A TRADITIONAL brass band will be giving a concert in Bridport to raise money for a church roof renovation.

The Bridport St. Swithun’s Band will perform at St Mary's Church, Bridport on Saturday May 6.

The band has become a strong musical group in its home town.

Performing regular concerts in the town’s Bucky Doo Square St Swithun's provides a colourful and entertaining musical attraction with its live performances.

It is a traditional brass band which forms part of the heritage of amateur music-making in Britain alongside other established groups such as choral and folk music.

Brass bands are becoming a victim of the age and many established bands which are associated with industrial areas and work places are disappearing from the scene. Finances can be a problem for a band and finding successive generations of new and young instrumentalists is a challenge in this day and age but Bridport band is standing its ground at present and has nurtured new players into its fold.

St. Swithun’s Band has facilities to teach anyone interested in learning to play a brass instrument. There are instruments available free of charge and experienced musicians willing to teach at a very modest cost. A number of the current members have received tuition and have graduated to the band as competent musicians. There is just one young student currently receiving tuition and there is capacity for more learners to come and join. We would also welcome any Brass or Percussion players who are looking to join a Band. For more details visit our website at www. stswithunsbandbridport.weebly.com or email us at stswithunsbandbridport@gmail.com.

St. Swithun’s Band has a membership of 30 musicians and plays a variety of music including music from shows, films and the world of pop together with traditional brass band fare.

A brass band is a versatile musical group which is able to enliven the atmosphere at village and church fetes, provide music for weddings, remembrance parades, church services, fund raising and other formal events. Christmas is a time when a band brings a particular atmosphere to the scene and St Swithun’s Band are to be seen every year performing Christmas carols and festive music at events around the town.

*Bridport St. Swithun’s Band concert, St Mary's Church, Bridport, Saturday May 6, 7.30pm. Entrance is free.