THE Lions Club of Basingstoke has another terrific season of entertainment planned. 

The club has four superb Saturday shows lined up, two completely new and two welcome returns, all of which will take place in the usual venue - the Main Hall at Queen Mary’s College. All concerts commence at 7.30pm.

First up on March 29 is a double bill. The Hampshire Guitar Orchestra will play the first half followed by Basingstoke Rock Choir in the second half.

The Hampshire Guitar Orchestra, formerly Havant Area Guitar Orchestra, began in 1999. The group, composed of 15 players, has a reputation for unusual music presented with a real sense of fun. They aim to change their audience’s perceptions about classical guitar.

These guitarists from Hampshire and neighbouring counties play four different sizes of guitar, like the different sizes in a recorder consort, brass band or string quartet.

They and their musical director Derek Hasted, enjoy performing something really unusual. Find out more from their website hago.org.uk.

Basingstoke Rock Choir is a large assembly of mixed voices representing what is now a national phenomena of folk wishing to sing out loud for fun. This a new collaboration for The Lions and should be a joyful evening of entertainment.

May 3 sees the return of The Heritage Orchestra and singers following the huge success of last year’s concert. Musical director Neil Streeter is putting together another fantastic programme of music and song reflecting many popular British pieces and show music.

The players in this 35-plus orchestra and the singers with a BATS background are a fitting illustration of the musical talent that exists in this area. A tremendous evening of enjoyment is anticipated.

On August 30, enjoy the best of Trad Jazz with The Sussex Kings Jazz Band.

This group are new to The Lions but come highly recommended. One of the busiest Trad Bands in the UK, they are renowned for their musicianship and the rapport they build up with their audiences.

On this occasion they have amended their dates with The Bude Jazz Festival to enable them to play for The Lions on their way home to Sussex.

Finally, on November 29, The Apollo Big Band returns for another night of swing music.

This 17-piece band and their vocalists come from the Newbury area. These accomplished musicians skilled in the art of recreating the big band sound from the early days right up to the present.

The Band was well received last year and return by special request.

Shows are £12 each but those who plan to attend three or more shows in the season can get theirs for £10 each if payment is made by March 20.

Tickets are available now from Maurice Hockley on 01256 421867 or by emailing mauricehockley@hotmail.com. They will also be available from Toucan Travel at Chineham throughout the year.