At a time when bands are trying to do something a little bit different to widen their public profile and engage with local communities, the Hatherleigh Silver Band based in West Devon are certainly taking ideas to a different level.
On Tor
On Sunday 2nd July they will be helping to raise money for the North Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team by giving a concert on top of Sourton Tor — an outcrop of granite rock over 440 meters above sea level which is famous for being so cold at times that it was home to a ice works!
The band will have to make a 1 mile trek to the summit to perform their concert (from 12.30 — 2.00pm) — and then cart everything back down again!
A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We've not heard of a band playing in such an isolated spot on Dartmoor before and we've gone through an interesting process getting permissions to do so, but now it's on!
Can you imagine the shock for random ramblers stumbling across a band? Hopefully it will see loads of people take the opportunity to stop to tuck into their picnics and enjoy the music."
Bandamonium
Thankfully their second initiative won't be as isolated — far from it in fact as they look forward to once again hosting 'Bandamonium' on Saturday 29th July (starting at noon).
10 bands have already signed up for a day celebrating brass banding across 5 locations, 4 villages and 1 town (Hatherleigh) in the foothills of Dartmoor.
Bands are coming along to take part from London, Horsham, Bath and Cornwall, with the local favourites sure to be the Bandamnium Barbarians. There is also plenty of great merchandise on sale to support the event.
they will be helping to raise money for the North Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team by giving a concert on top of Sourton Tor — which is famous for being so cold at times that it was home to a ice works!4BR
Enjoy
A spokesperson said: "Coach transport is provided to enable the bands to get between the venues so everyone has an afternoon going where they want when they want — and not having to worry about things as they also enjoy plenty of local cider and a few pasties to keep them fuelled!"
The Banadamonium Barbarians is open to anyone that wants to play and if your band wants to join in the fun it's never too late, just let the organisers know.
For further information go to: https://www.facebook.com/BandamoniumBrassBand
