It was an emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

The show marked the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps merger to form the RAF on April 1 1918.

As part of the celebrations the RAF Swing Wing played in Wisbech on Saturday evening to a sell-out crowd.

Jan Hutchinson, event organiser, said: “The poignant section was in the second half. Letter from Home was spoken word accompanied by music and He Wears a Pair of Silver Wings was a vocal by SAC Philippa Hobbs, both of which were very emotive.

“There also was an excellent arrangement of Abide With Me which was an extra to the programme.

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

“It was an absolutely brilliant evening and we had those ranging in age from 12 up to their 80s.

“It was very much celebrating the RAF 100 years. There were a lot of different emotions. At one point there were tears.

“The band was thrilled to be in Wisbech as they love to perform here. We’ve already had people asking when they will be performing again.”

Among those returning were the Sgt Tom Ringrose, singer SAC Philippa Hobbs and compere SAC Michael Howley - all are well known to regular audience members.

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Thanks were also offered to the cadets of 272 (Wisbech) Squadron and the Wisbech Unit of GVCAC for their help.

Swing Wing is part of the Royal Air Force College Band stationed at RAF Cranwell and all participants are musicians.

The 20-piece big band play in the style of the big bands of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)

Cambs Times: Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy.Emotional evening in Wisbech as the RAF Swing Wing band performed at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. (Image: AdGarry Samuels)