BBO Big Band - In aid of Breast Cancer Now

The BBO was formed in 1986 and gets its name from the three counties the original members were drawn from, namely: Bucks, Berks, Oxon. The band has reduced the name to just BBO.

The 20 piece band is made up of both a male and female vocalist, 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and a rhythm section comprising of piano, guitar, bass and drums.

‘The Clayton Arms’ in Lane End, a village outside High Wycombe, was the venue for the inaugural ‘blow’ organised by Roy Hole back in 1986. The band has continued and  over its now 35 year history has raised nearly £500,000 for charity through the many concerts given by the band.

30th Anniversary Concert

The band played a very special anniversary concert on the 4th June 2016 to commemorate its 30 year history and the concert.

When Roy retired as band leader the musical direction of the band was undertaken by a number of musicians including Alan Graham, Sid Busby and Bill Skelton. Bass player, Adam Linnell, manages the band and is supported by Brian Greene and Hilary Spiers who help with marketing/promotion and bookings respectively.

Roy was awarded the B.E.M. by the Queen on behalf of the band for his tremendous fund-raising efforts.

The three counties of Bucks, Berks and Oxon originally provided the musicians, who come from all walks of like, although they now come from all over, including Northamptonshire, Surrey and Middlesex.

Professionals, semi-pros and those who have retired from the business but just can’t stop coming back are drawn together by the infectious drive and swing of the big band repertoire. It is the music that holds the band together and the results continue to be in demand.

The BBO is based in Marlow and rehearses each Thursday (September-December & January-July). The last Thursday in every month is opened up to the public for a month end concert to raise money for Charity.

From 2025 the home of the BBO is Marlow Rugby Union Football Club Riverwoods Drive, Marlow Bucks SL7 1QU,

The band is hugely grateful to: our generous hosts, Marlow Rugby Union Football Cub, Pauline Hanson for manning the door for us and being such a wonderful host, and to all our regular followers, many whom have followed the band for many, many years. THANK YOU!

The BBO are delighted to support Pangbourne Jazz Club for their chosen charity Breast Cancer Now