Sheffield's Tudor Square recently warmed to the sounds of brass on a cold Spring morning, as hundreds of visitors to the city centre enjoyed no less than 13 brass bands massed together under MD Gavin Somerset at the invitation of Music in the Round.

Russian classic

Over 150 players assembled to perform nine pieces — from Dvorak's famous 'Largo' from the 'New World Symphony', to Van McCoy's disco classic 'The Hustle', and in keeping with their host's Russia in the Round Festival theme, the rousing 'Kalinka'.

Such was the success of the event that even a last-minute drama, when the lead percussionist fell ill and the rhythm section was dropped into the hands of young learners Merlin and Emily from Stannington Training was overcome thank s to some great adult help

We're really lucky to have 15 brass bands in Sheffield, and they put a huge amount of time, effort and money into making sure everything turned into a fantastic occasionBrass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw

Huge effort

Brass Band England's Rachel Veitch-Straw facilitated the event and told 4BR: "We're really lucky to have 15 brass bands in Sheffield, and they put a huge amount of time, effort and money into making sure everything turned into a fantastic occasion."