The Gloucestershire town of Coleford will host a special 'Festival of Brass' — celebrating the heritage of brass banding in the Forest of Dean.

Coleford Town Council working in partnership with the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association hopes that the event on Saturday 14th June will add to its established annual programme of visitor attractions.

From noon, the town will be filled with the sound of bands with an outdoor stage at the Clock Tower, and a second performance area hosted at the Coleford Baptist Church in Newland Street.

Forest showcase

It will showcase eight of the Forest of Dean's nine bands and will culminate in a massed band performance under conductor Philip Harper at 7.00pm in the Town Centre.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Coleford, Cllr Nick Penny said: "As a Council we invest heavily in our annual events programme to provide a wide variety of entertainment for our residents and visitors alike.

The idea of running a Brass Band Festival is something that I have personally been thinking about for a number of years — and with the support of the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association we are delighted to host it in June."

The idea of running a Brass Band Festival is something that I have personally been thinking about for a number of years — and with the support of the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association we are delighted to host it in JuneMayor

Performers

Visitors will be able to enjoy performances from Berry Hill Silver, Lydney, AW Parker Drybrook, Cinderford Town, Bream Silver, Parkend Silver, Forest of Dean Brass and Lydbrook Band (both senior and training).

Parking in the main town centre car parks will be free on the 14th June.

Further details

Full details of performance times can be found at: www.colefordtown.net/events