LYDBROOK band will be blowing up a storm – hopefully not a rainy one – in a special something-for-everyone Jubilee bash at Speech House Field on Saturday June 2 (2pm-10pm).

And at the same time the band – main drivers of what has been dubbed the Royal Forest Jubilee – is taking part in a unique 'Brass the Baton' relay that will culminate in an enormous brass band gathering in Durham in July to mark the Olympic Games.

On the arrival of a special yellow baton (there are five of different colours all travelling the country from band to band) at the Speech House event at around 7pm on June 2 the band will take the stage and play a selected part of 'Going the Distance'. They'll then round off the evening with a Last day of the Proms performance ahead of a spectacular fireworks display, before taking their baton to Nailsworth band.

At Durham all the batons and all the bands come together to play the complete work.

"We are hoping everyone brings a picnic for a really great day of fun and music," said Emily Dodsworth, one of the organisers, who also plays flugelhorn for Lydbrook Band – not to forget the Lydbrook Training Band which is also involved.

"As a special Forest touch the baton will arrive not with an Olympic torch but with a lighted miner's Davy Lamp."

There will be a fly-past by vintage aircraft too. A hog roast, inflatables, stalls, demonstrations, hands-on archery and lots and lots of live music acts will make it an afternoon to remember, says Emily. Drinks are available from Speech House if you do not bring your own and the entry ticket (children free) includes car parking.

"We really meant to make it a family-oriented all-inclusive afternoon," said Emily.

The event is part-sponsored by a British Federation of Brass Bands grant from the Arts Council.