Jon Bennett Big Band

Take a step back in time and party 1940s-style in this year’s special Big Band Blitz at York House Twickenham. You can dance the night away with the Jon Bennett Big Band and enjoy the showbiz guests, mingle with 1940's re-enactors, view the 1940s vehicles, and even hear the Air-Raid Warning. You will see 1940's posters/newspapers / memorabilia, and you can buy food / drink at the licensed NAAFI . There will also be a special 1940's museum, and some great prizes in the Celebrity Charity Raffle Draw.

The Jon Bennett Big Band will play the music of Glenn Miller and other Big Band songs of the period, and will feature special ‘showbiz’ guests, including the 1940s three girl sensation, My Favourite Things; the acclaimed new singing sensation from France, Aurora Colson; actor/singer Jack Pinder ; top big band vocalist Fiona Paige (vocalist with the John Miller Orchestra, nephew of Glenn Miller); legendary vocalist, Peter French (formerly lead vocalist with Atomic Rooster); and Peter Hammerton (formerly with the legendary band The Others) as George Formby; plus a few surprise guests.

Big Band Blitz was featured on BBC TVs Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 to mark 70 years since the start of the Second World War. This year, the 16th year of Big Band Blitz, the night will commemorate 75 years since the Battle of Britain, and 75 years since VE-Day and VJ-Day.

This charity event will help benefit The Mayor’s Charity Appeal (registered charity no. 290585), which this year is the Alzheimer’s Society.