A tradition that first took place in 1910 in the Gloucestershire town of Wotton Under Edge has continued this year thanks to the innovative thinking of its town band.

Wotton & District Silver Band has performed the free public concert on 'Wotton Hill' on the edge of the beautiful Cotswold Hills for over a century, and was determined that it continued this year despite the Coronavirus pandemic.

Free CDs

The event has been a highlight of the calendar for the local residents and traditionally heralds the start of the band's summer outdoor concert season.

It usually features a selection of marches and hymns, so to ensure it went ahead the band launched a Facebook initiative that saw them distribute 20 free copies of their CD 'Legacy' to play at full volume whilst the players recorded performances of 'Highland Cathedral', which were then stitched together to perform at 11.00am on 'Band Sunday' and broadcast from the top of the hill.

To add to the spectacle aerial views of the scenery were added to add to the video which was published on the band's website ready to be played at the same time.

Sense of pride

Spokesperson David Lawrence told 4BR: "The fact the band members went to these lengths to keep the connection with Band Sunday on Wotton Hill alive showed not just their commitment to music making but also their sense of pride in their home town and its community."

The band is now planning to undertake another inventive project, and have commissioned Cory Band Composer in Residence, Christopher Bond, to write a concert piece as a tribute to the 'Band Sunday' tradition.

The fact the band members went to these lengths alive showed not just their commitment to music making but also their sense of pride in their home town and its communityWotton Band

Enjoy

It is hoped that the work will be premiered in September when they are hoping to be back giving live performances.

To enjoy the performance go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tw-6mCFmTQ