RESIDENTS of all ages are being urged to get down to Bromsgrove Rover's Ground, whatever the weather, for a musical extravaganza next Monday.

The Band of the Irish Guards will be performing their first ever concert in the town as part of this year's Bromsgrove Festival.

The band's best-known duty is to play for the changing of the Queen's guards at Buckingham Palace in London and to provide musical support for all state occasions.

Established since 1900, the band has toured the world to destinations such as the USA, Hong Kong, Egypt and Japan.

However, this is their first time in Bromsgrove and revellers can not only look forward to outstanding music, at this free of charge event, but a fantastic fireworks display too. It will start at 7.15pm.

Last year, more than 2,000 townsfolk packed into the Birmingham Road ground for a performance from The Band of the Lifeguards. And Bromsgrove Festival chairman Mary White is hoping for an even better response this season.

"It really is an event for everyone and I would love people to come down whatever the weather," she said.

Seating is limited to 450 and it is on a first-come, first-served basis, however Mrs White is encouraging residents to bring a folding chair.

"If the weather is bad, people will be able to put their seats under the shelters parallel to All Saints Road," she added.

But, if The Band of the Irish Guards is not your cup of tea, A Night in Vienna at the Spadesbourne Suite next Saturday might be just what you are looking for.

Featuring the works of many of the world's finest composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss, the evening will be a gem for all musical tastes.

BBC Radio Two DJ David Jacobs will provide narration for the Burcot Lane event, which begins at 7.45pm.

For a full round up of this week's forthcoming Bromsgrove Festival events, including fringe events, see the leisure pages.