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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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
