Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, joined Cllr. Huw David to watch a sneak peak of the Bridgend Swing Band’s latest performance as they gear up to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
Founded in 1983 by the late Bill Davies, a legendary band leader, educator and trumpeter, Bridgend Swing Band is now celebrating its 40th anniversary under the dedicated stewardship of Wendy Clarke.
The band has helped develop top musical talent in the area with a roster of band members going on to perform around the globe. The most recent alumni of the band to do so was Sophie Perriam who joined the Band of the Royal Marines and Joe Elliott as a member of the Band of the Irish Guards to performed at King Charles III coronation.
Not only does the band help bring people together in Bridgend to celebrate the joys of music, they are a dedicated group of fundraisers. In recent history they have raised thousands of pounds for charities.
The band practices at the Treoes Community Hall.
Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:
“We are so lucky in Ogmore to have community groups who bring music to life for so many. From nurturing the next generation of maestros to raising money for local charities these bands go above and beyond to deliver joy.
I cannot thank Bridgend Swing Band enough for letting myself and Cllr. Huw David have a sneak peak of of their future performances. We were treated to pieces from Miller to Morrison with the larger-than-life Goldfinger track topping it all off!
I’d encourage anyone in Bridgend or the surrounding area to go and see the band when they are next in town. Their vocals and playing is second to none!”