Haverhill Silver Band's debut top section appearance at the Royal Albert Hall National Final has been helped by fantastic support for its local community.

Over £10,000 has been raised to meet the imposing costs involved in making it a weekend to remember, with many local businesses and individuals giving generously to help them.

Donations

£5,000 came for the local Town Council in recognition of the Suffolk band's historic achievement, whilst County councilors were also allowed to allocate part of their personal locality budgets to add to the sum.

In addition, Persimmon and Redrow Homes, who are developing residential areas in Haverhill gave grants of £1000 and £1200 respectively, whilst a remarkable individual and long standing friend of the band met the hire costs of a mini-bus to take supporters up to London on the day.

Tie in

Proud past members have added something special too, with former soprano player Gavin Jacobs and his father, Len who ids the current Band President purchasing bespoke ties which were presented at a recent open rehearsal.

Gavin said: "It's our way of playing a very small part on such a special day."

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "This wonderful support has allowed the band to relax and concentrate on the performance.

We are very proud to represent our community and the people of Suffolk and we are sure they will all be with us in some way at the Albert Hall on Saturday."