The weather may be hot and sticky, but why not have a break from the gardening or a trip to the beach and head to one of the concerts being held by the various National Youth Bands this weekend instead?
National Children's Band
It all kicks off today (Friday 27th) with the National Children's Band of Great Britain performing at Repton School in Derbyshire (DE65 6FH) starting at 2.30pm.
Under the baton of Prof Nicholas Childs they have been working hard all week and have a great programme to showcase, including a world premiere from the pen of Jonathan Bates and a new work from Peter Graham — all topped by a guest solo appearance by the brilliant Katrina Marzella.
National Youth Brass of Wales
The Welsh have also been hard at work also with the players of the National Youth Band of Wales enjoying themselves under the direction of Cory MD, Philip Harper.
They have a trio of concert performances this weekend as they showcase works as diverse as Eric Ball's 'Resurgam' and Philip Wilby's 'The New Jerusalem', as well as Philip's won colourful 'East Meets West' suite and the premiere of the ensemble version of Tom Davoren's 'Legacy'.
They can be seen in action on Friday 27th (7.30pm) St David's Church in Neath, followed by Theatre Hafren in Newton on Saturday 28th (7.30pm) and The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff on Sunday (4.00pm)
It all kicks off today (Friday 27th) with the National Children's Band of Great Britain performing at Repton School in Derbyshire (DE65 6FH) starting at 2.30pm4BR
National Youth Brass Band of Scotland
Meanwhile up in Scotland, no fewer than 180 talented players of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland organisation have been hard at work under the batons of John Boax, Gordon Evans and Russell Gray.
On Saturday (28th) they showcase their talents with end of course concerts for the Children's Band and the Reserve Band at Strathallan School (PH2 9EG) on Saturday 28th July at 1.30pm and 3.30pm respectively.
The Senior Band will be joined by the NYBBS 60th Anniversary Re-union Band at Albert Halls in Stirling (FK8 2QL) on Sunday 29th July at 2.00pm.
