ALDBOURNE band are poised with trumpets at the ready ahead of the annual Proms Concert this weekend.

On August 2 the Championship Band will play on the green in the village from 4pm to celebrate another successful year.

While the event is free there will be a bucket for donations and a grand raffle drawn, with the Friends of Aldbourne Band running a popular tea and cake stall.

James Sheppard, spokesman for the Aldbourne Band, said: “The Training Band and Beginner Band, have had a good year with concerts at the Aldbourne Nursing Home, at the band’s Christmas concert in St. Michael’s, in the Memorial Hall and at the June pond concert.

“The highlight of the band’s year though was the June Pond concert where after playing three pieces they were joined by the Beginner Band in a joint performance of Ivanov’s Procession of the Sardar.

"The June concert is traditionally when band awards are given.

"This year we had two new plaques to present, donated by Shaun Mundy in memory of his grandfather Roly, a distinguished cornet player and conductor who had also played with the Aldbourne Band.

"Isaac Englefield won the award for the most improved Beginner Band member and Alex Knighton won the award for service to the Training Band.

"The Nigel Kerton Cup, given to the most improved Training band member, went to horn player, Georgia Taylor.

“The Training Band is very proud of the fact that there are several retired bandsmen who bring their experience and playing skills to share with the Training Band. The Training Band will recommence rehearsals in September and a new Beginner Band will start in October."