IT WAS an emotional performance for youngsters in the Wiltshire Youth Marching Band who put on their last concert at the Armed Forces Weekend as the group is to part ways.

The band, which has been running for over five years across Trowbridge and the surrounding towns, has welcomed a number of students through its doors – all of whom have been able to showcase the best of their musical ability.

Now group leader Martin Clarridge, 37 will soon be moving up to Lancashire with his wife Emma and has been unable to find a replacement to take over.

“It has been like an emotional rollercoaster because we started the band from scratch and it has been a difficult month preparing for this performance,” he said at the last show.

“They make me so proud and I would like to think that the things we have done here have set them up for other things throughout their life.”

Mr Clarridge, who himself was part of a marching band in his youth, said despite it being a sad occasion, the group have been able to look back on a whole host of achievements during their time.

These include, appearing on Britain’s Got Talent, taking part in two flash mobs in Southgate shopping centre in Bath and providing musical support to the Wiltshire Fire Service for their Medal Presentations at their HQ in Potterne.

“Where music meets adventure is what we try to achieve and whenever we go to these sort of events, we leave a massive mark,” Mr Clarridge added.

“We hope that the town and the county will remember the fantastic work carried out by these young people, who have learnt so much about their community, as well as discipline, team work, camaraderie and music.

“All the equipment has gone to good homes and hopefully one day in the future, someone comes forward to take the band on.

“By having our farewell performance at the Armed Forces Weekend, it was probably the best way we could have done it because we can walk away being extremely proud of ourselves.”