It’s not often that a group will be able to get together and celebrate their 100-year anniversary.

But this month that’s exactly what the Cirencester Band will be doing as current and past members will be heading to Cirencester Baptist Church for a special concert.

Pamela Carter, the band’s current Chair explains what they have in store.

“On Sunday 14th July we’ll be having a concert and afternoon tea,” she said. “We’ve invited past players, supporters, trustees to come along and reminisce. That’ll be starting at 2:30pm and everyone is welcome, it’s free entry.

“Then on Saturday 9th November we’ll be holding a second concert, called 'A Concert of Remembrance and Celebration' that will also be held in Cirencester Parish Church. The band’s first performance was exactly 100 years ago to the day.”

The Cirencester Band was founded following the conclusion of the First World War, when men returning from war formed to create the ‘Comrades of the Great War Band’.

Over the years the band changed and grew, changing their name firstly to the ‘Cirencester Silver Band’ in the 1920s, and finally ‘The Cirencester Band’ in 1972.

“Looking back on the history we still do what they did back then – play on Bandstands, at Village Fetes, hold concerts and raise money for local charities,” said Pamela who has been a member of the band for 25 years and currently plays euphonium.

“One of the biggest changes we see today compared to when the band first stared is that women are now able to be playing members and not just on the 'Ladies Committee'. In fact without the ladies we wouldn't have a band today!”

The main band is currently made up of 34 amateur musicians, who meet every Friday to practice and perform at concerts throughout the year.

There is also a training band, for beginners to learn and experience playing music as part of a brass band.

Adding to the year of celebrations, the band will also be part of the Bingham Library Trust's 200 years of Cirencester at Leisure Exhibition.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 3rd August to Saturday 5th October (every Saturday 10am to 2pm) at Bingham Gallery in Cirencester and will feature photographs and memorabilia from throughout the band’s existence.

“We’ll also be holding our annual ‘Christmas Cracker’ charity concert in December,” added Pamela.

For more information on the Cirencester Band and their centenary year celebrations, visit www.cirencesterband.org.uk