A TOWN will be swinging to the sultry jazz sounds of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra when residents celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the start of June.
With the Jubilee weekend fast approaching, plans are taking shape, with the 1920s/30s jazz act set to take the stage for a free concert on Saturday evening, June 4.
Event organiser Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the Pasadena Roof Orchestra to Ross to help us all mark this important moment in our country’s history.
“I look forward to attending the event and many of the other planned celebrations over the Bank Holiday weekend.”
He said the town “had been waiting on the result of a grant application to a major national funder” before confirming the performance, which will be limited to 500 ticket holders under a temporary events licence,, who can apply on a first-come, first-served basis.
With a reputation across the UK, Europe and beyond, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music to widespread acclaim for more than 50 years.
Concert-goers will be able to enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries and relive electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.
Presenting the show, and putting on the top hat and tails, will be suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway.
“Pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour,” added Cllr O’Driscoll.
The event will begin at 7pm at the Bandstand on Wye Street, with refreshments available throughout the evening.
It is one of several events being planned in the town to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a concert in St Mary’s Church on Wednesday, June 1, followed by the choirs singing a specially composed song around the nearby beacon in Prospect Gardens, and a “high tea” and dance with Ross Town Band.
An Art Exhibition will also run in the church over a three-week period, with entries from local schools, art and camera clubs.
Other events include screenings of the colour film “A Queen is Crowned”, the Trooping of the Colour and the Service of Thanksgiving.
The town council is also giving out up to £100 to individual street parties and other community events “to pay for jelly and bunting”, Coun O’Driscoll added.
A free family story-trail will also run from April 30 to June 12 thanks to the town council teaming up with High Street Safari.
A council spokesperson said: “This innovative experience let families choose what happens in the story and is completely contactless, with anyone with a smartphone being able to take part for free.
“Players will not only discover cute characters along the route, but they also get to see them burst to life in augmented reality and take selfies and record videos with them!
For more information, see the Ross Town Council website or the council’s Facebook page.