A NEW all-women big band will be having their first show at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday.

The Swing Birds will be sharing the bill with the Nathan Jones Allstars at the event beginning at 7.30pm.

Mo Squires has always wanted to play in a female big band, in the vein of the Ivy Benson Band. There is no similar group locally which left Mo with a wealth of talent to pick from.

Mo said: “It should be a great, great occasion. Most of the band are made up of local girls, we’ve put in a lot of preparation and it should be a wonderful show. We will be mixing traditional and modern.”

Mo is the leader of the Nathan Jones Allstars’ saxophone section and said it is a privilege for her own band to take part in the event.

“Nathan has always wanted to his band to play at the Wyvern Theatre and I have always wanted a female troupe, so we thought this show was a really good idea,” she said.

“Our dazzling line up will be gracing the stage for both its debut and farewell performance simultaneously. This is a one-off opportunity, and not to be missed.”

Music teacher Nathan has overseen his band for six years with the group performing across the south west.

The Arts Centre, Swindon, the Wallingford Corn Exchange and the Chipping Norton Theatre as well as four performances at the Marlborough International Jazz Festival.

They annually hold a golden ball, in aid of The Goldenhar Family Support Group, and to date they have raised £15,000 for the charity, who support families of children who have the rare condition.

The organisation is one of Mayor Teresa Page’s chosen charities along with Prospect Hospice. During the show, there will be a collection in aid of both of the groups.

Tickets cost £14 with concessions available for £12.

For more information on the show, call the box office on 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk