It is guaranteed to be a grand day out in the east of the island this bank holiday weekend with the return of a day-long festival of brass band music.

Returning later in the year than usual, for obvious reasons, the ’Prash Laxaa’, better known as the ’Great Laxey Brass Band Festival’, takes place throughout the village this coming Sunday.

From 1pm, five of the island’s brass bands will be performing at various locations within Laxey, appearing in turn around three different locations, outside the Mines Tavern, the Gardens Pavilion in Laxey Glen and around the Miner’s Statue at Ham and Egg Terrace.

The groups taking part are the Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, the Douglas Town Band, Manx Concert Brass and Youth Band, the Ramsey Town Band and the Rushen Silver Band.

The afternoon will culminate in a mass performance when all five brass band meet up at the village square for a final ’Massed-Band event’ at 4pm, with one being awarded the ’Prash Laxaa’ Festival Trophy for the most entertaining band of the day.

This is the third year the day has been held and, after two successful previous events, Laxey commissioners were keen to hold it again this year.

’The island has a thriving brass band music tradition that continues to flourish and strengthen,’ said commissioner Marinda Fargher.

’Last year the main prize went to Rushen Silver Band after a vigorous and hearty tussle between the five exceptionally talented bands.’

’The event has become a very popular musical and visual spectacle, with the wonderful sounds of the bands reverberating around the village, it makes for another really excellent day out in Laxey.

’All the bands will play in the open, the intention being to get the vibrant sounds of brass resonating through the village for the duration of the afternoon.

’They make some noise! A dramatic, tuneful, and entertaining afternoon is guaranteed.’

’It’s a chance to spend an afternoon in Laxey sampling some great music and the great range of refreshments available at the numerous café and public house locations.’

l More information is available on garff.im