Jayne Darling to Perform at the 46th Chesterfield Festival of Remembrance

I’m delighted to be taking part in the 46th Chesterfield & District Festival of Remembrance, which takes place on Thursday 6th November 2025 at the Winding Wheel Theatre, Holywell Street, Chesterfield.

This well-established event is a significant part of Chesterfield’s annual calendar, bringing together the community to honour those who have served — and continue to serve — in the Armed Forces. It’s a respectful and moving evening that reflects on past conflicts while also recognising the dedication of today’s service personnel.

Key details:
📍 Winding Wheel Theatre, Holywell Street, Chesterfield S41 7SA
📅 Thursday 6th November 2025
🕕 Doors open at 6.00pm, show starts at 7.20pm and finishes at 10.00pm
🎟️ Tickets: £6, available directly from the venue

The event will be held in the presence of His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill C.B.E., and will feature members and standards from various branches of the Armed Forces and civilian emergency services. It’s also supported by Chesterfield and district Cadet Units.

As a vintage performer specialising in music from the wartime era, I feel privileged to be able to contribute to events like these, helping to keep the music and memory of this important period alive. The performance will be filmed as part of the evening’s proceedings, adding to its significance and reach.

If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there. And if you’re organising your own remembrance event or vintage celebration and would like to enquire about a performance, feel free to get in touch:

🌐 www.jaynedarling.co.uk
📩 jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
☎️ 07795 342639

Kind regards,
Jayne x

Looking Ahead: Performing at the 80th Anniversary of WWII’s End in Hereford

I’ve been invited to perform at a really special event coming up on 3rd August 2025 at the Hay Craft Centre in Hereford, marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

The event has been organised to unveil a commemorative bench featuring the names of local men who lost their lives during the war – a powerful and permanent reminder of their bravery and sacrifice. It’s being put together by Kelvyn Jenkins and the team, and will be a chance for the community to come together to remember and reflect.

There’ll be a short service led by Canon Paul Wright, including the Last Post and a moment of silence, followed by music (that’s where I come in!). I’ll be singing a selection of vintage and wartime classics – songs that still mean so much, even eight decades on.

After the formal part of the day, there’ll be refreshments and a chance for people to stay, chat, and share stories. Events like this always feel incredibly personal, especially with family members of the fallen invited to attend.

If you’re in the Hereford area and would like to come along, you’re very welcome. And if you are related to any of the names being remembered, Kelvyn would really like to hear from you.

It’s a real privilege to be part of something like this – and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.

🌐 www.jaynedarling.co.uk
📩 jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
☎️ 07795 342639

I’m really pleased to be performing at Miss Bella’s Blooms 10th Birthday Celebration on Saturday 25th October 2025, taking place at the stunning Newark Town Hall Ballroom & Council Chamber.

Located in the heart of Newark-on-Trent, this historic venue is a fantastic backdrop for a day filled with vintage stalls, live music, dancing and good company. If you’re a fan of vintage style, retro shopping or just fancy a laid-back day out with a brilliant atmosphere, this is definitely one to add to your diary.

I’ll be singing throughout the day with a mix of 1940s and vintage classics, perfect for anyone who enjoys live music and a bit of nostalgia. Whether you’re popping in for a browse or staying all afternoon, it’ll be lovely to see some familiar faces.

There’ll also be refreshments available – from tea and cake to snacks and drinks at the bar – and entry is just £3 on the door.

Event Details:
Newark Town Hall, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Saturday 25th October 2025
11am – 5pm
£3 entry (pay on the door)

The event is organised by  Miss Bella’s Blooms, celebrating 10 years of her wonderful vintage business. Expect a brilliant mix of traders, stalls and entertainment – with regular updates to follow on her social media channels.

For bookings and performance enquiries:
www.jaynedarling.co.uk
jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
07795 342639

Marking VE Day 80 with Blind Veterans UK in Elmswell

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of performing my final VE Day 80 event, singing for the wonderful community supported by Blind Veterans UK. The event took place at The Blackbourne Community Centre in Elmswell, Suffolk, and brought together veterans and volunteers for a relaxed afternoon tea full of conversation, music and memories.

About Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK is a national charity that supports ex-Service personnel who have lost their sight, whether during their time in service or later in life. Their work provides rehabilitation, training, emotional support and a sense of community to help veterans regain independence and confidence after sight loss. It was a privilege to be part of one of their events, which focus on companionship, shared experiences and ongoing support.

An Afternoon with Remarkable Guests
Among the guests were two incredibly inspiring veterans: Robbie Hall and Jim Grant.

Robbie Hall, now 102 years old, is a female World War II veteran who joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force after lying about her age at just 17. During the war, she worked in the accounts section of RAF Bomber Command, helping to keep vital Air Ministry documents and regulations up to date. At the time of the D-Day landings, Robbie was stationed with Fighter Command. Her boss during part of her service was none other than Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris, one of the most notable figures in RAF history.

Jim Grant, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, served in the Royal Navy and was part of the Arctic and Atlantic Convoys during World War II. His wartime service included the notable role of escorting Winston Churchill across the Atlantic – a truly unique experience that not many can lay claim to. Jim’s stories were not only fascinating but a reminder of just how vital the contributions of these men and women were.

Many of the veterans at the event had only recently returned from a visit to Buckingham Palace, part of the national VE Day 80 commemorations, and were still full of pride and excitement from the occasion. It was a real joy to perform for such a warm and welcoming group, and to mark this important anniversary in such meaningful company.

Planning a Vintage-Themed Event?
If you’re organising an event and looking to include live entertainment with a vintage twist – whether it’s 1940s wartime classics, a singalong or swing set – I’d love to be involved. I regularly perform across the UK and offer bespoke performances for care homes, community groups, heritage events and private parties.

To find out more or make a booking, you can contact me via:
Website: www.jaynedarling.co.uk
Email: jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
Phone: 07795 342639

T

Monday 25th May
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
East Kirkby
Spilsby
Lincs
PE23 4DE

Experience a military weekend (NB. Saturday and Monday only) including an M36 Jackson tank destroyer, Sherman tank, chaffee (and more to be released), Lancaster and Mosquito taxy runs, over 60 military vehicles, over 100 reencators, trade stands and warbird flying displays!!  Soak up the 1940’s atmosphere at this our biggest reenactment weekend in our events calendar.

You will be able to see two real firing tanks and a Lancaster back here at East Kirkby in conjuction with the Mid-Lincs MVT.

Monday 25th May –

9.30am-Gates Open
11am- Lancaster taxy run
12.00- LIVE TANK FIRING
12.15pm- 1940’s Performance
1.45pm- Lancaster taxy run
2.10pm- LIVE TANK FIRING
2.30pm- Mosquito taxy run
3.00pm- Flying displays
3.15pm- 1940’s Performance
4.00pm- Lancaster taxy run
4.20pm- Mosquito taxy run

Have a look at the M36 Jackson tank destroyer moving HERE

FLYING DISPLAYS ARE WEATHER AND SERVICEABILITY DEPENDENT

Admission rates –

Saturday

TBA

Monday

TBA

There will be a raffle for a chance to win a ride on the Lancaster at just £2.00 for a strip of tickets.

Also depending on the weather there will be some airfield tours on the vintage Queen Mary vehicle lasting approx 30 minutes and priced at £2.50 per adult.