THE traditional sound of a brass band looks set to return to two Worcester parks from this Sunday.

The city council's popular Bands in the Park season, which has been running for three years, kicks off this Sunday, May 25.

Events will alternate between Cripplegate Park and Gheluvelt Park.

Over the three years, audiences have grown to the point that not only are the open-air concerts a huge draw for locals and tourists, they also attract a line-up of some of the country's leading brass bands.

Dunchurch Band will start the season at Cripplegate Park at 2.30pm this Sunday.

Other confirmed dates in Cripplegate Park include Malvern Hills and District Band, on June 22, Bream Silver Prize Band, on July 6, the Band of Gloucester Constabulary, on August 3, Tewkesbury Town Band, on August 31, and Gloucester Excelsior Band on September 14.

Those lined up to perform in Gheluvelt Park include Stourport Brass Band, on June 22, Worcester Concert Brass, on July 20, and Celebration Reed Brass Band, on August 17.

Parks warden Holly Lewis said the Sunday afternoon concerts were proving to be popular events in the city's calendar.

"When the weather's right, the setting of the parks is a gorgeous backdrop to the traditional sounds of a brass band," she said.

All the concerts start at 2.30pm and admission is free.