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1940's/1920's Swing Band based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and providing services across the UK
Ashby Big Band is a swing orchestra formed in 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of WW2. Since then the 1940s re-enactment scene has really taken off. It is not only one of the best Glenn Miller tribute bands in the Country but also one of the most versatile on the 40s entertainment circuit. In addition to the Miller standards and a repertoire that includes the "top 100 hits of the 40s", we cater to dedicated swing dancers with music from Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Caro Emerald etc for Lindy, Shim Sham, Balboa,
Shag and more.
The WW2/1940s events we play at change from year to year. However, to demonstrate how far the band has come, we provide you with some highlights of the last year. Contact us today for more information about our upcoming events or ballroom music in Derbyshire, Wales, Nottingham and Yorkshire.
Swing Band Highlights
Guernsey Liberation
Established as Guernsey's favourite Big Bands we have played at 14 Hangar Balls and seven Tea Dances helping the Islands Celebrate their Liberation in WW2
The Victory Show
One of the biggest 1940s shows in the Country. We returned in August this year for an 10th time, entertaining the troops on Friday night and bringing the Big Band sound to the Saturday night's dinner dance along with the D Day Darlings
Bletchley Park
Perhaps one of the most iconic WW2 venues, we played at both the VE80 and 1940s weekends in 2025
Yorkshire Wartime Event
The Yorkshire Wartime Event is the biggest military show in the North of England. The Ashby Big Band play at their Saturday night Dance. This August was our 12th year
Welshpool 1940s
In September we returned for a 10th time to play the Saturday night dance of Wales' top 1940s weekend.
Ironbridge 1940s
Firmly established as one of the best 40s weekends in the Country, the Band are proud to play each year at the fantastic sell-out "Grand Dance". Already looking forward to 2026!
1940s Weekender
Sleap Arfield
Now in its 3rd year the 1940s Weekender is the fastest growing show on the 40s scene. This year in a Marquee, the Saturday night dance has sold out to 300 dancers well before the event in August. Already looking forward to 2026
Great Central Railway 1940s Weekend
In May we returned to to our local Heritage Steam Railway for the popular Saturday night dance
Not all venues and events need a full big band. The Ashby "little" Big Band also played throughout the WW2 weekends and Hangar Balls held by Crich Tramway Museum, GCR, RAF Metheringham, The Festival of Vintage, Melton Mowbray, March into the Forties, Lytham, Queensbury, Peak Rail, BCLM, Stoke Bruerne, Chesterfield Council, Sheffield Council, Mansfield Council and NWLDC. Derbyshire Council and Leicestershire Council
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