MAX Bygraves’ son Anthony is looking forward to a “special” fundraising evening featuring a tribute to the singer.

The Swing Unlimited Big Band will include songs often performed by the famous entertainer during an evening arranged to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Max lived in Bournemouth and suffered from the disease prior to his death last year so the band offered to include the tribute in the show at the Centre Stage Jazz Club in Queens Road, near Westbourne.

Anthony will sing a song he wrote for his dad entitled The Show Must Go On as well as telling stories from his days as his manager.

He said: “Music is very evocative and I think it will be a special night, especially because of the connection to Bournemouth “It’s a great chance to pay tribute to dad.”

Max and his wife Blossom, who died in 2011, lived at Alum Chine for 40 years before moving to Australia.

The Swing Unlimited Big Band is holding the bash on Wednesday, February 14.

The songs they are expected to perform in memory of Max are likely to include You Need Hands, Tulips From Amsterdam and You’re My Everything.

Anthony added: “It’s amazing how many people knew dad, worked with him and have a story.

“I used to say ‘dad does not do sad’.

“So I will be recounting some stories and hopefully it will be an uplifting evening.”

Patrick and Catherine Peiro, organisers, said it promises to be a “lovely” evening with a champagne raffle.

  • THE Valentines Love and Memories night, starting at 7.30pm, will also feature the songs of Count Basie, The Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker.

The £12 tickets include a chicken or vegetarian meal and are available by calling 07771 267445.

Make donation

THOSE who cannot make it to the music event can make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society at justgiving.com/ maxbygravescharitysingle and leave their details to receive an MP3 recording of the Max Bygraves song The Golden Years. Anthony Bygraves helped write the song to celebrate his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.