To commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain, Hayley Westenra and the Central Band of the RAF have begun a short UK Tour(see dates below) presenting the most popular music from the war years era, it also being  a fund-raising concert for the Air Force Benevolent Fund.

The tour opened in Eastbourne last night and we were privileged to have in attendance for the evening, our very own Dame Vera Lynn.

Though I have 4 of Hayley’s studio albums, it was the first time I had seen her perform live and it certainly will not be the last.

Hayley performed :-

White Cliffs Of Dover

A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

Danny Boy

As Time Goes By

Pokarekare Ana

Abide With Me

We’ll Meet Again

Pick of the list for me was Danny Boy which will stay in my memory for a very very long time, a truly beautiful rendition from Hayley. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

The concert included speeches and poems from the era, and a  historic narration from Squadron Leader Tom Jones, a relative of  Dame Vera.

Music from the RAF band contained renditions of many famous pieces such as:

The Dambusters, 633 Squadron, Battle Of Britain March, Mars from the Planets, a Glen Miller selection,  Band Of Brothers and many others.

Though I would say the RAF Band’s music probably appeals more to “us older” folk(perhaps i'm wrong), I strongly recommend it to you all, if only to experience Hayleys beautiful singing.

All in all, a well structured evening to commemorate an event which must never be forgotten and a magnificent tribute to those special few, to whom we all owe such a debt..

Battle of Britain Tour Dates:

Tue 06 Jul 2010 - Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Wed 07 Jul 2010 - Southend Cliffs Pavilion
 Wed 28 Jul 2010 - Croydon Fairfield Halls
Sat 31 Jul 2010 - Cardiff St David's Hall
Mon 02 Aug 2010 - Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

I did sneak in a few photos as is my habit.

Looks like a very good show

I have a date in St David's hall next week

Johnp

Regards

Tony

  

Katherine My Rose of Cymru

Graham