The Putney & Wimbledon Band, a new not-for-profit community band, will perform in public for the first time this weekend.

And the band hopes to start with a bang — literally so as they make their first appearance at a community fireworks event on Saturday in Wimbledon Park.

Community ficus

The band brings together local players of a wide range of ages from across the area, with MD, Sam Topp telling 4BR: "South west London may not have the same history of brass banding as the north of England, but the desire to create something that is focused on the idea of community is just as strong here.

We can't wait to show everyone what we can do and to encourage others to dust off their cornets, trombones and tubas to come and join us."

It is hoped that the band will become a regular sight and sound throughout the boroughs of Wandsworth and Merton at local events, as well as competing against other bands in local contests.

We can't wait to show everyone what we can do and to encourage others to dust off their cornets, trombones and tubas to come and join usMD, Sam Topp

High profile support

They also gained some high profile supporters too, with local Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond saying: "I think it's fantastic that a brass band is being set up in Wimbledon.

We are lucky to have a thriving range of community groups in our area, to which this will be a welcome addition."

Find out more

To find out more about the band go to: www.pwbrassband.com