BRATTON’s Silver Band welcomed the Musikverein Volkertshausen last month to play two special concerts.

The German wind band arrived in Bratton on Friday, June 17 before embarking on sightseeing trips to Salisbury and Stonehenge on Saturday morning.

On Saturday evening, the two bands joined forced to play a ‘Picnic in the Park’ concert in Bratton, which was well enjoyed by the village’s residents.

Following that, the Musikverein Volkertshausen played a free concert at the Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon, with the Bratton band watching on and offering support with a crowd of around 100, before they returned to their native country on Monday.

Bratton Silver Band president Lucy Scott said: “It was a lovely weekend which everyone seemed to enjoy very much.

“Both concerts were well supported and coming together of the two bands made for a really nice sound.

“Before they left on Monday, the German band gave us cushions which had silhouettes of the band on and the words ‘spirit of friendship’ written on.

“And I think that message is the most important thing – solid friendships have been developed across all ranges as a result of their visit.

“It was the second time they have been over and we are hoping to go over there soon.”

The Bratton Silver Band is playing a WW1 themed concert at North Bradley Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 9. Call 01225 765644 for tickets.

Mike Strong, treasurer of the band and tuba player, said: “It was a great weekend. Music is an international language and that certainly showed as existing friendships were not only developed but new ones formed.

“We have already been invited to go and visit them in a few years, which we’re all looking forward to.

“We’re also looking forward to Saturday’s concert in North Bradley, which promises to be a fantastic event.”

To find out more about the band, call 07836 319966.