PREPARE to party, the best swing band in the world is heading to town and if you ain't jumpin and jiving along with them, you've obviously lost the will to live.

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys have built up a reputation as one of the great live acts and they're coming to Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on Friday, October 18.

"I suppose the way to describe out music is late Forties West Coast rhythm and blues, but that's a very boring way of putting it," says King Pleasure, lead singer and saxophonist with the six-piece band. "We're a band that enjoys playing and making people dance."

As anyone who has witnessed the Biscuit Boys in action - they have brought the house down on numerous occasions at Colne's Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival - be prepared for one of the most energetic live actrs you'll ever see.

King Pleasure (or should that be His Majesty?) is delighted to hear that there's a balcony in Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.

"We'll be up there at some point during the show," he laughs. "Well, everyone but the drummer -- that might be difficult."

But behind all the antics, the zoot suits and the funny names - Bulmoose K Shirley, Shark Van Schtoop and Crab Slaw Tromans to name but three - the band is made up of six phenomenal musicians who love to entertain.

"We love the music we play," said King Pleasure. "Very occasionally we'll be criticised by people saying we're a bit of a clown band who can't be taken seriously as musicians because they are too entertaining. But that's the whole point, we want to entertain, we want people to enjoy themselves to get up and dance and to know they've had a good time.

"Someone once suggested that we choreograph our stage act. To be honest I don't think you could even if you wanted to. We do what we feel is natural, even we don't really know what's going to happen next so I'm not sure what the audience can think."

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys have been bringing their own form of musical mayhem to audiences around the world for 16years.

They regularly play over 200 live dates every year and are a major draw at festivals throughout Europe and in the States. And it all started with a busking competition in the King's home town - Birmingham.

"There was me and a guitar player And we saw an ad for a busking competition. We got two more musicians, put on dinner suits and dicky bows and won £100. One of the judges ran Big Bear Records and asked us if we'd like to sign. We've done eight albums and Big Bear have promoted us ever since."

Over the years band members have come and gone but without any of the traditional 'musical differences' ruining friendships.

"We're a bunch of mates who enjoy the music," said King Pleasure. "Even the lads who have left still come to gigs and that's why it works so well. So many bands are put together to be a band, we are friends first and foremost."

As well as classic tunes, the band write their own material keeping the style alive. But you sense it's the live shows they all live for.

"How else could you get paid to show off and have fun with your mates?" asked the King.

He does have a point.

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys play Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on Friday, October 18. Tickets priced £10 Are available from the box office on 01254 380293

The best of King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, priced £7.99... BUY NOW