It may have been 20 years ago today that Sgt Pepper taught the band to play, but every Thursday for the past 16 years two of York’s most popular jazz acts have entertained locals and visitors to the Old White Swan, in Goodramgate.

The Mardi Gras Jazzband, led by The Press jazz columnist Ron Burnett, and Bejazzled, founded by Don Lodge and Tim New, have brought their own styles of music to this historic York pub on an alternating, fortnightly basis.

To mark the 16th anniversary, the two bands will link up for a celebratory gig tomorrow, from 9pm to 11.30pm, and entry will be free.

“The bands were first introduced by the then landlord, Terry McCormack, and the present landlord, Andy McCarthy, has kept to this winning formula,” says Ron.

“Mardi Gras and Bejazzled have worked to make the Old White Swan, not just a place where visitors to the city can drop in serendipitously, but where local musicians call in to gossip and drink – and frequently they guest with the bands,” says Don.

The Mardi Gras Jazzband comprises Ron Burnett, trombone and vocals; Greg Wadman, trumpet; Martin Boyd, sax; Ray Cooper, bass; Trevor King, drums; Bob Smeaton, piano; and Trevor Holroyd, lead guitar.

Bejazzled consists of Tim New, sax and flute; Mike Riley, lead guitar; Don Lodge, rhythm guitar; and Ed Jackson, bass.

Other musicians who have played with the two bands in more than 500 Thursday gigs during the past ten years include, in no particular order: Brian Thacker; Kieran White; James Lancaster; Chantal Lancaster; John and Carol Addy; Gary Gilliatt; Ken Ford; Bob Walker; Graham Galtry; Sarah Wintergreen; Linda Radford; Rob Price; Gail Davis; Paul Hares; Martha Phillips; Paul Baxter; Eddie Jackson; Pete Williams; Dave Challis; Joe Passey; Pete Milner; Jude Brown; Andy Hillier; Joan Whitehead; Ron Goodall; Karl Mullen; Owen Bryce; Julian Richer; Bob Mason and many more.

Following tomorrow’s special gathering, the bands will return to their usual schedule, resuming with Bejazzled on January 14 and The Mardi Gras Jazzband on January 21. Admission will be free, as ever, for the 9pm start.