ONE of the newest arrivals on Tynedale’s music scene is calling on would-be instrumentalists to ‘Have a Go.’

Launched just three years ago, Whittonstall Community Band has almost 50 people on its books, with more than 30 regular attendees.

The versatile organisation is already becoming established across the district, and has signed up for next month’s Tynedale Music Festival, which will take place at the Queen’s Hall in Hexham.

But before that, the band’s chairman Andy Spencer is inviting potential new members to an open evening. Anyone with an interest in music can come to the session, simply entitled Have a Go, at St John’s Church Hall, at Snods Edge.

Instruments will be made available, as well as an opportunity to speak to Andy and other members.

He said: “Whittonstall is a rural location and we are trying to reach out into the wider community, to spread the word a bit further afield.

“We’re a very eclectic band. We are quite heavy with trumpets at the moment but we also have everything from saxophone to violins, tubas to double bass.

“The aim is to have a selection of instruments for people to come along and try. A bar will be open, and it will also be a good opportunity to meet new people.”

The band hosts a barbecue concert each summer, and has also performed at various events across Tynedale over the past three years.

The Have a Go evening starts at 7pm on Friday, February 26. For more information, contact Andy via the website at http://whittonstallcommunityband.weebly.com