Mainline Big Band is a full-sized big band, with two vocalists.
The band can be booked to play at festivals, fetes, concerts, celebrations (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries,etc) and entertainment in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.
To book the Mainline Big Band or to make any other enquiries, please contact us
The band’s current line up includes: Two vocalists, five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists and a rhythm section of piano, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and drums.
We play from a comprehensive library of music from the 1920s to contemporary pop.
If you would like to come along to a rehearsal and listen to/ meet the band, rehearsals are held most Sunday evenings from 7.30 – 9.30 pm at Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club.
(If you are planning on coming along, whether to listen or sit in, we would recommend you contact us ahead of time to confirm that the rehearsal is taking place.)
Latest News
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Concert At TheQueens Head Inn, Milton Ernest
The band had a fabulous time performing to an enthusiastic audience at the Queens Head Inn, Milton Ernest on on Saturday 6/9/2025.
Celebrations to mark the end of World War 2 are taking place throughout the country between August and September this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of that war. Milton Ernest marked this event with a concert by the Mainline Big Band hosted by Richard and Katie at the Queens Head pub.
Even after eighty years, there are many families in the village who have someone in their family who was involved in, or affected by this war and it was fitting to remember their achievement in ensuring the freedom and way of life we enjoy today.
The band played a selection of classics of the 40s and 50s as well as popular numbers from contemporary pop.
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Parsons Close Bandstand, Leighton Buzzard
The band enjoyed performing to a fabulous audience who braved the wind and rain at the Parsons Close Recreation Ground Bandstand, Leighton Buzzard on Sunday 31/8/2025 3pm -5pm.
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Mill Meadows Bandstand, Bedford
The band performed to a fabulous crowd at the Mill Meadows Bandstand in Bedford on Sunday 23/8/2025
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Abington Park Bandstand, Northampton
It was a huge pleasure for the Mainline Big Band to play at the bandstand in Northampton’s Abington Park on Sunday 22/6/2025.
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Hilary Fett RIP 1965-2025
Mainline Band members were shocked and saddened to hear that our fabulous 2nd trombonist and superb long-standing treasurer, Hilary Fett, had died. Hilary was our 1st trombonist and secretary and did such a huge amount for the band and its members are immensely grateful to her. She is already much missed and, along with her family, we are planning a concert to celebrate her life later this year.
Upcoming Events
September 2025
| Saturday 06/09/2025, 3 – 5 pm | The Queens head Inn, Rushden Rd, Milton Ernest, MK44 1RU |
October 2025
| Sunday 19/010/2025, 7- 10 pm | Hilary Fett Memorial Concert, Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club, 134 High Street Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7BN |
December 2025
| Sunday 07/12/2025, 7.30 – 9.30 pm | Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club, 134 High Street Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7BN |
Our History
In 1979 the Bedford trumpeter Geoff Allen decided that, since Bedford had close links with Glenn Miller, the town should have its own Big Band. The result was the birth of the MAINLINE Big Band. The band performed regularly in the local area and and eventually its popularity spread and the band was invited to play at the Savoy Hotel in London.Today the band plays at public events, private functions, birthday parties, weddings and dances.
The band has also played at the US Air Force Bases at Chicksands, Alconbury, Molesworth and Croughton and at the annual Twinwood Festival at the airfield from where Miller flew, sadly for the last time. The famous Old Warden Air Museum at Shuttleworth has hosted the band during their Air Shows in the summer.
Our Players
Musical Director
Pete Francis
Vocals
Tom Miller
Anne Wyatt
Trumpets
Ian Facer
Lead Trumpet
David Fisher
2nd Trumpet
James Murdoch
3rd Trumpet
Rosemary Fisher
4th Trumpet
Trombones
Pete Francis
Lead Trombone
Joseph Baldwin
2nd Trombone
Keith Espin
3rd Trombone
Alex Gould
Bass Trombone
Saxophones
Karen Mason
1st Alto Sax
Barbara Taylor
2nd Alto Sax
Clive Savory
1st Tenor Sax
Annette Bygraves
2nd Tenor Sax
Stuart Rick
Baritone Sax
Rhythm
David Snowball
Drums
Chris Dee
Piano
Phil Knight
Guitar
Pete Berrington
Bass Guitar
Gallery
