Big band drives crowds to a family fun day

Record crowds flocked to a fundraising event featuring a Lanarkshire big band... and 130 vintage vehicles.

The award-winning Michael Brawley Big Band showcased their music at a family fun day at the last remaining Corporation bus garage in Glasgow.

More than 1100 visitors – two and a half times that of last year’s event – turned out to support Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust and raise funds to buy Bridgeton Bus Garage, which it currently rents.

Steven Booth, chairman of GVVT, said: “The day was a tremendous success.

“We welcomed a range of visiting attractions but were especially pleased to have the Michael Brawley Big Band come along.

“It created a wonderful sound in the huge shed which is our display hall.

“Many people have said how much they enjoyed it and it really was a first-class performance!”

The Hamilton band, which plays solely to raise money for well-meaning and worthy causes, belted out funk, jazz and big band hits on August 4.

Trumpet player Gary Mitchell said: “The sound was spectacular.

“And it was such a unique gig playing in amongst all those buses, cars and trucks. “We had a great time!” The money raised has provided a “significant injection” to the GVVT’S £100,000 appeal.

Steven added: “We have made great strides and I’m happy to say that we are closing in on our target.

“The support received from the family day has provided a significant boost to our funding pot.

“I’m very confident we’ll be able to make up the remaining funds very soon.

“Bridgeton Bus Garage is a building steeped in transport history.

“It is ideally suited to the needs of the Trust to help restore vehicles and showcase the collection.

“The success of the event is down to our visitors, friends and supporters and we are very grateful to all of them.

“They continue to spread the word about the Trust and what we do and I can’t thank them enough.”

For more information about the Trust – or to donate to the appeal – go online to www.gvvt.org

For news of their upcoming gigs check out the band’s Facebook page or email them on brawleybigband@ yahoo.co.uk