One of the island’s leading town bands will welcome an international musician as their guest performer when it hold its annual gala concert this weekend.

Douglas Town band will appear at St Ninian’s church on Saturday, November 3, at 8pm, and will be joined by the Swiss internationally-acclaimed virtuoso trombonist, Lionel Fumeaux.

The multi-award winning musician is one of the most highly-regarded young soloists in Europe, and this year won the title of Swiss national trombone player, and came second in the all-Europe prize for soloist musician of the year

Rob Mitchell, from the Douglas Town band, said that Lionel is a superbly talented musician and will be able to offer encouragement to their younger members.

’Lionel is an amazing musician, and is one Europe’s best up-and-coming soloists,’ said Rob.

’He is only 21, and has won so many top awards right across Europe. He is extraordinarily talented and we are looking for ward to be able to play along side him.

’He is going to be taking some of our younger members through some teaching sessions.

’These will be great for them to see what they can achieve if they put the time and effort into their playing.

’This will be his first visit to the island and the band is very much looking forward to introducing him to some Manx culture,’ he added.

Lionel started his musical career at seven years old, playing in Valais, Switzerland.

He went on to join numerous bands, and won the Swiss Open Brass Band Contest in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

As a soloist, Lionel Fumeaux obtained several titles in Valais and in 2017, he won the Swiss National Championship of Brass Instruments all categories.

Tickets for the Douglas Town Band Gala concert are £10, with concessions £7 and £5 for under 16s, available from Peter Norris Music, Bucks Road, Douglas or online from douglastownband.org.im