A “valued Whitefield asset” and “world-famous band” will be returning to the town later this month.

One of the oldest brass bands in the world, the Besses O' th' Barn band, is returning to Hamilton Road Park after their open-air concert for Whitefield Live summer of music last year.

The 19th century band club and union formed in 1818, when Whitefield was little more than a series of hamlets and in more recent years, has been celebrating its local culture and heritage.

Simon Toft, who has organised the event, said "Last year's event was very well attended and seeing people and families of all ages with impromptu picnics and the odd glass of wine was a real delight.

“Although the sunny day no doubt played a part, plus the band benefited from a sizable donation to their instruments fund. Let's make sure this year is just as good."

This year's event will take place on September 23 from 2pm until 4pm and is being organised by Whitefield Business Group.

All funds raised on the day will be donated back to the world-famous Besses O' th' Barn to help with maintaining the “much-valued Whitefield cultural asset”.

The Besses band first took the name Clegg's Band and consisted of men coming back from the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.

Initially a reed band, the players began to incorporate more and more instruments becoming a hodgepodge of brass, military and more.

Little is known about the band's first decades, however, they are first recorded as winning a competition to mark the coronation of King George IV on July 19, 1821, with a rendition of God Save The King. 

World famous Besses o' th' Barn Band celebrates its 200th anniversary