The programme began in 1998 and based its format on the long-running
Dance Band Days presented by
Alan Dell. Following Dell's death
Malcolm Laycock began to present the show on Sunday evenings, The first half of the show was usually dedicated to the British dance bands of artists such as
Jack Hylton and
Geraldo, while the second half would feature the music of bandleaders such as
Glenn Miller and
Tommy Dorsey. In addition, the show would feature interviews with occasional guests from the big band genre and a "Mystery Disc" where a piece of music would be played and listeners would be asked to guess the identity of a mystery artist. It would conclude with Laycock reading out a list of big band concerts taking place around the United Kingdom. In November 2008 the show's format was altered, switching the focus to mostly big band music, though it continued to close with the concert announcements. The decision to alter the show led to complaints from some listeners who believed Radio 2 was turning its back on its older audience. In July 2009 Laycock announced his departure from the station. but instead took the impromptu decision to leave after failing to negotiate a new contract. His announcement took his bosses by surprise. British dance band music made a return to the show from November 2009, albeit not to the same extent as previously. An entire show was also dedicated to the genre in December 2009. ==Presenters==