Where: Highbury Congregational Church, Priory Walk, Cheltenham

When: Friday, December 7, 7.30pm

Cheltenham Silver Band is putting on a special Christmas Concert in support of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice to raise vital funds for its expert and compassionate palliative and bereavement care.

The festive concert takes place on Friday, December 7, from 7.30pm at Highbury Congregational Church, Priory Walk, Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Silver Band has just celebrated 80 years of playing music in the Cheltenham community, and this year the big-hearted band members have decided give back to the local community by raising funds for an organisation that helps people when they're at their most vulnerable.

Andy Shepherd, chairman of Cheltenham Silver Band said, "Sue Ryder has, for over 65 years provided the most compassionate support for not just patients, but also for their families.

"Very few of us do not know someone that they've helped and we cannot think of a more worthwhile cause than doing what we can to help maintain the superb environment provided by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

"We have over 50 players of all ages and all abilities in our band, and every last one of them is very excited about being able to put on a Christmas performance in support of the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice."

Beth Davis, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: "We're thrilled that Cheltenham Silver Band have decided to put on this special Christmas concert for families to come together in a festive musical celebration, raising vital funds so our Sue Ryder Nurses, care and support teams can be there for local families when it matters.

"Huge thanks to all the band members for their time and commitment in supporting our hospice."

Cheltenham Silver Band has grown tremendously over the last few years, in numbers and performance standard.

They have achieved promotion in the National Brass Band League tables in two consecutive years, and this year toured Belgium with over 50 players from age eight to 80 taking part in a very poignant performance at the Tyne Cot World War One Cemetery.

Andy added: "We're working hard in rehearsals to put on a fantastic concert for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and hope the public will come along and enjoy our music whilst raising vital funds for the only hospice in Gloucestershire with an inpatient unit.

"The evening promises to provide an entertaining mix of family favourites, along with a second half of Christmas classics to get everyone in the festive spirit. We've a fantastic festive charity raffle on the night too."

Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for concessions with all proceeds going to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing leckhampton.fundraising@suerdyer.org  or calling 01242 246285.

Friday's concert is only part of what will be a busy weekend for Cheltenham Silver Band. They also have a concert at Dursley Tabernacle Church on Sunday, December 9, and, in addition, the Training section of the band will perform at Winchcombe GWSR Station on Saturday evening.