THE world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is set to pitch up in Southend in the New Year.

The orchestra will be at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday January 22 to perform the music of legendary film composer John Williams.

Williams – the most Oscar nominated man alive today- is the creator of so many of the most beloved soundtracks ever written, including themes from Superman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Schindler’s List, JFK and Jaws.

As a prelude to the event we’ve raided our photographic archives to dig out some nostalgic photographs of our local orchestras over the years.

We are sure these snaps of the Essex Youth Orchestra and other south Essex ensembles won’t fall flat.