PERSHORE will once again echo to the sound of brass this summer when it hosts its annual brass festival.

On July 7, bands from all over the country will descend on the town for the day.

The Midsummer Brass events normally attract around 1,500 people from all over England and, in its 11 years to date, the festival has increased in prestige and is now regarded as a significant event in the national brass band calendar.

More than 30 concerts will take place at a selection of venues, starting at 10am.

More than 20 bands are due, including championship section bands like Rolls Royce from Coventry, Woolly Pritchard Sovereign Brass, The Staffordshire Band, and the Flowers Band.

The festival will open with music from the abbey tower, fanfares from town balconies and a marching band will parade through the streets.

Tickets will be available on the day but can be booked in advance from Wanderers World, Angel Inn, Blue and Carlton House.

For more information, contact Pershore Tourist Information on 01386 554262, or visit www.midsummerbrass.ic24.net.

Programmes are available, priced 50p. They contain full details, including a location map with venues, of where to eat and park.

Pershore Midsummer Brass will also sponsoring a children's art competition, with an exhibition in Pershore Library in June.