A SWINDON band will warm up for a national competition with a concert this weekend.

The Brunel Brass Band won through to the national brass band finals, which will held in Harrogate in September.

But,before that, the band needs to raise £4,000 to cover its expenses for the trip.

To help towards that total it wants to sell 250 tickets for its concert at Christ Church in Old Town.

The West of England 4th Section Champions only formed 18 months ago. But in that time they have gone a long way.

Matthew Walton, 40, from Wootton Bassett, plays the cornet in the 28-piece band.

"I think people will be amazed with the mature sound the band has," he said.

"I would say about two thirds of the band are young children with 18 of them under the age of 18.

"We have five 14-year-olds, which is remarkable.

"They are all so relaxed before each show.

"Some of them talk about what they are doing at the weekend or discuss football matters, with the adults feeling a little pensive and nervous.

"They seem to take it all in their stride and have no fear about what they are doing.

"The performance in Swindon will last for two-and-a-half hours and include traditional brass band pieces."

A number of players broke away from another band in the area and were keen to keep their playing alive.

These players were joined by a number of unregistered players as well as a number of players from the Great Western Youth Band forming Brunel Brass in December 2006.

Musical director John Winterflood has been involved in the band's progress.

The Swindon church concert will be held at 7.30pm, on Saturday.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 concessions, with tea, coffee and other refreshments available.

For more information call 01793 854831 or 01793 618372 or visit www.brunelbrass.com.

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