This event has now sold out (although extra tickets may become available). We will be back at West Road Concert Hall in Cambridge in April 2024 for Songs from the Golden Age of Swing.

The 30-piece Down for the Count Orchestra returns to West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge, for their annual festive extravaganza - it's time to Swing Into Christmas!

This is a Christmas celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreate the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 30-piece orchestral setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings.

Expect to hear faithful recreations of the best music of the swing era including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Face The Music and Dance and ‘S Wonderful, alongside original arrangements of jazz and festive standards written by the Orchestra’s principal conductor Mike Paul-Smith, including Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting).

The Down for the Count Orchestra are one of the UK's most highly regarded vintage ensembles, having sold out numerous shows at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, Cadogan Hall and more. Their Christmas show is full of joy from the first note to the last and is the perfect start to the festive season for you and your family.

The Down for the Count Orchestra

Mike Paul-Smith Conductor
Lydia Bell Vocals
Ineza Kerschkamp Vocals
Marvin Muoneké Vocals

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes including one 20 minute interval
The auditorium will open 30 minutes before the concert start time.

Praise for the show:

“Awesome!” Michael Bublé
“A sonic ride back to the sounds of Capitol Studios in the 1950s” DownBeat Magazine
“A breath of fresh air on the swing scene” Twinwood Festival

Wheelchair and accessible spaces: 

• There are 3 wheelchair spaces available to book in row E. Each wheelchair space is automatically allocated a complimentary companion seat in row F. 
• In addition, row D is step-free with no stairs to navigate from the street to the seat. We ask that you be considerate of other concert-goers and only book these seats if you need step-free access to the auditorium.
• Please contact Mike on 07855 488 462 or mike@downforthecount.co.uk if you have any questions about wheelchair or accessible spaces.

The venue

This event takes place at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge CB3 9DP.

Parking

There is on-street parking available close to the venue which is free of charge in the evenings.

Bar

There will be a bar open in the foyer from 7pm serving beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Please note that only bottled water may be taken in to the auditorium.