Despite some rather changeable weather in the lead up to the event, Pershore enjoyed a day of warm sunshine and fine music as it hosted its annual Midsummer Brass festival.

Once again, the town was also bathed in the sound of 30 brass bands, who thoroughly entertained those who came to listen to a music that varied from film scores to Faure alongside original works and arrangements.

Fanfare

The event began with the traditional fanfare played from the top of the Abbey Tower, which could be heard from across the town, before the players from Bretforton Silver Band hurried back down to play the first concert in the Abbey, where they received a warm welcome from the Town Mayor.

This year six new bands joined the line-up, with Filton Concert Brass, Jackfield, Gloucestershire Police, Langley Community, West Midlands Salvation Army Youth and Ledbury Community Band all giving fine performances.

Wonderful day

Kate Seabright, Secretary for Ledbury, thanked the committee for what she called, 'a really wonderful day', adding; "It's always inspiring to hear different bands and to get to talk to so many different people, all with such a passion."

The excellent training and youth bands taking part this year included Bret Set Go, Nunnery Wood High School, West Mercia Police Youth, West Midlands Brass Academy and the West Midlands Salvation Army Youth Band, with organising committee Chairman, John West telling 4BR: "There is something special about listening to the youth and training bands giving the public a performance worthy of the greatest applause."

Pershore Midsummer Brass was a wonderful day enjoyed by our young players and an excellent way to introduce them to the world of banding!Nicky Daw, MD Worcester City Youth and Training Bands

Friendly atmosphere

Nicky Daw, who conducted Worcester City Youth and Training Bands agreed, stating: "Pershore Midsummer Brass was a wonderful day enjoyed by our young players and an excellent way to introduce them to the world of banding!"

The friendly atmosphere also saw a number of players 'dep' for other bands or take the chance to catch up with old friends, whilst visitors came to listen from as far afield as Edinburgh, Norfolk, North Yorkshire and Kent.

Performances by top flight bands such as Filton Concert, Tongwynlais Temperance and Staffordshire certainly showed that support for the festival came from bands at every level.

The next Pershore Festival of Brass takes place on Saturday 7th July 2018.