On Friday, 1 August, the BBO Big Band will bring the Festival to a rousing finale. The BBO was set up to make money for local charities whilst also gratifying the needs of big band devotees to both play and listen to great swing music. It is now in its 22nd year and going from strength to strength.

The musicians are a mix of professionals and semi-pros, and even a few who have retired but can’t stay away from the excitement of playing big band swing. Resident vocalists are Steve Bailey and Tricia Bassett, who perfectly reproduce the swing era singing styles.

The music repertoire has evolved and extended but is still firmly rooted in the big band era of Ellington, Basie, Kenton and Miller whilst adding exciting arrangements and compositions of Niehaus, Nestico, and others. However the band stays and plays together not only because of the enjoyment of playing great music but also because the band has its own warmth and spirit.

The concert starts at 7.45pm and will finish by 10pm. The bar will be open before the show and during the interval.

Tickets are available at £12 or £10, with a £1 off concessionary rate and for Your Reading Passport holders. A half-price ticket for this event or for any one of the other musical events in the third week of the Festival can be booked when booking a ticket to Taming of the Shrew.

A pre-show supper is available at Forbury's French Restaurant at an additional price of just £13.95. See the Booking page for more details or book your tickets now via Reading Arts.