A GROUND-BREAKING all-female New Orleans jazz band, The Creole Belles, is to perform in Ledbury.

The band is making the special trip to the Market Theatre on Saturday, May 29, thanks to Cradley-based promoter Alan Robinson, who has joined forces with Ledbury Amateur Dram-atic Society for the gig.

Mr Robinson said: "This is a world exclusive. It's not the usual sort of jazz presentation, it's literally the only one in the world playing this music. Traditional New Orleans jazz has always been a male bastion.

"The band members are extremely good musicians including Alice Penrose, who's only 17."

The band formed after Mr Robinson, a jazz musician and member of the Ken Colyer Trust New Orleans Jazz Band, was asked to bring something new to his regular twice-yearly jazz spot at the Purcell Room in London, based in the South Bank complex.

"I suggested to several of these ladies concerned that they get together and they have gone from strength to strength. They've only taken a year to get firmly established as a major attraction."

Mr Robinson warned that, because of the excitement the band is creating, people should book tickets sooner rather than later.

"It's already three-quarters sold out," he said. "It's quite obvious it's going to sell out. "

The New Orleans format follows improvisational techniques centred around the trumpet, trombone and saxophone. The Creole Belles also play classic ragtime and vocalist Debbie Arthurs, previously of the Charleston Chasers, provides some ballads.

Tickets are £9 from Ledbury Books and Maps on 01531 633226.