MOST orchestras are used to playing the classics like Mozart and Bach but this weekend they will be getting in tune to some punk and hip hop.

Shaun Buswell spent most of 2012 on the London Underground putting together a full orchestra made up of strangers he met travelling on the Tube, before putting on a concert at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in January this year.

Since that day Shaun, of Stratton, has wanted to continue the project, and on Sunday 30 members of the orchestra will perform alongside local bands as part of the Live and Cultured part of the SN1 Fest Summer Ball at the Town Gardens.

The second day of the popular summer event brings music and community together, and the London Underground Orchestra are to perform with local acts AJ Live, British Harlem, 2 Sick Monkeys and Old Colours.

Shaun has also been in contact with Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, who will also be performing on the day, and the orchestra could accompany him on stage.

Shaun said: “It is really exciting because there hasn’t been anything like this in Swindon before.

“After I finished the Underground concert project I wanted to carry it on and it is nice to be able to bring it to the people of Swindon.

“Most musicians like lots of different genres of music so I don’t think it will be a problem asking them to play with the different bands.

“From speaking to the bands and the musicians everyone seems really excited about the orchestra and trying to make them work with the bands.

“This is an opportunity to do something a bit different, and it has been a challenge for me to arrange the music so that the bands like it and the orchestra are happy to play it.

“I think it is going to be amazing on the day to hear the orchestra with the punk band 2 Sick Monkeys or the hip hop act AJ Live.”

Violinist Margaret Matthews usually plays for the North Wiltshire Orchestra but has been drafted in to boost the string section.

She said: “It just came out of the blue but I am very excited about it.

“I think it will be something different because what I usually play is more classical.”

Viola player Debbie Wolfsohn has played with Shaun since 2010. She said: “I think it is going to be very interesting and should be a lot of fun.

“I love all types of music so it will be interesting how the orchestra will marry up with the bands that we will be playing with.”

One of the organisers of the SN1 Fest, Shaun Montague, was impressed with the rehearsals and is excited to bring a new dimension to the weekend.

He said: “As a first it brings something different to the festival. We didn’t want it to be two days of the same.

“When I watched it they blew me away. People are going to be very pleased with what we are going to have for them this weekend.”

Tickets prices are £10 each, and there are also tickets for families and children.

For ticket information see the SN1 Fest Fan Page on Facebook, or search SN1 Fest on Residential Advisor, We Got Tickets, www.wegottickets.

com/f/6506.