THE Michelmersh Silver Band has announced that it will be joined by some special guests during its Beggars Day performance.

The band will be joined by the Spitfire Sisters at Romsey Abbey for an evening performance of music and songs for all tastes on July 8.

After a day of playing two open-air Beggar’s Fair sets, band members will boogie on down to the Abbey in the afternoon to rehearse with their guests.

The three-part vocal harmony trio will be recreating the nostalgic sounds of the 30s and 40s in the style of the Andrews Sisters and will also be joining forces with the band to perform big-band classics such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Dean Martin’s hit song Sway, along with a couple of their own compositions.

In a varied and interesting programme from the band, soloists will include cornet player Jan Boler playing another Rat Pack classic, Sammy Davis Jr’s Mr Bojangles, and Mark Streather showing off his percussionist’s dexterity with a bit of Joyous Rhythm.

There will also be a chance for some unashamed flag-waving and audience participation in the Proms-style finale featuring favourites such as Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory.

Tickets are currently available to purchase from the Romsey Visitor Centre or online.

Article first published in Romsey Advertiser