THE Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra is set to return to Bassingbourn for this year s Hangar Dance. Organiser Chris Murphy said: The orchestra were a tremendous success last year. They are really playing in their spiritual home as the hangar we use for th

THE Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra is set to return to Bassingbourn for this year's Hangar Dance.

Organiser Chris Murphy said: "The orchestra were a tremendous success last year.

"They are really playing in their spiritual home as the hangar we use for the dance was once the hangar for the Memphis Belle itself."

He continued: "It's a really authentic setting - and there will be authentic music from the period."

The dance will be taking place on Saturday, June 7 with doors opening at 6.30pm.

This year, too, sees the 60th anniversary of the Memphis Belle completing its 25 missions over occupied Europe and Germany during the Second World War.

"The hangar dance will be part of history, too, this year," said Mr Murphy.

The swing orchestra will be playing the music of Glenn Miller along with Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Harry James.

The orchestra was created originally for David Puttnam's film about the crew of the war-time US bomber. Although there have been obvious changes in the line-up it has been together ever since.

The swing orchestra's music director Greg Francis said last year he was surprised that it has taken such a long time for it to return to its "spiritual home".

Tickets will cost £21.50 (see application form) and will NOT be available on the night.