THE New Forest echoed to the strains of fine music this weekend with a brace of top class concerts.

Legendary jazz entertainers George Melly and Kenny Ball played on Saturday night, while Angela Rippon took the stage to introduce classical favourites last night. Both were Daily Echo backed concerts.

As always, the multi-talented Melly was accompanied by John Chilton and the Feetwarmers for the evening at the New Forest Show Ground, near Lyndhurst.

The pair, who have worked together for decades, delved into their huge repertoire of jazz, blended with blues, to the delight of the audience.

George Melly is famous not only in Britain, but across the world.

During his long and successful career, he has also played in America, Australia and the Far East. But an evening with George Melly is not just about the music as he cleverly mixes jazz with humour and showmanship.

Dixieland stomper Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen took over the stage at 9pm to round off the night in style.

Last night, the second concert at the showground saw Angela Rippon introduce pieces performed by the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra.

The talented broadcaster, who was the first female newsreader for the BBC, presented an evening which included works by Rossini, Grieg and Bizet.

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