Jazz proves a big pull at Newbury bandstand

Jazz is alive and kicking in Newbury. Yesterday's (Saturday) appearance of Newbury Jazz Platform in Victoria Park Bandstand proved a big success, attracting some 150 people.

"It was amazing, more than I have seen at any brass or silver band," said event organiser Paul Worsley of Sound Newbury.

Check out the video at https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0SGY8gBYGSiNzX

• Next up on Saturday, The Rectory Close Jammers, a group of neighbours who got together during the lockdown in May 2020 to entertain the residents of Rectory Close in Newbury for VE Day celebrations to keep their spirits lifted. On Thursday evenings, when we all stood on our doorsteps clapping for the NHS in March 2020, Andy Sparkes and Rosie Jordan discovered that they were living very close to several incredibly talented musicians - Bex Bright, Oonagh Dockley, Lizzie Lock, Daphne George and Gary Rawlins.
• The group of residents organised several outdoor street music events over the past two years to entertain their neighbours and their families. The four remaining band members, Gary, Lizzie, Andy and Rosie have kept the band going and are looking forward to playing at Victoria Park bandstand from 3pm, with local professional musician, Den Greensmith also playing alongside.
• Lizzie Lock is well known across West Berkshire and beyond for her incredible talent and enthusiasm for music, running Boogie Mites fun, music sessions for young children and with her band, Group Sax on her Saxophone. Gary Rawlins is well known locally at the open mic sessions on his guitar and incredible collection of harmonicas/harps and also across the Isle of Wight playing with the island band The Hillmans.

"The Rectory Close Jammers would love you to come and join in with singing their songs on Saturday afternoon and will be raising funds for WDP West Berkshire".

https://www.wdp.org.uk/west-berkshire

Why not take a picnic, rug and chairs, sit back and enjoy.