THE Sweet Rhythm Big Band have been wooing Trafford audiences with their contemporary big band style for 30 years.

Their co-ordinator and tenor sax player, Diane Harris, 65, said: “We play tunes people know such as Sing, Sing, Sing from the car adverts.”

Her husband, Paul, 64, a whizz kid on the drums, looks after the PA system.

Their older daughter, Georgina is a vocalist and also plays guitar, so it’s a family affair.

The members, who perform voluntarily, are all good friends.

“We are all there because we want to be there,” said Diane.

Paul said: “A highlight during the year was when we played at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester for the Engineering Excellence dinner.

“It went down very well and they have asked us to play again next year.”

In 2017 they took part in the Manchester Passion in the Cathedral Gardens.

Fundraising is their main aim and, over the years, they have raised £60.000 for charity.

They have focussed on cancer charities since 1999, after one of the band members died from the disease aged 17.

“We were glad to have played for him when he was in hospital,” said Diane.

Their most recent appearance was last Friday at Handforth Dean Shopping Centre when they raised £185.55 for the Christie Hospital..

In September they played at a church hall in Flixton to raise money for Toy House, a special needs centre where children can play with adapted toys.

Every year they appear at the Sale Festival fete in Worthington Park

“We love it,” said Diane.

- To book the band or to join it, telephone 0161 962 8225