Test Valley Borough Council’s Big Band Buffet is coming back in November, bringing residents live music and the chance to meet old friends and make some new ones.

The free event got national recognition in 2022 for its positive impact in reducing anti-social behaviour and promoting community confidence, after being highly commended in the Best Project category, at Resolve’s ASB Awards.

This year’s event, for residents over 55, will be held at Test Valley School in Stockbridge on Saturday November 4 between 11am and 3pm.

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The Clive Fortune Big Band will perform some of their best big band classics and jazz standards, including originals from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, with a few contemporary hits thrown into the mix. 

The event will also have speakers and representatives from a wide range of organisations including the police, fire service, Southern Electricity Networks, Southern Water, Citizens Advice, I-Can Therapy and more, offering advice on how people can stay safe and well at home.

Cllr Terese Swain, borough council community, leisure and tourism portfolio holder, said: “The Big Band Buffet is always a wonderful event and a brilliant way to spend a Saturday. You can enjoy food and entertainment with people of a similar age, but you can also get some vital support and advice from the number of organisations in attendance. 

“I thoroughly recommend anyone over the age of 55 to apply for a ticket.”

To book a place, or for more information, call 01264 368840.