The South of the island will ring to the sound of brass band music this weekend, as several local bands take part in an inaugural day-long music festival.

The Port Erin Festival of Brass takes place on Saturday, July 17, from 1pm until 5pm, at three different locations throughout the seaside town.

Five local brass bands, including the Crosby District Silver Band, the Douglas Town Band, The Ramsey Silver Band and the Castletown Metropolitan Band, along with the local Rushen Silver Band will perform in rotation at either the Bushy’s/Colas Beach stage, outside the Bay Hotel, the Railway Station and in the gardens outside St Catherine’s Church.

The groups will all converge for a mass performance at 4.20pm at the church, where all the bands will play selected pieces of music together.

’Rushen Silver Band is delighted to be able to participate in this festival, and join with other bands to perform at some picturesque venues in Port Erin,’ said Rushen musical director Chris Weldon.

’It gives us a chance to perform to different audiences and promote the village at the same time.

’We hope it will become a successful annual event.’

The Brass bands will also be joined by the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, who will also be performing at the same venues.

The event is being organised by the Rushen and Western Mann Rotary Club.

Brian Coole, from the Rushen and Western Mann Rotary Club, said that he hopes the day will encourage people to spend the day enjoying the attractions of Port Erin.

’We hope that it will be a real community day and that we get some nice crowds of relaxing either on the beach or in the town and just soaking up the atmosphere,’ said Brian.

’We also hope that people make use of the Steam trains or busses to get in and out of Port Erin.’

The event is being sponsored by Santander International and supported by the domestic event fund.

In case of rain, the bands will all play individually inside St Catherine’s Church throughout the afternoon from 1pm.