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Stafford Community Band tuning up for their first concert

Christmas has come early for Stafford’s newly launched community band, which will perform a debut charity concert after just four rehearsals.

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Community band members preparing for their debut concert in Stafford are, back from left, Hilary Foster, Gavin Lamplough, Lucy Ridley, and front, Graham Beckett and Jim Higginson

The 50 woodwind and brass instrumentalists say they are ready to deliver a packed programme of classical marches, songs from West End musicals, pop tunes and festive favourites at the Beacon International Centre in Stafford on Wednesday.

Stafford Community Band was created in the summer by Stafford Grammar School’s director of music, Gavin Lamplough, to provide a platform for musicians of all ages and abilities from the local community. Dozens signed up to the new venture and have met once a month since September to rehearse.

“The rehearsals have gone really well and hopefully this event will reflect what a brand new group from the community has been able to achieve in such a short time," Mr Lamplough said. "If we continue progressing at this rate, I think within 12 months we’ll be entering competitions."

The concert will be staged at the Beacon International Centre on Staffordshire Technology Park, Anson Court, Beaconside. Proceeds will go towards Operation Smile, a charity that provides medical help to children and young adults around the world, supported by Beacon Church on the same site.

The concert starts at ??pm, and tickets are available from ????

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