Brass band step out in time for Ironbridge festival

The Royal Signals Band, from RAF Cosford, will be just one of a number of fantastic bands on display at Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron for the festival, which is set to take place all weekend.

It will take place at the Green and is set to include some of the finest brass bands from in and around Shropshire.

The free event is being held to try and foster a new love for brass band music among families. A ticketed evening concert tomorrow will collect funds for Severn Hospice.

The family festival is amongst the largest, non-competitive brass band festivals in the country.

Performances begin at 10am on both days and continue until 5pm on Saturday and 6.30pm on Sunday.

Among the groups and volunteers getting involved are Meadowdale Nurseries in Horsehay.

John Anderson, co-owner of the nurseries, said: "We have been supporting the festival for the last 4 years and were more than happy to help again this year.

"We pro-actively raise money for Severn Hospice during the year at the garden centre as well, as we think it is such a worthwhile cause, so the fact that the proceeds of the concert goes to them as well, is great.”

Neil Fury, Festival Chairman said that they welcomed help from wherever they could get it.

“The Festival is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and all of our funding comes from sponsorship, grants and donations," he said.

"So we are always extremely grateful to local businesses such as Meadowdale for their kind donations and support. Without this continuing support, the Festival simply could not proceed.”

For more information visit ironbridgebandfestival.co.uk

Tickets are also available from all of the Severn Hospice shops.