Summer bandstand concerts kicked off in top-tapping style

THE 2015 programme of free summer bandstand concerts in Tamworth Castle Grounds is now in full swing after being kicked off in top-tapping style by local vintage group The Jays.

Hundreds of people stopped to watch the group singing show stopping hits from the 1940s and 50s during their three performances on Saturday, July 4.

The popular summer tradition will see the picturesque grounds being filled with a range of music for all tastes, including brass, wind, classical, jazz, swing and blues, performed from the bandstand overlooking the park.

Audiences were more than impressed with The Jays, who met at Tamworth Voices, and set the tone for a great season of entertainment.

Hundreds basked in the sun to sing along to some big tunes and big harmonies from the war era, while many more paused to listen on their way to the shops.

The event was rated ‘excellent’ by members of the audience who took the time to leave feedback after the concerts.

Frank Sutton from Birmingham said ‘best show for years’, while overseas visitor Sheree McCornell Duffy from Northern Ireland said: “Beautiful weather, beautiful castle and grounds. How lovely to have a bandstand. Just loved this.”

Anyone who missed The Jays can see the group performing as part of the Tamworth Voices Choir Show at Tamworth Assembly Rooms on July 25.

The first weekend of bandstand concerts was rounded off with performances by the Wilnecote St John’s band on Sunday, July 5.

The season continues as follows:

• Sunday July 12 – Tamworth Wind Band
• Sunday July 19 – The City of Lichfield Band
• Saturday July 25 – The 58’s Blues Band
• Sunday August 2 – Liquid Brass
• Sunday August 9 – Central England Concert Band
• Saturday August 22 – Amington Band

Sponsored by Ankerside Shopping Centre, all the concerts are free of charge, so bring your picnic baskets down to the Castle Grounds for an afternoon of music, between 1pm and 4pm (subject to weather conditions).

Tamworth Borough Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Rob Pritchard, said: “The summer bandstand concerts programme is now in full swing following great performances from The Jays and Wilnecote St John’s Band. If the sun is shining and you like live music, there’s nothing better than a lazy afternoon in the park, sampling some of the local talent that Tamworth has to offer.”

Ankerside Shopping Centre manager, Pete Barber, added: “We are delighted to sponsor these concerts which celebrate the wide range of musical talents of those living locally. In addition, the concerts will help bring even more visitors to Tamworth to enjoy everything the town and Ankerside have to offer.”

More information is available on the Tamworth Assembly Rooms website at www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk