Oh what a perfect day: afternoon tea in an English country garden with a brass band

One of the oldest brass bands in the world is teaming up with the Friends of Buxton Festival to create a perfect English afternoon of music and food.

Buxton-based Burbage Brass Band, founded in 1861 to teach music free of charge, will march down a country lane from its headquarters to the home of former Friends Chairman Louise Potter where guests can enjoy afternoon tea in her English country garden.

The fund-raising garden party at 2.30pm on June 24 will feature a medley of music from the Band’s repertoire which includes, marches, opera, ballads and film scores.

Louise will host the party which will feature home-made cakes and sandwiches at Bishops Grange, Bishops Lane, which leads to the hills above the town.

“It’s the picture perfect English afternoon – tea, a brass band and cakes in a country garden,” said Festival Friends events organiser Joan Matthews.

“The event will raise money for the Friends to support the Festival, which runs from July 6 to 23 this year, and will also showcase the work of Burbage Band, which has taught music to many generations of Buxton young people and gained an enviable reputation.”

Many Burbage players are now playing with nationally famous bands, and lessons, instrument loan and insurance are provided free of charge to anyone with the commitment to learn. This provision is popular with all ages, but particularly where pupils also use the instruments at school.

The Band have just finished their latest CD, which will be on sale soon.

l Friends of Buxton Festival Garden Party: June 24, 2.30pm, tickets £30. To book, go to buxtonfestival.co.uk/events/friends

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