A community brass band will hold a concert in the south of the island after raising thousands of pounds for local charities throughout 2020.

The Rushen Silver Band will hold its annual autumn concert with its training band, Ballafesson Brass, at Rushen Primary School this Saturday, October 17, from 3pm.

Having endured many disruptions to its calendar throughout 2020, the Silver Band have still managed to keep a high profile and have remained active throughout the year, by hosting virtual concerts and showing highlights of their recent concerts during the lockdown period.

They have also performed at many times since the restrictions were lifted, including leading the huge ’Massed Band’ concert in the Villa Marina during the summer.

The autumn concert will help raise funds for the upkeep of the band.

However, Chris Weldon, the chairman of the band said that over the year it has helped to raise more than £6,500 for local charities, including the Southern Befrienders and the Friends of Noble’s Hospital.

They also teamed up with local advocates Simcocks, who backed a concert held by the silver band in September to jointly celebrate both the band’s and the firm’s 70th anniversary.

This raised £1,050 for Manx Cancer Help.

’This concert is one of the band’s most important events of the year,’ said Chris.

’It shows the strength of it in the numbers present from those still learning and playing with Ballafesson Brass through to the senior band.

’Both bands will play individually and the concert will finish with both playing a finale together, providing a band in the region of 50 players.’

Tickets for the concert are £5, with under-18s’ £1, available on the door.

More details are available at rushensilverband.org.im