MUSICIANS of all ages and abilities are being invited to bring along their wind, brass and percussion instruments and join the area’s first community wind band.

The new venture is the brainchild of the Dark Peak Music Trust, which runs Glossop Concert Band and the Dark Peak Youth Orchestra.

An introductory workshop is being held this weekend, with another due next April.

Project director Jeff Snowdon from Old Glossop, said: "The idea for the workshops came about two years ago when some parents of children in the Glossop Concert Band suggested that we organise something which adults could play in as well.

"The resulting two-day project should hopefully get the ball rolling and who knows where it may lead. For the first of the two days we aim to have a really enjoyable day of playing, giving an informal performance at the end and seeing what emerges from the whole experience. You could say we’re going to blow-it-and-see!"

The organisers are particularly keen to encourage people to join who may be ‘blowing the dust off’ their instruments to get back into the musical groove, as well as entire families if possible.

Co-directors Rachel Whibley and Maria Rayner will be running sessions for less experienced players.

The first workshop will run from 10am-5.30pm on Saturday at New Mills School on Church Lane, New Mills. The next is due on 4 April, with the new band performing at a concert alongside internationally renowned soloists Rob Buckland (saxophone) and Simone Rebello (percussionist) at Glossop Parish Church the next day.

To register for the workshops email Jeff at info@derbyshiremusic.co.uk  or call 01457 853137. The two workshops cost £30 (£20 for children).