Cowes Concert Band from the Isle of Wight is celebrating a £5,000 grant for new uniforms.

Traditional

The 27 members of the brass band will be kitted out in traditional-style jackets thanks to the award from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, an independent charitable trust.

The jackets will be black, with red lapels and cuffs with gold detail to reflect the colours of Cowes’ town crest which is displayed on the band’s stand banners.

Band Treasurer Tony Hebditch, who put together the grant application, told 4BR: "This is fantastic news for the band and marks another milestone in our resurgence over the last few years. At one stage our membership was down to about 12 players.

We hope our new look will result in more concert bookings and heighten the entertainment of audiences, as well as provide the band with a feel-good factor Band Treasurer, Tony Hebditch

Feel good factor

"We hope our new look will result in more concert bookings and heighten the entertainment of audiences, as well as provide the band with a feel-good factor."

The uniforms are being made by a specialist manufacturer in Leeds and are expected to be ready in January.

"We are hoping to make our first concert in the new uniforms a special occasion and will be inviting several local dignitaries," said Tony.

Funds available

Toni Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, added: "I am absolutely delighted that Cowes Concert Band approached us for support and hope their forthcoming concert to celebrate the new uniforms is a great success.

"We still have funds available for small, local community groups across the Island and I would encourage anyone involved in such groups to get in touch."