What's On

Friday 15 December 2023, 7.30pm

BBC Big Band: A Swinging Christmas

BBC Big Band: A Swinging Christmas

Presented by Saffron Hall

Saxophonists and Trombonists from BBC Big Band performing on stage

The internationally acclaimed BBC musicians and their evergreen conductor return with a Christmas cracker of a programme.

Your favourite carols are given the swing treatment alongside popular seasonal hits such as Santa Baby, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Baby It’s Cold Outside, and Diana Krall’s version of Jingle Bells. Star vocalist Emer McParland regularly guests with orchestras and bands at home and abroad, as well as being the voice of many familiar film soundtracks, but her first love is big bands and here she returns to her musical heartland. Mixed with a selection of sparkling big band classics this is the perfect swinging start to the celebrations.

Video

Performance information

Running time

2 hours 20 minutes

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Ten for £10

This event is part of our Ten for £10 scheme. We will release ten £10 tickets for sale at 10am on the morning of this performance.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Performers

  • BBC Big Band
  • Barry Forgie conductor
  • Emer McParland vocals

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Information for your visit

Friday 15 December 2023, 7.30pm

Schedule

All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.

Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.

Pre-show shuttle bus

6.30pm - 7.30pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.

When to arrive

6.30pm - 7.15pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

6.30pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.

Auditorium opens

7pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.

Show starts

7.30pm

Interval

Interval (20 mins)

Show ends

9.50pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

9.50pm – 10.50pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to this performance.

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Drinks

For this event, you're welcome to bring drinks purchased from our bar into the event with you.

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

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Log in here to download your e-ticket from our website

Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

Volunteer with us

Our volunteers are the first port of call for our visiting audience, providing a friendly face and a warm welcome

Three smiling volunteers in their stewarding uniforms

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