THE cream of young brass band talent from the Vale and beyond will be performing a special concert on November 4.

The Bretforton Silver Band's Youth Music Festival will end with a concert at the Evesham Arts Centre.

The concert will feature the newly-assembled band and the Flowers band, which was the champion group at this year's Wychavon Festival of Brass.

On the same day, the 30 young musicians, who come from bands in Evesham, Pershore, Tewkesbury and Alcester, will take part in a masterclass at Prince Henry's High School. The masterclass will be taken by the Flowers Band and their conductor Phil Harper, one of the country's leading conductors.

The festival was first organised in 1997 and was held in memory of Bill Ellison, a lifelong band member.

Now in its fourth year, the festival aims to promote and encourage young musicians and to give them a full day of entertainment and tuition from a professional conductor.

John Wood, musical director of the Bretforton Silver Band, said he is now looking at the possibility of recruiting more youngsters for next year's festival. "There are countless things for youngsters to do these days, but most of them involve sitting at home on computers or watching television.

"We are giving them the opportunity to enjoy a lifelong hobby by involving them in a festival of music in the summer and a masterclass with a championship section band in the autumn."

He added: "We would like to hear from any youngsters or experienced players who would like to play with the Bretforton Silver Band."

Tickets for the concert are available for £6 and the concert begins at 7.30pm.

For more information and tickets, contact John Wood on 01386 834326.