Two bands and choir coming together for performance looking back at Northampton venue’s musical history

Two bands and a choir are coming together to perform at The Deco theatre, looking back at its musical history.

The Nene Valley Community Band, Abington Wind Band and the OpenStage Choir will be performing ‘The Sounds of The Savoy’ from 7.30pm until 10pm on November 6. 65 musicians, 37 choir members, and solo pianists and singers will be taking to the stage to celebrate the “music legends” who have played at The Deco, in Abington Square, over the decades.

Andy Dickson, chairman of the Nene Valley Community Band, said: “We’re all very passionate about music and we want to use this opportunity to remember what’s happened in the past in one performance. There will be big band music, a choir and soloists, and we hope it’ll be a really varied and enjoyable evening.”

Preparation began at the start of the year and the mastermind behind the show is the Nene Valley Community Band’s musical director, Matt Haddock. The two bands have been rehearsing together, but everyone taking part in the performance will not be practising as one until the day before (November 5) – and they all hope it comes together on the night.

Being part of a band is more than just the music, and Nene Valley Community Band committee member Frances Dickson said: “We’ve been playing for five years and it is a really nice atmosphere on Monday evenings. There is a mixture of abilities and no matter what, everyone has been welcomed in and supported.”

Her father Andy added: “We’re a community band in the true sense of the word, and it is very inclusive.”

There are individuals just starting out in music and attempting to work up the grades, with others already having finished them – and each member is championed no matter their experience.

“It’s definitely a shared feeling among the band that this is a community,” said Andy. “We have regular socials and spend time with one another outside of rehearsals. It’s much more than just the music.”

Tickets for Sunday night’s performance (November 6) are still available at £12 per person.

You can purchase yours on The Old Savoy website here, or call their box office on 01604 491005.