A BRASS band is aiming to blow music lovers away when it marks its 130th anniversary with an ‘open rehearsal’ showcase in a local pub.

Founded in a small Forest mining and farming community on February 1, 1889, Pillowell Silver Band is hoping to attract new players to its ranks when it hosts the rehearsal night at the Miners Arms in Whitecroft this Saturday (January 26).

Former Pillowell players and brass musicians who have moved into the area can bring their instruments and join in, while youngsters who fancy learning and residents who want to listen to the music are also welcome.

Band secretary John Baker said: “We’re quite excited to be celebrating such a landmark year, as we’re probably one of the oldest bands in the Forest, which has such a big tradition of brass music.

“But we’re looking to the future too, and having racked up our first 130 years, we’re keen to attract new unattached players to help keep such a fantastic tradition going strong.

“We’ve done quite well recently, winning the West of England title in 2015 and finshing eighth in the British championships, which is great for a band from one of the smallest villages.

“Our youngest player is 17-year-old tenor horn player Tiana Gwynne while at the other end of the age range, several of us are in our late 70s. And we’re evenly split between men and women, with nine female players among the 20 or so current band members.”

“The band will be marking its 130th anniversary with several performances this summer, including at the Ross and Scarr bandstands, Malvern Winter Gardens, and the Pershore Mid-Summer Festival, while also contesting the West of England Championships in Torquay in March, the Gloucestershire Brass Band championships and the Wychavon Festival of Brass.

“There have been up and downs over the years, including coming through two world wars, but we’re still going strong and want to build for the future,” added John.

“There are so many other attractions for youngsters these days, but it’s really important to keep new blood coming in.

“So if there any young music lovers out there, we’d love to hear from them, alongside older players. And we’re particularly on the look out for front row cornets, horns and basses.

“We’re also planning some improvments to our band room during the anniversary year, at Captains Green Road, in Yorkley, where we rehearse every Tuesday (7.30pm to 9.30pm) and Friday (7pm to 9pm).”

John added: “We were founded as part of the community, and enjoy the community aspect of what we do. There’s great satsfaction in being part of a band and practising music to play and perform it well.”

The open rehearsal starts at 7pm, and will be followed by a complimentary buffet and social evening.

For more details, call John on 01594 562911.