A STORY that sounds like a movie script will culminate in a performance by The Soldiers at the Alban Arena next Thursday, March 17, as part of their Letters Home Tour.

The tale of The Soldiers began in the British Army and the coming together of a band of friends and takes in the world’s war zones and reality TV.

The Soldiers made history by becoming the first group of serving British soldiers to have a hit album. Since being approached in 2009 to record a mix of original material and classic covers, they signed to a major label on the strength of their first single Coming Home, squeezing in studio sessions between their respective duties at home and abroad.

Letters Home is the follow up to their platinum-selling debut album Coming Home and forms the basis of the tour which reaches the Arena at 7.30pm.

Tickets at �22.50 and �20 are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

Mary Wilson, who became part of the most successful female singing group in recording history, The Supremes, plays the Arena with special guest The Chi-Lites at 8pm next Friday, March 18.

Best known as a founding member of The Supremes, who recorded 12 number one hits from 1964-1969, Mary’s career did not stop there.

She has a successful solo career, an equally successful literary career and played an esteemed performance at the White House.

The Chi-Lites, who will join her on stage, had a string of hits including Homely Girl, Have You Seen Her and Too Good To Be Forgotten. Tickets are �27.50

Steve Harley, the original Cockney Rebel, is appearing at the Arena next Saturday, March 19, with his stripped-down three-man acoustic show.

Fresh from a successful tour and having made a mark at both the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury Festivals, Steve will ease back the pace slightly as the acoustic set takes centre stage.

It will be built around all-time favourites like Mr Soft, Judy Teen and the ever-popular Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), blended with more recent tracks from the albums The Quality of Mercy and Stranger Comes To Town.

Tickets are �23.50 and the performance begins at 7.30pm.

Sticking with music, the Arena hosts The Sold Silver 60s Show at 3.30pm and 7.30pm next Sunday, March 20.

Now in its 26th year, it features the talents of Dave Berry, Chris Farlowe, Wayne Fontana, Terry Sylvester and is backed by Vanity Fare and The Merseybeats.

The current tour is particularly special because it is the first time that Terry Sylvester, formerly of The Hollies, has joined the show and the first time he has toured the UK for 30 years.

The show will include such hits as The Crying Game, Handbags and Gladrags, Game of Love, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe and Don’t Turn Around.

Tickets are �24 and �22 for the evening performance and �22 and �20 for the matinee.