THE unforgettable big band sound is set to rock the rafters at the Palace Theatre when That's Swing comes to town.

Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers will be performing on Tuesday from 7.30pm.

The acclaimed orchestra has flown the flag in the name of big band music for more than 30 years when Syd hand-picked a group of musicians purely for rehearsal purposes.

Ever the perfectionist, it was two years later before he felt able to take the band on the road.

The orchestra has since performed countless sell-out concerts and radio and television broadcasts as well as alongside famous names, including Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis.

During the early years, the orchestra largely featured the music of the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra but its repertoire has broadened to encompass music of many great bands as well as its own arrangements.

Although Syd died in May 1998 his band, now under the leadership of trombonist Chris Dean, has taken on a new lease of life and was recently voted the world's top big band.

Tickets cost £12.50, £11.50 (disc rate) and £11 (with Reddicard) from the box office on 65203 or the Tourist Information Centre.