The Isle of Wight based Cowes Concert Band is marking its 60th anniversary later this year by holding an celebration concert which they hope will feature as many past members of the band as possible.

Great

Current MD Andy Norman told 4BR: "We are trying to spread the word far and wide to past players. It would be great if there were lots of old friends of ours in the audience to help celebrate our special year."

He added: "The band know the whereabouts of many former players and will be contacting them about the concert, but we know there are many others spread across the country and want to extend the invitation to them."

The band was formed in 1951 by cornet player Lewis Bircham and made its first public appearance during the famous Cowes Week sailing regatta of 19524BR

Formation

The band was formed in 1951 by cornet player Lewis Bircham and made its first public appearance during the famous Cowes Week sailing regatta of 1952. In its early years the band was a regular sight at launching ceremonies held at the town’s J.S. Whites shipyard.

In recent years the band has enjoyed a resurgence and boasts 27 players including several talented teenagers.