Duncan Macfarlane Big Band plays final show at Kendal’s Queen Katherine School (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Duncan Macfarlane Big Band plays final show at Kendal’s Queen Katherine School

1:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

KENDAL’S own ‘king of swing’ is hanging up his conductor’s tuxedo and giving up the big band scene.

The Duncan Macfarlane Big Band plays its last concert at Kendal’s Queen Katherine School on Friday night, March 1.

Band leader and sax player Duncan says it will be the fabulous, foot-tapping ensemble’s final fling, mainly he points out, due to the difficulty of getting everyone together to rehearse, and, in his own words: “advancing years.”

The 78-year-old explains that members of the band travel from as far afield as Manchester and other areas of the north.

He adds: “I am, and will be eternally grateful for their loyalty and support.

“Over the years the band has performed in Kendal, at QKS, the Brewery for nearly 40 years and at Castle Green Hotel, and all over the region, raising funds for charities.

“It has been amazing.”

However, Duncan won’t switch off altogether and will still be involved in music in one way or another.

On Friday, March 8, Duncan and a few of his musical chums will perform at a fundraiser for The Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel.