Lydia Bell is back with her ever popular Swing Spectacular and will be raising money for Emmaus Colchester.
The Swing Spectacular returns to Colchester for its 4th year of unmissable swing entertainment celebrating music and dance from the ‘20s to the ‘50s!
After three consecutive sell-out nights between 2016-2018, Lydia Bell, celebrated vocalist and vintage sensation will be back to entertain us at the Colchester Arts Centre on June 8, with all profits going to Emmaus Colchester.
With three live bands, the night will kick off with a jazz and cabaret vibe courtesy of the Volstead Orchestra. Lydia will make an appearance as part of the Bell Sisters and will complete the night with the ever-popular Sweeting Swing Band.
If that isn’t enough, there be entertainment with swing dance lessons courtesy of sequinned dancing divas, the Dinahs, a speakeasy cocktail bar to keep everyone refreshed, and a charity raffle, with all proceeds going to Emmaus.
The fun-filled evening will certainly keep you entertained, with the chance to grab a prop in the vintage photo booth and pose for a £1 polaroid snap.
Swing-era dress is encouraged, and a comfortable pair of dancing shoes advised, although tables and seating are available for those who’d prefer to sit back and take in the atmosphere.
This event is kindly sponsored by vintage clothing store Chocodolly.
Colchester born, Lydia Bell, and former pupil at Colchester Country High School for Girls, organised the first event in 2016 to help raise funds for her Master’s Degree in Jazz, at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Lydia explains:
“I had an unbelievable response in the first year. I felt I had to keep doing it because it was so popular and it feels particularly special running the event in my home town.”
In the first year of running the Swing Spectacular, Lydia borrowed props from Emmaus, and for the second and third event donated profits of £1,200 to the Colchester charity, Lydia adds:
“Although I now live in London, it’s so clear to see the homelessness problem that Emmaus Colchester addresses. I feel it’s the most important cause we could support, and I love the charity’s shops and everything it does in the town. It’s been great to see Emmaus flourish.”
Tickets are available for £19.50 from Colchester Arts Centre. Book here.
Photo credit: SJR Photography