Recalling South Tyneside's junior jazz bands

It's August 1972 and members of the South Shields Blue Start Juvenile Jazz Band are pictured watching other bands compete int he carnival arranged by the Blue Stars at Gypsies Green Stadium.

So I’m hoping this selection of pictures, from the 1970s, will generate a similar response from readers.

Here, marching to the sound of drum and kazoos, are members of some of the many bands that were so popular in South Shields and South Tyneside during the years gone by.

Back in August 1970 the Golden Eagles jazz band were pictured by the Gazette. Do you recognise yourself?

They include the Marsden Coastliners, the Hebburn Crusaders, the South Shields Hussars, the Golden Eagles and the South Shields Blue Stars.

It would be interesting to hear from past members about the rivalry between the various bands. Which one was the best?

No doubt, it all depends on your loyalties, but who were the best marchers, the best dressed band and the best musicians?