Members and supporters of Bilton Silver Training Band have just enjoyed a brilliant day trip to the seaside.

It was the end result of an idea first put forward by Jodie Fisher to have a fun day out that included the opportunity to perform together, and was funded by a sponsored walk that covered a whopping 1000 miles.

Beach time

An early morning double-decker coach left the Bilton Silver bandroom loaded with Training Band members, family and supporters, and with the luggage compartment crammed full of instruments.

Arriving on the beach, and joined by families who had travelled down by car, over 100 people enjoyed a paddle in the sea and a game of cricket on the beach (and in some cases a glass of Prosecco on the pebbles!), followed by lunch on the seafront.

Concert

The band then performed a 70 minute concert on Brighton Pier under MD Di Fisher, consisting of upbeat numbers and favourites such as, 'The Bare Necessities' and 'Zambesi' and also included 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)', which has become the band's trademark tune.

A large audience gathered, applauding and cheering, giving the members a real boost. The band also received generous donations of £250 for what proved to be a huge success. The day was rounded off by a final trip to the amusement arcade.

The real stars were the whole band. In fact it was more than that, it was the whole dayBilton Silver Training Band parent

Wonderful

As one parent told 4BR: "Everyone loves seeing their children perform, and it's just a great feeling when all that practice and nervous energy comes together and they get up there in front of a crowd: It's wonderful.

The real stars were the whole band. In fact it was more than that, it was the whole day. It was a great community event made possible by a bit of 'get up and go' and a lot of sheer hard work and organisation by Di and Jodie."