MUSICIANS are enjoying a revival as Bicester Concert Band celebrates 20 years of playing in the town.

The group has welcomed a new conductor Wendy Marks as they enter their third decade performing in Bicester and as a result say they are seeing a boost to the band.

As the band grows, band chairwoman Rosalind Mason hopes to continue the surge and bring in new members to help mark the massive milestone.

She said: “In January we welcomed Wendy Marks as our new conductor. She is a dynamic and challenging conductor, who knows how to get the best out of the musicians in the group.

“Her arrival has led to an increase in band membership. Some players have come just because they knew of Wendy and wanted to join a band that was under her directorship; others have come along to try the band out, and have been so impressed at Wendy’s leadership that they have become regular members.”

It is now looking to promote the band more and hopes to attract more young players, brass and percussion players.

The band will also be playing at Bicester Festival which will take place on June 16 and 17, and the performance will form part of the kite making event held at Whitelands Farm.

Ms Mason added: “The future for the band looks bright. It is attracting new members and musical standards are rising. The band’s financial future is also looking more secure; it has secured grants from the district council and from Bicester Village.”

For more details or to sign up visit bicesterconcertband.org.uk