Swing Squad: Bournemouth Bandstand Jazz Sessions

Swing Squad are playing the Bournemouth Bandstand in the Lower Gardens on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August, two separate sets across the weekend. They're a teenage jazz band from Ferndown, and as a relatively new ensemble they bring a high-energy, self-formed approach to the bandstand, blending classic jazz standards with contemporary tunes in bold, swinging arrangements.

What sets them apart is how they handle the modern side of things. They're known for taking pop or chart hits and turning them into syncopated, expressive, and undeniably jazzy arrangements, rather than just playing the standards. Each member brings their own experience and influences to the mix, and they tend to reimagine familiar melodies with subtle twists, richer harmonies, shifting rhythms, and moments of improvisation. It's a band that isn't afraid to experiment, so you'll hear them working through the jazz songbook alongside things you'd never expect to hear in a jazz set.

The line-up is a family affair in the brass section: twins Arthur and Reuben handle the trumpet, and they both step across to flugelhorn and trombone as well. The rhythm section is shared between three drummers — Jack, James, and Dougie — while Sam covers tenor sax, alto sax, and clarinet. They play regularly at venues and care homes across Bournemouth and Dorset, so they're well-used to playing for local crowds.

There are two slots to choose from: Saturday 1 August from 11:00 to 12:45, and Sunday 2 August from 14:00 to 15:45. Both are at the Bournemouth Bandstand, Lower Gardens, Pinewalk, Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2AQ.