THE wonderful Georgina Bromilow, who combines a superb technique and sound as lead trumpet with a terrific singing voice, will headline with her own new big band at Wigan Jazz Club’s monthly concert at Lowton Civic Hall, in Hesketh Meadow Lane, on Sunday, May 31, from 12.30 pm.

Lancashire lass Georgina, a former teenage prodigy, has progressed in the last 10 years or so to become recognised as one of the UK’s very best on her chosen instrument, having successfully completed some demanding stints with touring bands and orchestras backing major West End shows.

She was, of course, one of the youngsters who impressed experienced listeners during her days with Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra and later Wigan Jazz Club Big Band, so it is no surprise to find that a number of her colleagues in the new band are former members of both musical ensembles.

They include trumpeters Craig Wild and Malcolm Melling (he of Salford University), Suzanne Higgins and Dean Masser (saxes) while other names which are instantly recognisable are Jim Hart (vibes), Elliot Henshaw (drums) and Andy Schofield (sax).

There is no question that Georgina has brought together musicians of real quality who, under the direction of Pete Long, are confidently expected to provide big band jazz enthusiasts with an afternoon to remember. This concert may well be seen as a curtain-raiser for the forthcoming Wigan International Jazz Festival where the programme will be dominated by a number of the UK’s finest swing orchestras, particularly the one led by trombonist Mark Nightingale.

l Jeriatric Jazz will again be providing the music at the annual fundraiser for the Michael Williams Trust, the charity set up to benefit underprivileged children by the parents of a teenager who died following an accident while on holiday.

The event, to be staged as usual at Delph Sailing Club, in Longworth Road, Egerton, on Saturday, July 11, is always well-attended and hugely enjoyable. For further information and tickets, call Eddie Williams on 01204 852180.

l Tomorrow night sees the long-awaited return to Horwich RMI Social and Recreation Club of Eric Delaney, who will celebrate his 85th birthday in the company of Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, trombone maestro Mark Nightingale and more than 200 fans, who have come to know the birthday boy, if not intimately, certainly very well, during the many years that local entrepreneur Ken Chaisty has been organising similar sell-out concerts featuring the master drummer.

This is, in fact, the seventh, and Eric told me by phone how much he was looking forward to renewing old acquaintances and sharing his big day with fans who have become friends. I was invited to compere the show and was delighted to accept. The downside is I have been daft enough to say I will swap drum solos with Eric. He must be running out of people to humiliate.