned from honeymoon. Many thanks once again.”
Nicky & Matt Bainbridge’s wedding, Manchester
August 2004

Many of my colleagues have let me know this morning how much they enjoyed the evening’s entertainment and look forward to hearing you again in the future. We shall certainly keep your details to hand should we have need of a swing band again”
M. Harrison – Harrison Developments Summer Party, Derby, Derbyshire
June 2003

You should know that our little girl, Maddy, was delivered to the sounds of Mr Swing – in fact she was dragged out to your fine trumpet solo! What a start to life!”
Sarah & Tony Cann 15 months after Mr Swing played at their wedding
March 2002 / June 2003

We would like to thank you and the swing band for making Clare and Terry’s wedding reception an occasion we shall never forget. The music was magic and enjoyed by both old and young”
Dennis & Mary Peckett, bride’s parents – Carlton Towers, South Yorkshire
May 2003

A huge thank-you for your fantastic performance at our wedding. Everyone thought you were brilliant and have been talking of nothing else! We had a perfect day and you were a big reason for that. The disco was spot on too; ’Not one dud’ as someone was heard to shriek!”
Camilla & Howard Bottomley’s wedding, Sheffield
February 2003

Thank you on behalf of all the guests and staff at Woodlands Respite Care Centre for Multiple Sclerosis for allowing us to raise money at your Christmas Balls this year. Once again we raised over a thousand pounds which will directly benefit the 400 different guests who stay at Woodlands each year.”
Rachael Brayshaw, Fundraising co-ordinator – (£10,000+ raised since 2001)

By far the best swing band we’ve ever had at this event”
Geoff Pearson – Organiser North Yorkshire Moors Railway Wartime Weekend, Pickering
Oct 2001 / Oct 2002 / Oct 2003 / Oct 2004 / Oct 2005 / Oct 2007

We could dance to you lot all night”
Jack Broughton – Chairman, Aircrew Association Reunion
Nov 2000, Liverpool / Oct 2001, Bournemouth / Oct 2002, 2004, 2006, Harrogate / Oct 2007, Grantham

Reviews

Click here for testimonials

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SERIOUS NONSENSE FESTIVAL
PRESCOT, LIVERPOOL – SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST 2022
Having played on Albert Dock for Culture Liverpool at the Tall Ships Festival in 2018 and the Riverside Festival in 2019, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra and Dr Jazz were delighted to be invited to perform at the inaugural Serious Nonsense Festival organised by Knowsley Council.
It was a great weekend of events for the whole family all across the town of Prescot. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra and Dr Jazz had the honour of closing the event on each day. On the Saturday, Lady Anne Dodd (wife of the late Ken) made a speech which was followed by Mr Swing’s rendition of Ken Dodd’s hit Happiness complete with Diddy Men dancers!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – STRICTLY SUMMER SPECTACULAR
MILTON ROOMS, MALTON – SATURDAY 16TH JULY 2022
Malton’s Milton Rooms is a gem of a venue with a good deep stage – just right for a 13-piece swing band! This was a lovely event, attended by ballroom and latin dancers from far and wide.
As well as dancing to the wonderful Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra, the audience also got to watch half a dozen demonstration dances from professional couple Trish and Adam. Hopefully it didn’t make anyone want to give up!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – PLATINUM JUBILEE PARTY
SHIPTONTHORPE, YORK – FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2022
This was one of the bookings we lost at the beginning of the first lockdown. It was to have been an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day but, two years later, it eventually went ahead as a Platinum Jubilee party.
The villagers had come together to deck out the traditional marquee in  red, white and blue and celebrate the seventy year reign of Her Majesty The Queen. So glad we got there in the end!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – HELEN & DEXTER’S WEDDING
WYLAM BREWERY, NEWCASTLE – SATURDAY 7TH MAY 2022
Wylam Brewery is an amazing venue and operational brewery set in beautiful parkland in Newcastle. In fact, members of Mr Swing loaded onto backstage itself from within the brewhouse. Enormous vats of beer as far as the eye could see – what a rider!
Helen and Dexter’s friends had obviously sampled rather a lot of the brewery’s offerings by the time Mr Swing took to the stage, as they were well up for a party. The dance floor remained packed throughout as you can see from the Sweet Caroline video on the Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra Video Library page.

MR SWING’S CHRISTMAS BALL
YORK – SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2021
After 2020’s Christmas Ball had to be cancelled, it was so good to follow this one through despite numbers being down for obvious reasons.
Those who did attend enjoyed a great night of live music from Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra along with a great Christmas dinner from our new event caterers whilst being entertained with close-up magic. We even had time to raise a good chunk of money for the Alan Bott Charity which organises respite holidays for people with disabilities.
This year’s event was dedicated to our beloved Martin Harvey. You’ll always be in our thoughts.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – GABI & ED’s WEDDING
AUGHTON, EAST YORKS – SATURDAY 7TH AUGUST 2021
Ed and Gabi got in touch with Mr Swing from different parts of the world as they were both working abroad at the time. We had a zoom meeting to discuss music for their wedding – a practice that has become the norm these days. The band had not played at The Oaks Golf Club in Aughton before, despite it being relatively close to our base.
It turned out Ed was a tuba player in a championship section brass band and half said band were in attendance. As with the majority of brass players, they liked a drink. Every tune Mr Swing played was greeted by generous applause and cheers.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CHRIS & CANDICE’s WEDDING
BRADFORD – FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2019
Hailing from Bradford, Mr Swing’s singer has always said West Yorkshire crowds are the best and this lot didn’t disappoint! With everyone in the midst of festivities it was good to get away and play some classic swing tunes to an appreciative audience, rammed onto the dancefloor singing their hearts out..

MR SWING’S CHRISTMAS BALL
YORK – SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2019
Now in its 23rd year, Mr Swing’s Christmas Ball continues to thrill 200+ guests intent on an entertainment-filled night offering so much more than its competition. Which other Christmas night out features a 13-piece swing band, a Strictly competition and a magician on top of the usual meal and DJ? Throw in a reasonably priced bar and you’ve got an amazing night on your hands for friends, family or work colleagues. We even raise over a grand for charity in 10 minutes!
Hope to see you in December 2020. Keep an eye on the Christmas Ball page for details. Tickets on sale from July.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – DANCE NIGHT
HOWDEN SHIRE HALL – SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2019
Occasionally it’s nice to get away from the festivals, weddings and corporate gigs we do and play for a room full of experienced dancers. Sophie Brooke from Feathersteps School Of Dance (feathersteps.co.uk) organises events around the East Riding and booked Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra to play in Howden Shire Hall.
Over 100 people attended and filled the dancefloor throughout, dancing to quicksteps, waltzes, foxtrots, jives as well as Cha chas, bossanovas and sambas.
The band can’t wait to return!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – RACHEL & DAN’s WEDDING
GREAT BROUGHTON – SATURDAY 27TH JULY 2019
We had such a great night at Rachel and Dan’s wedding reception. Held in a marquee in the beautiful village of Great Broughton, it was a splendidly rousing affair with family and friends packing the dancefloor from start to finish.
Rachel had sent us a comprehensive list of tunes she and Dan wanted to hear and we were able to accommodate every last one of them in three unstoppable sets of swing classics.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – RIVER FESTIVAL
LIVERPOOL PIER HEAD – SUNDAY 2ND JUNE 2019
Following a well-received performance in 2018, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was invited back to entertain the people of Liverpool with an hour of swing classics.Originally planned for a 7pm start, the set time was hauled forward eight hours to accommodate the triumphant Liverpool FC’s Champions League open-top bus parade. Thankfully we all managed to get ourselves and our vehicles out of the city before all the roads were closed and three quarters of a million football fans descended!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – LAUREN & ADAM’s WEDDING
NEWTON HALL, ALNWICK – SUNDAY 26TH MAY 2019
What a stunning venue! Newton Hall, sitting by the sea on the Northumbrian coast, was the sublime choice of Lauren & Adam for their wedding reception.
Having got married in Hartlepool earlier in the day, it was like a scene from Wacky Races as the newlyweds, their guests and entertainers headed up the A1 for the evening party.
The happy couple looked like they were dancing on a cloud as Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played ‘When I Fall In Love’ for their first dance. A lovely night was had by all with the band’s DJ taking over to round off a wonderful evening.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SAM & JOE’s WEDDING
CARLTON TOWERS, GOOLE – SATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2019
It had been a fair few years since Mr Swing last played at Carlton Towers and oh how we’ve missed it! An amazing gothic hall set in sprawling countryside and owned by the Duke of Norfolk, Carlton Towers offers splendour on a grand scale.
Sam and Joe had chosen ‘When I Fall In Love’ for their first dance and soon family and friends joined them on the dancefloor where they remained throughout the evening. It really was a great night!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – RIDDELL REVELRY
RUDDING PARK, HARROGATE – SATURDAY 7TH JULY 2018
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra had played at Louisa Riddell’s wedding well over a decade ago and were very pleased to be invited once more by this lovely family to perform at this evening of celebration. With various members enjoying milestone anniversaries and birthdays in the same year, the family had decided to throw one big shindig!
In total there were around ninety guests tucking into a sumptuous meal whilst being entertained by a trio of dancers between courses followed by a wonderful choir. After dinner Mr Swing took to the stage and party-goers flocked to the floor to dance and sing along to many a swing classic. With Mr Swing’s own DJ on hand to
keep the dance-floor full well into the small hours, a great night was had by all.
Never a band to resist a photo opportunity, we all crammed into this shot in the photo mirror provided by Club Class Entertainment.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – TALL SHIPS REGATTA
PIER HEAD, LIVERPOOL – SATURDAY 26TH MAY 2018
Liverpool’s wonderful Pier Head area had been invaded by many beautiful tall ships for a weekend full of events. There were five performance stages with the main one outside the Cunard building. Dr Jazz entertained a large crowd in the afternoon sun before Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played a 75-minute set later in the evening. Mr Swing’s set list contained many sing-a-long favourites and the crowd duly obliged.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SAT 19TH MAY 2018
ELMSLIE SCHOOL CENTENARY – IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL
Never before in Mr Swing’s 21-year history has the band played for such wonderful hosts. Sue and Malcolm Humpage had organised a weekend of events for former pupils and staff of the school and had invited Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra to entertain at the showpiece gala dinner. We took to the stage after some emotive speeches and received some lovely comments from guests following our performance.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION – THE SAVOY HOTEL, LONDON – SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2017
What an honour! WHAT. AN. HONOUR!
Lexi Hambro, the event organiser, had booked Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra for her wedding a few years ago and thought the band would be perfect to get party-goers up on their feet at this very special event in one of the country’s most iconic venues.
With photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Sir Laurence Olivier, Albert Einstein, George Bernard Shaw and The Rolling Stones attending events in the ballroom adorning the walls, we felt very humble to be performing in the same historic room.
The evening itself raised tens of thousands for the Make A Wish Foundation and Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was one of many acts to entertain London’s elite, rounding off the night to a packed dance-floor.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – ANGELA & DAVID’s WEDDING – CRATHORNE HALL, YARM – FRIDAY 27th OCTOBER 2017
Having not played at Crathorne Hall for years, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra finds itself booked for two weddings there within a few weeks of each other. The first is for Angela and David, a lovely couple from the north east.
Their first dance caused quite a stir as it ran ‘It Had To Be You’ straight into ‘Gangnam Style’! Mr Swing struck up immediately afterwards and kept the room swinging ’til midnight.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA -KEN & JANE’s WEDDING – SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA – SATURDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2017
Ken and Jane contacted Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra at the turn of the year but wanted to come and see the band in action before booking. The next time we were playing in their neck of the woods was a few months later at Rushpool Hall. When nobody approached us that night I assumed they’d made other plans for their wedding entertainment. On calling Ken and Jane a few days later I discovered they’d sent down their best man who’d listened from the car park as they were away! We must sound just as good from car parks as we do face to face!
On the rainy night itself, Ken and Jane crammed a ridiculous number of people into a marquee and we had an amazing party. Despite water dripping through the marquee lining onto Martin, our drummer, we entertained the massive crowd with swing favourites and kept them on their feet all night.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – OWEN & DAISY’s WEDDING – SHIREOAKS, NOTTS – SATURDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2017
It was a pleasure to play at our colleague Owen’s wedding. Owen has played tenor sax with Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra for ten years and when he announced he was getting married to the wonderful Daisy and tentatively asked if we’d play at the reception we jumped at the chance.
A good friend of the band, Sarah Potts, entertained guests in the afternoon, playing a selection of popular love songs on solo saxophone to set the mood.
Owen and Daisy’s family and friends were a great crowd to play for in the evening and kept the floor packed throughout. As seen here, Owen played a few tunes on the night with Daisy joining in on maracas for ‘Copacabana’!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – 125th ANNIVERSARY DINNER – ROYAL MID SURREY GOLF CLUB – SATURDAY 17th JUNE 2017
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was honoured to be invited to play at the Gala Dinner of this weekend of celebrations for the Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club.
There are Royal Golf Clubs dotted all over the Commonwealth and two delegates from each of these had been invited to attend. With guests from all over the world this really was a multi-national event and thankfully they were all fans of swing music.
Over four hundred guests in total were packed into an enormous marquee and, once Sir Clive Woodward had finished his after-dinner speech, they packed the dance-floor.
Even though we didn’t arrive home until almost breakfast time, it was well worth the trip. My best shoes are still engrained with sand though!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – MARK & PAMELA’s WEDDING – HAROME, NORTH YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 3rd JUNE 2017
It’s not often the band gets to play ‘Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ whilst surrounded by the feathered creatures themselves but so it was at this venue at the foot of the North York Moors national park!
Mark and Pamela’s reception was held in a magnificent triple teepee marquee in the grounds of a country pub. Their well-rehearsed first dance was to Michael Bublé’s ‘Everything’ and everyone in Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra agreed it was the most professional first dance they’d witnessed in a long time. Mr Swing’s own DJ stayed on after the band to keep the party in full swing until the witching hour.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – ROISIN & STEVE’s WEDDING – CRANAGE HALL HOTEL, CHESHIRE – SUNDAY 7th MAY 2017
Roisin and Steve had booked Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra a massive 22 months in advance of their wedding, so keen were they to secure our services!
All the tables at the wedding breakfast were named after swing classics and the happy couple were thrilled we played ‘That Old Black Magic’ as that was the name they’d given the top table.
Roisin spent the whole evening on the dancefloor, dancing to Mr Swing. Quite a feat in a full wedding dress!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – MARCUS & LOREDANA’s WEDDING – EAST BIERLEY, BRADFORD – SATURDAY 15th APRIL 2017
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra has performed in many wedding marquees over the years but nothing like this!
Marcus and Loredana had really gone to town for their big day. Decorated, illuminated trees on the inside of the tent was a first for us….and we’ve seen some sights I can assure you. Every minute detail had been thought through, with hotel-like relaxation areas plus perfume, curling tongs, straighteners and even toothbrushes in the toilets!
Mr Swing played for the drinks reception before the speeches and wedding breakfast, putting the guests in a great mood for the rest of the day.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CORPORATE CHRISTMAS PARTY – THE HIDE, SHEFFIELD – FRIDAY 9th DECEMBER 2016
After the company had had to change venues not once but twice in the run up to this event, Mr Swing members were dreading a wild office party with riotous inebriated revelers causing havoc. How wrong we were!
All the guests were dressed up to the nines in black tie and party frocks and kicked off the evening with an Oscars-style award ceremony. It was another early start for Mr Swing but everybody was up dancing from the first note and the floor remained full right through to senior finance consultant Dominic joining us on stage to sing ‘New York New York’
The band’s own DJ kept the party going long into the night, making this an office Christmas party we’d love to do every year.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – MICHAEL & KATIE’s WEDDING – YORKSHIRE WEDDING BARN, RICHMOND – SATURDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2016
Michael and Katie had seen Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra perform at the annual Thorp Perrow picnic event and decided the band was exactly what they wanted for their wedding.
Mr Swing prepared a version of Wonderful World by Sam Cooke for their first dance at 7pm then, despite the early start, kept the dancefloor full for two hours before the band’s DJ took over until midnight.
As you can see from the photographs, both the band and the guests had a great night….although there’s always that one guest who gets a bit too close!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – KELLY & RYAN’s WEDDING – MARTON HOTEL, MIDDLESBROUGH – SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER 2016
Being mad on the 1940s, Kelly had asked Mr Swing to start off proceedings with a set full of wartime classics and had chosen ‘Moonlight Serenade’ for her first dance with Ryan.
As the night went on, the repertoire moved forwards through the decades keeping guests dancing before heading back in time once more to play an encore of Benny Goodman’s ‘Sing Sing Sing’.
The bride and groom had chosen an eclectic DJ list too which kept the party going into the early hours.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – OSCAR’s PBTC CHARITY BALL – ROYAL ARMOURIES – SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2016
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was honoured to be invited to play at this wonderful event.
Compered on the night by Leeds United’s matchday host Jed Stone, two hundred guests played ‘Heads and Tails’ and ‘True or False’ games, entered raffles, bid on both silent and live auction lots, ate a great meal and, of course, danced to some wonderful music! It was possibly our longest conga line yet for ‘Amarillo’.
Thousands of pounds were raised for this very worthwhile cause. More information on Oscar’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity can be found at www.oscarspbtc.org.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – LIZ & DAVE’s WEDDING – CROWN SPA HOTEL, SCR
ARBOROUGH – SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER 2016
Liz and Dave had rehearsed a secret first dance and needed Mr Swing’s help to give it maximum impact for their unsuspecting guests. After grabbing everyone’s attention with Benny Goodman’s ‘Sing Sing Sing’ we invited the happy couple onto the dancefloor to smooch to ‘Moonlight Serenade’. After playing a shortened version, and with family and friends gathered round taking photographs, I threw Liz and Dave a couple of walking canes and they launched into a brilliant dance routine to Morecambe and Wise’s ‘Bring Me Sunshine’. Needless to say, it went down a storm!
With band and DJ having taken guests’ requests prior to the occasion, a great night was had by all.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – JUDE & CHRIS’s WEDDING – DE GREY ROOMS, YORK – SATURDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2016
After playing for numerous public dances at the De Grey Rooms, this was Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra’s first wedding gig in this beautiful building.
It had been an atrocious day for weather with torrential rain throughout but this hadn’t dampened spirits one little bit! From the bride and groom’s first dance ‘It Had To Be You’ to Jude and Chris leading congas around the room to ‘Amarillo’, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra and DJ entertained family and friends with timeless classics and guest’s requests.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – FAYE & CARL’s WEDDING – THE PARSONAGE NEAR YORK – SATURDAY 13th AUGUST 2016
Faye and Carl had seen Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra in action at their friend’s Sophie and Ben’s wedding at Rowley Manor sixteen months earlier (see 2015 reviews) and had loved the night so much they booked the band for their own reception.
The first wedding Mr Swing ever played for was at The Parsonage and it’s always good to return to this lovely venue. Faye and Carl chose ‘It Had To Be You’ for their first dance and this kicked off a wonderful evening.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – FAMILY CELEBRATIONS GEORGE HOTEL, PIERCEBRIDGE – FRIDAY 24th JUNE 2016
Graham and Gilly were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary which also happened to fall in the same year as their daughter Laura’s 21st and their son Harry’s 18th. Good excuse for a party? You betcha!
With family and friends based in both York and Teeside, Graham and Gilly chose The George Hotel in the lovely village of Piercebridge near Darlington as their venue; an unassuming roadside pub hiding a beautiful ballroom overlooking the river and bridge.
Graham was looking for an authentic band to play original arrangements of classic swing tunes and Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra dutifully obliged – even learning his favourite Louis Jordan song, ‘Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’.
As darkness fell, everyone took to the floor to dance the night away, some playing inflatable saxophones! It takes all sorts.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CHARITY DANCE NIGHT ROYAL HALL, HARROGATE – SATURDAY 14th MAY 2016
Following our performance at the Royal Hall for Children In Need last November, dancer James White invited Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra back to this stunning venue to play for a charity dance in aid of The Rainbow Fund.
The Rainbow Fund raises money for the special care baby unit at Harrogate Hospital, providing life-saving machinery and apparatus. For more information on The Rainbow Fund please visit www.therainbowfund.co.uk
The Royal Hall is an amazing venue in which to perform and members of the band enjoyed joining in the mass dance class during one of the intervals. Cuban breaks and pivots galore!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – STRICTLY BIG BAND NIGHT – DE GREY ROOMS, YORK – SATURDAY 12th MARCH 2016
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played to a sellout room in York’s sumptuous De Grey Ballroom. Dancers travelled from far and wide to grace the floor and show off their ballroom and latin moves.
Mr Swing’s drummer Martin, and his wife Jean, held a beginners’ dance class earlier in the evening and those that took part competed in a beginners’ Strictly dance-off later on to the band’s live performance.
There were two further Strictly competitions for more experienced dancers and the dancing continued between live sets with recorded music. A great night was had by all and we’ll be back in November for another Strictly Big Band Night.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – HELEN & GREG’s WEDDING – DOXFORD HALL nr ALNWICK – SATURDAY 2nd APRIL 2016
It’s been a while since Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were this far north but this crowd were well worth the trip!
Helen and Greg had chosen the beautiful surroundings of Northumberland’s Doxford Hall for their wedding and, after a long day of celebrations, their guests were keen to let their hair down which they did to The Jungle Book’s ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ immediately following the happy couple’s first dance ‘Let There Be Love’.
Mr Swing entertained the audience with swing band classics culminating in a rousing performance of ‘New York New York’ before the band’s own DJ rounded off the evening.

MR SWING’S CHRISTMAS BALLS – YORK St. JOHN UNIVERSITY – FRIDAY 18th & SATURDAY 19th DECEMBER 2015
As usual, this year’s Christmas Balls were a total sellout, getting booked up by the end of September. It was great to see new groups joining us as well as old friends who have been attending for years, some since our first events in 1997!
Temple Hall looked magnificent, with its tables set up beautifully in anticipation of the nights ahead. The food received many a compliment, offering four main courses and three desserts, and the magician, Adam Baxter, went down a treat.
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra kept the dancefloor full throughout the evening and £1300 was raised for the York branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Book early for next year!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CHILDREN IN NEED DANCE – THE ROYAL HALL, HARROGATE – FRIDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2015
Mr Swing did its bit for Children In Need this year by providing live music for the ballroom and latin section of Harrogate dance teacher James White’s 24-hour danceathon. The fundraiser took place in Harrogate’s impressive Royal Hall and ran from 2pm on Friday all the way through the night til 4:30pm on Saturday. We arrived to set up at 6pm with the event already in full swing and were soon joined by Pudsey himself (or one of his helpers) who was put through his paces on the dancefloor.
I just had time to take this photo before Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra took to the stage as the venue filled up for the evening session. We played quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes, jives, cha chas and rumbas plus a few specialist dances such as The Charleston, Gay Gordons and St. Bernard’s Waltz between 8 and 11pm before a salsa band arrived for the midnight shift!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – REMEMBRANCE DAY CONCERT – THE GINGER GOOSE, BRADFORD – SUNDAY 8th APRIL 2015
We were very proud to be invited once again to play a wartime swing gig following Bradford’s Remembrance Day parade. As last year, fantastic posters had been produced to advertise the event and the venue was packed to the rafters with people of all ages enjoying the music.
As you’d expect, Mr Swing’s performance was packed full of Glenn Miller favourites as well as other timeless classics from the 30s and 40s. Roll on next year!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CHARLOTTE & RICH’s WEDDING – PANNAL CC, HARROGATE – SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER 2015
This was a wedding full of surprises! I arrived early to set up Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra on the stage behind a reveal curtain in the marquee along with an Elton John tribute act which Charlotte had booked as a surprise for Richard. Richard scored an equaliser later in the evening though, by joining us on stage to sing a very inebriated rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ to Charlotte…

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – BATTLE OF BRITAIN BALL RAF LEEMING – FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2015
Our annual visit to the Sergeants’ Mess at RAF Leeming didn’t disappoint. It’s a formal event and all the guests look very smart in their uniforms as they arrive…
…but once the ‘Gentlemen, you may remove your jackets’ announcement is made everybody relaxes, dancing into the early hours to Mr Swing and the band’s own DJ.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – PICNIC CONCERT – THORP PERROW ARBORETUM – SATURDAY 18th JULY 2015
This event just gets better and better!
As usual, the crowd surpassed itself, with gazebos galore erected….one even sported bunting!
This year’s picnic concert saw Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra christen the brand new purpose-built stage at Thorp Perrow which had only been finished the previous day.
As darkness fell, and dancing legs were sufficiently wine-filled, the picnickers rose seemingly as one to party the night away.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – FRANKIE & ROB’s WEDDING – FOLLIFOOT NEAR HARROGATE – SATURDAY 13th JUNE 2015
What a fantastic wedding crowd we played for!
When Frankie’s mother and the three bridesmaids left for church, followed by Frankie and her father in beautiful vintage cars, I knew this was going to be a day to remember.
All parties looked stunning in their dresses and morning suits and, with the forecast rain nowhere to be seen, the marquee was all set for the day’s festivities. Whilst Frankie and Rob were saying their vows, the caterers prepared the wedding breakfast and bar and I set up the stage for the evening’s party.
After being well fed and watered, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra took to the stage at about 9:30pm. All the guests bar none literally ran to the dancefloor as soon as we struck up with Benny Goodman’s ‘Sing Sing Sing’ before Rob and Frankie danced their first dance as husband and wife to ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’.
The floor remained full throughout the whole two-hour performance with highlights seeing everybody sitting down rowing imaginary canoes to ‘Hawaii 5-0’, Frankie’s team of girls winning the sing-off in ‘Delilah’ and the longest conga lines ever in ‘Amarillo’.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SUMMER MASKED BALL – DE GREY ROOMS, YORK – SATURDAY 6th JUNE 2015
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra entertained quite an eclectic crowd at this event in York’s historic De Grey Rooms.
York Theatre Royal held a Summer Masked Ball in their beautiful sister venue, with an audience made up of ballroom dancers, big band fans and revellers including a hen party!
Our drummer’s wife, Jean Harvey, ran a beginners’ dance class for an hour before the main event. A group of thirty or so were put through their paces being taught some moves for a jive and a social foxtrot.
Guests arrived at 7:30pm and were welcomed with a glass of fizz and some very tasty looking canapés before Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played styles to suit all attendees, with those who had attended the earlier dance lesson keen to try out their new skills and many of the band augmenting their attire to suit the evening’s theme.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – LESLEY & MARIO’s WEDDING – GISBOROUGH HOTEL – MONDAY 25th MAY 2015
What a gorgeous venue! With an elegant twin staircase sweeping down into the good-sized function room, Gisborough Hall Hotel really knows how to cater for weddings. Lesley had styled everything herself, down to the minutist detail, and the room looked amazing.
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played ‘For Once In My Life’ for the happy couple’s first dance and, with Mario being italian, Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amoré’ and ‘Mambo Italiano’ went down particularly well!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SOPHIE & BEN’S WEDDING – ROWLEY MANOR, EAST YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 25th APRIL 2015
What an amazing group of people we played for at Rowley Manor!
Sophie, Ben and their guests danced non-stop throughout Mr Swing’s three 40-minute sets. From the first dance ‘For Once In My Life’ to the ‘Amarillo’ congas over three hours later, these wedding goers filled the dancefloor; a tremendous effort from one and all!
There was a personal connection too. Mr Swing’s lead alto player, Rachael Hammerton, had taught Sophie the flute whilst she was at school and Rachael took the opportunity to catch up with many former students.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – GRAND VALENTINE’s BALL – CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, LIVERPOOL – SATURDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2015
What a great night we had helping to raise money for The Melanie Beattie Appeal Fund in Liverpool!
Well in excess of 200 guests enjoyed a sumptious meal before being royally entertained by Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra with the dancefloor full throughout.
Money was raised on the night by means of a raffle and an auction with Mr Swing’s very own bass player Jill bidding highest on one of the lots; Director’s Box tickets to a Premier League match at Goodison Park!
Many thanks from Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra go to Laurence Grant et al from My Photos Forever for this shot of the band:

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – REMEMBRANCE DAY CONCERT – THE GINGER GOOSE, BRADFORD – SUNDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2014
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was very honoured to be invited to play a concert on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of The Great War.
The band doesn’t play music that dates back as far as as 1914 however, so we concentrated on putting together a programme that would have been heard in dance halls during WWII.
The venue really went to town on the advertising, producing amazing posters, flyers and advertising hoardings as well as writing press releases and getting an all-important endorsement from The Royal British Legion.
If truth be told, members of the band were a little anxious about performing in a city centre pub, especially as Bradford City were playing in the FA Cup and the start of the concert coincided with kick-off time, but any fears were soon allayed as The Ginger Goose filled and filled and filled until it was bursting at the seams with people from all walks of life from families with children to ex-servicemen sporting medals. Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra played plenty of Glenn Miller favourites, as you’d expect, interspersed with well-known songs of the period so everyone could have a good sing-song. And each tune was met with rapturous applause.
All in all an amazing afternoon. I have never had my hand shaken by so many people after a performance. We truly made people’s day. Needless to say we’re currently in negotiations to do it all again next year! Now, all Bradford City Council has to do is sort out its city centre road layout so we can get near enough to the venue to unload without having to go down ‘bus-only’ roads and incur £60 fines!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – NHS TEA DANCE – MIDDLETON ARENA, MANCHESTER – SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER 2014
It’s not often Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra plays at daytime events but when the Middleton NHS came calling wanting live music for an over-60s tea dance to help promote their services it sounded like a great idea and the band was only too happy to help out.
500 free tickets had been given out to attend one of the three sessions the band was playing between 11:45am and 3:30pm. The idea being that the first group would leave after the first session as the second group arrived to take their place. Once there though, most people stayed for the remainder of the day and by mid-afternoon the arena was packed to the rafters! The whole thing was deemed a great success by the organisers who hope to repeat the event next year.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – WILL & LISA’s WEDDING – HORTON GRANGE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE – SATURDAY 31st MAY 2014
The sun was shining, the sky was blue and all the guests were well up for a party!
Will and Lisa had chosen ‘It Had To Be You’ as their first dance and had rehearsed some lovely moves to impress their family and friends.
As the night went on, the stag night lads donated their stylish pink shades to Mr Swing’s vocalist, Phil Chapman…!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – ELIOR AWARDS DINNER IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD – FRIDAY 14th MARCH 2014
We had played at this event before and were very pleased to be invited back, this time to the impressive Imperial War Museum and a great day out was had by all!
The client had requested a 20-piece band so I set to work constructing and painting a few new ‘Mr S’ music stands and bolstering our ranks.
The celebrity guest this time was Natasha Kaplinski who we played onto the stage each time with the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme. Natasha was lovely and very happy to pose with us after the gig.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – HELEN & GRAHAM’s WEDDING, HEADLAM HALL, DARLINGTON – SATURDAY 4th JANUARY 2014
What an amazing start to 2014! We had played at Helen’s sister’s wedding at Durham Castle in 2011 and were very pleased to be invited to entertain the family again.
The bride and groom had put together a tremendous routine for their first dance (pictured below) and this set the scene for a great night, culminating in by far the noisiest audience participation ending we’ve enjoyed for quite some time.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – NURSES CONFERENCE – MAJESTIC HOTEL, HARROGATE – MONDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2013
What a great gig! The room looked amazing, especially as the red Mr Swing stands matched the red theme that Shirel and Michael had chosen.
And the red theme continued in abundance as not one, not two but 36 bridesmaids (yes 36, not a typo!) arrived wearing identical red dresses!
Shirel runs a cheerleading club and had enlisted her troupe in performing carefully choreographed dances, joining the bride and groom after their first dance.
When it came to ‘Delilah’, instead of the customary boys versus girls or bride’s family and friends versus those of the groom, we ended up with mothers versus daughters!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CAROLINE & GUY’s WEDDING – SEXHOW PARK FARM, HUTTON RUDBY – SATURDAY 26th OCTOBER 2013
What a night! What a night we had!! This was one hell of a party.
The venue (scene of a summer solstice festival every year) was packed to the rafters with revellers hell bent on celebrating Caroline and Guy’s big day.
This photo shows the bride being lifted aloft during a rousing rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ (what else!).
By the end of Mr Swing’s performance health and safety had been hoofed into touch with party-goers surfing on tables and canoeing on each others shoulders to ‘Hawaii 5-0’!
Mr Swing members also played the game ‘How many people can we fit in a photo booth?’ Answer: The whole band (but we can’t all be in the picture!)

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – BATTLE OF BRITAIN BALL RAF LEEMING – FRIDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2013
Another great night at RAF Leeming! This is one of Mr Swing’s favourite events and the band looks forward to it every year.
An added attraction this time around was a Spitfire dogfight simulator. Interesting to know that trombonists are best at playing ‘war’!
All in all another great night with the dancefloor packed from start to finish.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – PICNIC CONCERT THORP PERROW ARBORETUM – SATURDAY 27th JULY 2013
This was Mr Swing’s seventh year among the trees at Thorp Perrow and it proved to be the best yet. The glorious weather attracted so many people that the venue ran out of printed tickets a few days before the event!
Well over two hundred picnickers packed the lawn opposite the stage where they were royally entertained with swing band classics. Much Pimm’s and wine was consumed until everyone was on their feet as darkness fell, dancing the night away.
This is just one section of the vast crowd….

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CAROLINE & JACK’s WEDDING – THE OLD LODGE, MALTON – SATURDAY 13th JULY 2013
There was a trans-Atlantic feel to this wedding as Jack’s from the other side of the pond and many of his friends and family had made the trip over for the big day.
All the Ratpack favourites went down very well as you’d expect and Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra were joined on stage towards the end of the evening by Groomsman Patrick performing a terrific rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – BIG BAND DANCE NIGHT – DE GREY ROOMS, York – SATURDAY 4th May 2013
The first Big Band Dance Night of the year held at York’s beautiful De Grey Rooms was a great success. The impressive Georgian ballroom was sold out with 120 dancers filling the floor from start to finish.

‘Jean Harvey Dance’ ran an hour’s lesson beforehand for around 50 beginners who were keen to show off their new moves when Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra took to the stage.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SHIREL & MICHAEL’s WEDDING – CROWN & MITRE HOTEL, CARLISLE – SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER 2012
What a great gig! The room looked amazing, especially as the red Mr Swing stands matched the red theme that Shirel and Michael had chosen.
And the red theme continued in abundance as not one, not two but 36 bridesmaids (yes 36, not a typo!) arrived wearing identical red dresses!
Shirel runs a cheerleading club and had enlisted her troupe in performing carefully choreographed dances, joining the bride and groom after their first dance.
When it came to ‘Delilah’, instead of the customary boys versus girls or bride’s family and friends versus those of the groom, we ended up with mothers versus daughters!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – BRITISH GERIATRICS SOCIETY MAJESTIC HOTEL, HARROGATE – THURSDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2012
You’d be forgiven for thinking our audience was mainly made up of octogenarians pushing zimmer frames but this event marked the final night of the conference for those learned folk working in the field of geriatrics!
It’s a gig the Yorkshire swing band has done a couple of times before and, as usual after a few days heavy conferencing, everyone was ready to let their hair down. Mr Swing went down so well they’ve already booked us for next year.
Took this snap before the guests came in for dinner. Beautiful tree, even though it was still November…

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – St GEMMA’s WINTER BALL CENTENARY PAVILION, LEEDS UNITED – SATURDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2012
It was an honour to be invited back to play for the wonderful supporters of St. Gemma’s Hospice.
Well over 300 guests raised a massive £25,000 for the charity with raffles, auctions and quizzes keeping the money rolling in during the evening.
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra went down well with the chessboard dancefloor remaining full throughout.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – JILL & SIMON’s WEDDING – BEAMISH HALL HOTEL, Co DURHAM – SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2012
This one had been a long time coming. Jill and Simon had booked Mr Swing for their big day in October 2010!
As the guests played lawn games after the wedding breakfast and speeches I set up in the beautiful Winter Rooms of Beamish Hall. All pillars and ornate features with a white lace starcloth as a backdrop to the band.
The bride and groom had chosen Dean Martin’s That’s Amoré as their first dance; a dance they had to do twice as some of their guests were busy finishing a nailbiting game of croquet and missed the first rendition!
The evening was rounded off in traditional style with family and friends circling the happy couple in ‘New York New York’ before Jill and Simon lead the congas to ‘Amarillo’.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – BETH & CARL’s WEDDING – THE HOSPITUM, YORK – FRIDAY 25th MAY 2012
Déjà vu! Our second May wedding at York’s beautiful Hospitium.
This time it was the turn of Beth and Carl who met on the Ultimate Frisbee team at York University.
Many family and friends had seen the happy couple exit the ceremony to the finale music from Star Wars earlier in the day and were well up for a party in the evening.
With Beth hailing from New York, there was a good number of guests from the Big Apple dancing away to Mr Swing’s rendition of Rat-pack favourites. Sinatra’s New York New York was an obvious choice and the encore of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline went down a storm, especially with the transatlantic crowd who were heard shouting “So good, so good, so good” in the choruses.
Talk of Engelbert and Jedward’s Eurovision hopes was somewhat lost on them though!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – LAURA & ANDY’s WEDDING – THE HOSPITUM, YORK – FRIDAY 4th MAY 2012
Since its refurbishment a couple of years ago, The Hospitium in York’s magnificent Museum Gardens is now one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire to get married. Laura and Andy had booked Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra to entertain them and their guests after seeing the swing band at its own Christmas Ball in December. (Thank you to Georgina Harrison Photography)
The downstairs room at The Hospitium is perfect for dancing and everyone was up on their feet from start to finish; the highlight being the four bridesmaids choosing an usher each to dance with to ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’.
A really great night in one of York’s best wedding venues.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – KATY & MATT’s WEDDING – NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM, YORK – NEW YEAR’s EVE 2011
Katy and Matt had chosen the beautiful surroundings of the National Railway Museum in York for their wedding ceremony and reception. Over 100 friends and family were there to join in the celebrations.
The Yorkshire swing band went down very well with the well-dressed guests as you can see (thank you to Brian Harte Photography)….

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – POCKLINGTON WAR BALL EAST YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 2ND JULY 2011
What a great event Mr Swing attended at the weekend. Pocklington School had gone for a wartime theme for their end of year bash and they’d pulled out all the stops.
The old station hall at Pocklington Station (now the school’s gym!) had been transformed into a scene straight out of the 40s. There were union flags as far as the eye could see, patriotic bunting, parachutes hanging from the ceiling and even a Battle of Britain dogfight going on overhead courtesy of the art department. All the waiting staff were decked out in camouflage and the loos were air raid shelters stacked up with sandbags.
The 300 guests had also gone to town on their costumes, with people in forces uniforms, landgirl outfits, nurses, even a sheik! And an authentic air raid warning siren called them to dinner.
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra took to the camouflage-netted stage just after 10pm and kept the dancefloor jam-packed til well after midnight, playing a mixture of swing band classics with a generous helping of 40s tunes thrown in for good measure.
All in all the Yorkshire swing band had a tremendous evening and hope to play for this audience many times in the future.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – END OF SEASON AWARDS CENTENARY PAVILLION, LEEDS UNITED – SATURDAY 30TH APRIL 2011
We were very excited to be invited back to the amazing Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United for their end of season awards evening.
The whole squad were there, signing autographs for the 960 guests as they arrived. The manager, Simon Grayson, and chairman, Ken Bates, made speeches during dinner before the players’ awards ceremony began to constant standing ovations.
Finally it was Mr Swing’s turn to entertain.
Due to the extraordinary number of people to fit in for dinner, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was some way from the dancefloor but we managed to get our swing and big band classics across through the melee. The Tom Jones trilogy went down a storm and Leeds swing band fans danced the night away!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – KAREN COATES’ 40TH BIRTHDAY – BLACKWELL GRANGE HOTEL, DARLINGTON – SATURDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2011
Karen’s husband Jon, a cameraman for the BBC, had organised a superb evening for nigh on 200 family and friends up in the North East.
Once they had booked Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra it occurred to them that, to do it justice, they should learn a few ballroom dance moves. So they and a few dozen of their friends dutifully attended dance classes leading up to the big day.
On the night itself I was informed they’d learnt a foxtrot, quickstep, jive and cha cha so I chose one example of each from the Mr Swing setlist and the band played the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ theme tune to introduce a mass dance off on each occasion.
This was a first for Mr Swing. Never before had we had an audience so dedicated to the cause! Needless to say, the band went down a storm and its members really appreciated the immensely positive response from the guests.
Donations were invited on the night to Darlington Breast Cancer Care – a charity close to Karen’s heart.
Jon descibed Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra as the best swing band in the North East!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – ELIOR AWARDS DINNER MANCHESTER MONASTERY – THURSDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2011
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was very honoured indeed to be invited to play at this national awards dinner in the majestic Manchester Monastery. What an amazing venue!
Six big screens had been erected to show live pictures from around the huge venue and an extraordinary number of moving lights made the whole event very similar to the Oscars.
Fiona Bruce hosted the evening and the hundreds of guests were entertained by the Manchester Citadel Choir between courses before the four glitzy girls of Siren electric string quartet took to the stage amidst backing tracks and pirotechnics.
Finally, at 11:30pm, with the crowd chomping at the bit, it was time to let them get up and dance to Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. And dance they did. Solidly for ninety minutes, as if they didn’t see many swing bands in Manchester!
We don’t seem to be able to do a gig these days without somebody in the band being propositioned. This time it was the turn of lead tenor player Owen Newby but, being the laid back character he is, he took it all in his stride.
Take a look at the setting (surely one of the best for a North West swing band)……

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2010
KATIE & LUCY’s CIVIL PARTNERSHIP RECEPTION – AMADEUS CENTRE, LONDON
There had been so much snow up in Yorkshire during the week that I was worried the swing band wouldn’t make it down for Katie and Lucy’s big day but make it we did and I’m so glad.
What a brilliant event! The hospitality of the staff and caterers was second to none and the lighting technician did an amazing job lighting the London swing band venue and the band itself.
The dancefloor was packed from the first dance to the last. One of Mr Swing’s members even appeared on the floor at one point having been whisked off his feet by a guest during the final smooch of the evening ‘Moonlight Serenade’!
The highlight for me, though, was seeing dozens of party-goers with roses in their mouths, tangoing to ‘La Cumparsita’ a la Jack Lemmon and ‘Oswald’ dance from ‘Some Like It Hot’ while Tony Curtis seduced Marilyn Monroe on Oswald’s yacht. Classic!
All in all well worth the weather-related stress, the early morning start and the 5:30am return – we’d even had time to visit the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Beautiful.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CENTENARY PAVILION LEEDS UNITED FC
WEDNESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2010
Well, where do I start?? Mr Swing had been invited to perform at the prestigious opening evening of Yorkshire’s largest conference and events venue and it really lives up to its billing. It can seat up to 1400 people to dinner and truly is a rather swish facility and a truly amazing West Yorkshire swing band venue.
Anyway, on to the gig itself.
Important bods from all across the county and beyond had been invited and well over 200 companies were represented. Mr Swing took centre stage (quite literally as there were three of them!) and was performing in a genuine twenty foot square boxing ring! No joke. Another potential use of the venue it seems.
The guests were entertained during the meal by an up and coming young (10!) comedian, Jack Carroll, who has already appeared on The One Show with Jason Manford. Tenors Unlimited followed each course (stage right), singing popular operatic toons with a bit of Mickey Bubbles thrown in for good measure.
Then it happened.
Some members of Mr Swing are still undergoing counselling.
The Globe Girls arrived…..

A burlesque dance troop made up of five very trim young ladies……..until you looked a bit closer. Suffice it to say that I really can’t go into more details on this website.
Mr Swing took over for dancing for the last hour; its musicians shellshocked…..

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – CHRIS & GILL’s WEDDING
ILKLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2010
What an amazing venue! With amazing views! And such a welcoming crowd.
I arrived early in the day to get set up in the marquee behind a ‘reveal’ curtain as Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was to be a surprise to the guests immediately after the speeches. The big reveal worked well and after the swing band’s customary opening of ‘Sing Sing Sing’, Chris and Gill’s first dance, ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’, had the camera bulbs flashing away.
I had noticed various bekilted gentlemen in attendance so slotted ‘The Gay Gordons’ into the second set, much to the appreciation of the scottish contingent. We had to time its inclusion to coincide with the BBC’s coverage of the last night of the Proms switching from BBC2 to BBC1 as it’s an instrumental number which gave our BBC employed singer the four minutes he needed on his laptop to ensure the Middlesbrough region made the switch successfully!
Who says swing bands in Yorkshire can’t multi-task?!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – PICNIC CONCERT
THORP PERROW ARBORETUM – SATURDAY 31ST JULY 2010
What a wonderful evening we had at Thorp Perrow Arboretum on Saturday. It was our fourth year of this outdoor event and a friendly and responsive audience tucked into their picnics as Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra entertained them with classic swing band favourites.
As dusk descended and wine flowed the crowd got to their feet to swing their hips and dance the night away. By the end of the third set everybody was singing along to the North Yorkshire swing band’s renditions of ‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Things’.
These really are great evenings and we hope to see you all again next year. If you haven’t been before, keep an eye on the Public Events page for next year’s date.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA PLUS DISCO – BARNABY’s 21st FOSTON, EAST YORKSHIRE – SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2010
What a great night we had!
Lots of family and friends in attendance to witness the birthday boy himself joining the ranks of Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra on 3rd trombone. Unfortunately Barnaby was rather too inebriated to remember how to play the damned thing and complained that the music was ‘all fuzzy’!
And what we saw when the kilted man was rowing around the dancefloor to ‘Hawaii 5-0’ will haunt me forever!
East Yorkshire swing band fans know how to party!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – GUY & KAREN’s WEDDING YORK MAZE – SATURDAY 22ND MAY 2010
Guy and Karen enjoyed wonderful weather for their wedding last weekend along with a great venue for York swing bands in York Maze.
When I arrived to set up, guests had just finished their meal and were engaged in a cricket match in the glorious sunshine whilst the children (and a few adults it must be said) played on a giant inflatable pillow – just one of the attractions York Maze has to offer.
The venue itself is a good sized room with an excellent high and spacious stage, perfect for Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. Guy and Karen had chosen ‘It Had To Be You’ as their first dance and we followed this up with a specially rehearsed arrangement of ‘My Funny Valentine’ for Karen’s mum, Anne.
A now customary ‘battle of the families’ rendition of the Tom Jones classic ‘Delilah’ was won hands-down by Guy’s family and friends, responding to Karen’s team’s ‘My my my Delilah’ with a frankly deafening ‘Why why why Delilah?’
All the best to the happy couple from all at Mr Swing.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA & FORTISSIMO – SAM & STEFAN’s WEDDING YORK RUGBY & CRICKET CLUB – FRIDAY 26TH MARCH 2010
When Mr Swing recorded a CD back in 2002, the producer for the week was Alex Browne. This was Alex’s sister Sam’s wedding and she and her fiancé, Stefan, had gone for a gangster theme.
All the ladies were decked out as gangster’s molls or flapper girls, while the gents donned suits and trilbies. There were even a few tommy guns in evidence!
Julie from Fortissimo entertained the guests as they arrived and during the meal before Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra invited Sam and Stefan onto the floor for their first dance, ‘We have all the time in the World’. To fit in with the occasion much was made of the gangster-themed ‘Bad Bad Leroy Brown’ and ‘Mack the Knife’. In fact Phil managed to slip in a good many gangster-related comments throughout the evening.
The swing band’s three sets ended in traditional style with the bride and groom circled by their friends for ‘New York, New York’ before leading two congas around the room to ‘Amarillo’. The two lines of guests were eventually led out of the venue to wave off the happy couple as they were whisked away to an unknown location in a waiting limo.
What a great night……and the new numbers went down a treat too!

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA & AB FAB DISCO – YORK & AINSTY (NORTH) HUNT BALL – GT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND, HARROGATE – SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2010
Having played before for York & Ainsty (South), members of Mr Swing were looking forward to an appreciative audience at the ‘Northern’ annual ball and weren’t disappointed.
It was rather a late start in the end with the Harrogate swing band playing one long ninety minute set instead of the usual two. After a meal and various formalities and presentations, guests at these events are often itching to get up and dance and this was no exception.
It was very noticeable that some ‘southern’ members had infiltrated the ranks when the customary chant of ‘Mr Bojangles’ was heard ringing out between numbers early on. Thanks for the support guys!
With Ab Fab Disco taking the reins through ‘til 2am, the dance-floor was packed solidly for three hours.

MR SWING’S DANCE ORCHESTRA – NEW YEAR’S EVE 2009
BRIDLINGTON SPA, EAST YORKSHIRE
Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra was booked to support the legendary Joe Loss Orchestra for their annual New Year visit to Bridlington Spa (a famous venue for swing bands in the North East, North West and North, South, East and West Yorkshire).
An enormous venue with a huge crowd of Joe Loss fans – over 700 strong!
With Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra being the largest band to play alongside Joe Loss at the event over the years, stage management was going to be of paramount importance and to this end I liaised at length with Todd Miller, leader of the Joe Loss Orchestra since Joe’s passing twenty years ago.
Great fella Todd, consummate professional, and we had the changeovers down to five or ten minutes throughout the evening.
Mr Swing took to the stage at 8:00pm and had the not insubstantial dance-floor full within 32 bars! After an hour of swing band and big band classics, it was very pleasing to be approached by a group of Todd’s regular followers and told we were by far the best support they’d seen on New Year’s Eve in all the many years they’d been attending.
Todd and the gang then kept the floor full throughout a 90 minute set including anything and everything as Mr Swing members enjoyed themselves on the balcony with some formation tomfoolery.
After two and a half hours of non-stop dancing, the audience was understandably flagging and Mr Swing’s second set was more of a concert with guests singing along, conserving their energy and refuelling ready to bring in the New Year with Todd Miller and the Joe Loss Orchestra.
All in all a great evening and an event we’d love to play again.

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