A new brass band has been formed in the Northumberland coastal town of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Strong support

The new band has brought together players from the local and wider community and who have connections with the rich musical heritage of the former fishing and mining community, and has received strong support from the banding community as well as local groups and organisations

Celebrate

Band Chairman George Cuthbertson told 4BR: "We hope the bands formation will continue to provide the local and wider community an opportunity to celebrate its musical heritage, as well as an opportunity to reach new audiences with innovations in brass music."

It’s great news for my home town to have its band again. I started playing the cornet with Newbiggin under my father’s supervision. The rest is history as they sayJames Shepherd

James Shepherd

The band is also proud to announce that it will be known as Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band, in honour of their president James Shepherd.

Jim commented: "It’s great news for my home town to have its band again. I started playing the cornet with Newbiggin under my father’s supervision. The rest is history as they say."

Aims

The band has very clear aims to develop as a quality concert and contesting outfit and hopes to inspire young people in the community.

Principal Cornet, Ray Cole added: "We have initiated a strong sense of togetherness and welcome friends old and new."

The band also has launched their website, this can be found at: www.newbigginbrassband.org.uk