10 December 2014

Introducing our Advent Calendar – the tenth post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. Today: Vintage music and Indian sweets.

There’s something uplifting going on at RNCM this evening. It’s exactly 40 years since the Northern Dance Orchestra, formed by the BBC in 1956, last played – so, to honour years of much-loved performances for both TV and radio, the RNCM Big Band will be bringing some of the NDO’s unique music library back to life. Go for the stirring sound of a whole orchestra having fun – and to relive the kind of show that, 40 years ago, would have raised the roof. RNCM, 6.30pm. Tickets from £15.

Do more. If you’re able to wait it out and go for food afterwards, it’s worth thinking about heading further down Oxford Road to the Curry Mile. While the quality here can be patchy, we’re fans of Mughli. Go off piste after your meal and seek out those ridiculously sticky, delicious Indian sweets that wink brightly from every window. For which ones to choose, see our Curry Mile Guide.