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A samba band based in Hampshire UK, promoting unity and wellbeing through drumming.

Swan Samba logo

Welcome to Swan Samba

We are a Hampshire-based samba fusion drumming and movement band, proudly affiliated with Roynon Performing Arts since 2019.

Our core aim is to provide accessible, enjoyable drumming experiences while supporting community wellbeing.

Swan Samba have performed at events across the south including Wickham Festival, Winchester Hat Fair, Romsey Carnival and Eastleigh Mela as well as on TV and radio.

We welcome all enquiries about joining the band, booking us for events, or arranging immersive workshops for schools and business team-building.

Swan Samba performing at the Winchester Hat Fair

Band Resources

Band members get access to an online catalogue of learning resources, including videos, texts and audio guides.

Join us at our next gig

We perform at events across Hampshire all year round. In the winter months performances include LED light displays.

Swan Samba performing at the Good Festival Basingstoke

Good Festival

“Swan Samba have performed at our charity festival for the past two years. Their energy is superb! We look forward to them returning.”

Eastleigh Mela

“Swan Samba have played at the Eastleigh Mela a number of times. They have a big energy, a big sound and bring a big festival feel to our community event. We would definitely recommend them for your event!”

ABP Southampton Marathon 2025

Southampton
Marathon

“Great local group and what you need to motivate runners! We are really thankful for Swan Samba’s help all these years at the ABP Southampton Marathon.”

Swan Samba at The Big Eat Netley

The Big Eat Festival

“I can’t thank Swan Samba enough for another amazing performance at The Big Eat. This is the second year in a row they have kept our guests entertained and we will be booking them again for 2025!”

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Luke Jones profile picture
Luke Jones
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolute Perfection! An Electric Explosion of Rhythm and Joy! If you want an event to instantly transform into a high-energy, infectious celebration, look no further than Swan Samba! Their performance at the World Music Mosaic day was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first beat, they captured the entire crowd's attention and refused to let it go. As you can see in the fantastic photo, the band brought incredible presence to the outdoor stage area at Phoenix Arts. Dressed in their vibrant blue, the unity, focus, and sheer passion of the group shine right through. Gary and the entire ensemble showed elite professionalism, perfectly syncing massive, booming rhythms that you could quite literally feel in your chest. The energy they radiated was completely contagious—it was impossible to stand still! Their workshop was inclusive, high-octane, and an absolute masterclass in community music-making. They didn't just play for us; they brought an entire world-music carnival atmosphere to us. An unforgettable highlight of an incredible day. If you ever get the chance to book Swan Samba or attend one of their sessions, do not hesitate for a second. 🥁✨
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David Crowe
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Joining Sean Samba in January as a ‘never having drummed before’ beginner and as a newcomer to the area I was delighted to find myself in such a warm, welcoming and friendly community. The drumming is a joy but should you choose to join us you will find it is also about fun, friendship and wellness. Oh, and learning the joy of drumming!
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Ian Vincent
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I have been with Swan Samba now for about 5 months. I started, never having played an instrument, let alone a Samba drum. With the friendship of the band and the dedication of our experienced drummers, I think, I have made huge steps to becoming a Samba drummer. Playing 16th notes on the Caixa and keeping time with the rest of the band has been the challenge I wanted but it has been so much more. More laughs. Fantastic people and Great Music.
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Heidi Ford
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After admiring from the crowd I found out how to join in. Completed the sample sessions which confirmed I loved it! Everyone is welcoming and warming. I’m now proud to be part of the Swan Samba Team. 😊
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Jenny & David Bunce
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Absolutely brilliant – second visit and just as fantastic! This was our second time having Swan Samba visit 1st Wickham Scouts, and once again it was absolutely brilliant. Our young people loved Gary’s enthusiasm, energy, and highly interactive approach. Everyone was engaged from start to finish and had an amazing time. We would highly recommend Swan Samba to any group looking for something fun, engaging, and memorable.
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Steve Harris
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I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Swan Samba during our fundraising event in Lyndhurst, and I can confidently say they were absolutely phenomenal! As the drummers marched down Lyndhurst High Street alongside Santa, their infectious energy and rhythmic beats captivated the entire crowd. The level of engagement between the band and the audience was remarkable, creating an electrifying atmosphere that truly made the evening unforgettable. From start to finish, the communication with Gary was seamless, showcasing the professionalism and passion of the entire team. The band's enthusiasm was contagious, as they interacted with attendees, drawing everyone into the festive spirit. It really felt like a community celebration, and people are still talking about how incredible the performance was! I wholeheartedly recommend Swan Samba for any event. They brought joy and excitement to our evening, and we can't wait to have them join us again in the future! Bravo, Swan Samba!
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Lily Stokes
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We had Swan Samba Band at Rowans Hospice's Shining Stars Walk in September, and they were incredible! The band had great communication and provided wonderful entertainment for our participants.
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Beatrice Finch
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Love how friendly and welcoming the band are.. a great place to be yourself and have FUN!
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Events at Rees Leisure
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We were absolutely delighted to have Swan Samba back with us for the 10th anniversary of the ABP Southampton Marathon. Their distinctive presence—full of energy, and rhythm—brought a real buzz to the course and added something special to the day. Placed just after the start line, Swan Samba helped set the tone early on, lifting spirits and motivating runners as they settled into their stride. For those running the full marathon, encountering the band again at mile 14 was a timely and much-needed morale boost. Their consistent energy and uplifting beats gave runners a push just when things were starting to get tough. The feedback from participants and spectators was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the band as a highlight of the route. Their 2.5-hour non-stop performance—setting a new record for the group—was not only impressive but a true testament to their enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism. Their ability to engage with the crowd while maintaining such stamina added a dynamic and memorable element to the event. Swan Samba have become a much-valued part of the ABP Southampton Marathon experience. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and for helping make this year’s event especially memorable. We look forward to working with them again in the future. Thanks again Swan Samba, The ABP Southampton Marathon Events Team :))
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ben odbert
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Thankyou everyone at SS for being so welcoming to my parents and I last night, at our first introductory session. The energy and enthusiasm were really invigorating but the most striking thing was just how friendly everybody was, from Gary's introduction to Steve and Helen who really kindly let us have a go on their drums, to everybody else who came and said hi. We all agreed on the way home that we couldn't remember meeting a more friendly and positive group of people. And the drumming sounded awesome! (Unfortunately I'd miscalculated where Swanmore was -45 minutes further away than I thought!- so we'll struggle to make it over for more sessions but keep up the great work!!)

We love getting your feedback. If you’ve seen us, booked us or joined us, please let us know what you think.

In affiliation with Roynon Performing Arts

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