A notable milestone in the history of Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band will be celebrated this weekend.

Formed in 1980 by the late Angela Lowe, the band has enjoyed many ups and downs in the past 35 years, with the current organisation certainly on an upward curve of competitive and musical success under the direction of Joanne Sykes.

Young talent

In 2012 the band qualified for the National Finals for the first time in its history and has since established a flourishing Training Band set up that will ensure a steady supply of future young talent flowing through the ranks.

"It's been a wonderful last few years for the band, and a tribute the hard work and energy so many people have put into the organisation over the last 35 years,"Joanne told 4BR.

"There is such a great appetite for banding here that it's a pleasure to be able to help develop future generations of players.

To see the band grow musically with each performance is so encouraging — and we are determined to build on the success everyone has achieved to push up through the sections and hopefully make another return to the National Finals as soon as possible."

Joined

The band will be joined in their celebration concert by Joanne's son Carlton, who recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and is quickly becoming one of the banding world's most sought after tuba playing talents.

"It promises to be a great occasion,"Joanne added. "And we hope that as many former players — all the way back over 35 years can come along and join us in the celebrations."

There is such a great appetite for banding here that it's a pleasure to be able to help develop future generations of playersJoanne Sykes

Time and place

The anniversary concert is on Saturday 3rd October in Midsomer Norton Methodist Church starting at 7.30pm.

For further information, go to:
http://www.msnrsb.org.uk/2015/09/29/35th-anniversary-concert/