A BRASS band aimed at newcomers is set to launch in September and there is still a chance to sign-up. Downton Band, which recently celebrated 140 years of music making, is still keen to hear from anyone who wants to take part and learn a brass or a percussion instrument.

Paul Williams, Downton Band’s musical director, said: “The new band is open to anyone who wishes to come along and learn how to play an instrument. We have deliberately tried to make it as cheap as possible to learn with us as music tuition and instruments can be very expensive. "For just £1 a week you’ll get expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practice.

“The band has been very fortunate to be supported by Wiltshire County Council’s Community Grant scheme, Persimmon Homes Community Champions and the People’s Postcode Lottery Trust, the charity funded entirely by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

"This funding has allowed Downton to buy lots of new instruments that are now sitting on shelves waiting for our launch date for lots of learners to take them home and work on their musical skills.”

At first new band members will meet to learn pieces and be tutored by senior members of the group but the hope is they can eventually take part in events organised by the band.

The first rehearsal for the training band will be on Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm in the band room on Gravel Close.

Email trainingband@downtonband.org.uk for more information and to reserve a space.