The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival recently saw the debut performance of the newly formed West Mercia Police Youth Band.

Excellent performances

The band which was also joined by the Polysteel Youth Band, was conducted by Special Inspector David Taylor, and gave two excellent performances at the magnificent Pershore Abbey and loal Baptist Church.

Youth Band Manager, Neil Kerridge, who has been responsible for setting up the band told 4BR: "I was so impressed with our young players — not just in terms of their performance but the professional manner in which they conducted themselves. They were a credit to themselves and to West Mercia Police who they represented."

I was so impressed with our young players — not just in terms of their performance but the professional manner in which they conducted themselvesNeil Kerridge

Raising money

PC Richard Waterhouse, Chairman of the ‘senior’ West Mercia Police Band said: "It has long been an ambition of the West Mercia Police Band to form a youth band. The ethos of the band has always been to take music into our communities, raising money for local causes and to encourage young people to play music.”