Two lockdowns have done nothing to stop the Devizes Town Band from creating music this year.

Back in March, the group met and were “determined” to ensure practices would go ahead despite not being able to physically come together.

Rehearsals have been taking place via Zoom and, when restrictions were eased over autumn, the group even used a car park as the backdrop to practice songs such as Pure Imagination, Skyfall and Can’t Help Falling in Love.

The band, chairman Kelvin Nash explained, is working hard to ensure music reaches the people of Devizes.

He said: “We've not stopped, straight from the start we haven’t missed a single band practice thanks to Zoom.

"We were determined not to lose contact with each other and wanted to keep the group together.

“We have a wide demographic in the band, with people of all ages and abilities. It is really important to keep in touch, and the rehearsals can really be a lifeline for some people. We have one member in a remote bungalow in a village and she hasn't been able to see anyone during lockdown. So having a regular rehearsal and slot for people to come together, to engage and play music together is really important."

A pre-recorded Remembrance Ceremony was recently pulled together by the band this month, and played in care homes throughout Devizes on Remembrance Sunday. It also raised £300 for the British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

The band's YouTube channel, showcasing their various online performances, has also been racking up views.

Members donned colourful outfits, flower hats and even fake moustaches foparticularlyarly memorable rendition of Barry Manilow's Copacabana to help spread joy across the community.

Moving forward, the Devizes Town Band is eager to get back to traditional performing when it is safe to do so.

Mr Nash said: "If we can get out to do some outdoor performing after lockdown then we will - if the guidelines allow us to. We've really missed performing.

"But in a way, the challenges presented by covid have given us opportunities to learn new skills and do things differently. Whatever happens, we won't stop making music."

The Devizes Town Band are currently rehearsing Bruce Broughton’s Overture to Miracle on 34th Street, arranged by Johnnie Vinson.

To keep up to date with their work, watch their videos on the Devizes Town Band YouTube page or follow the Devizes Town Band Facebook page.