ONE of the most popular music groups in Oswestry and beyond are set to celebrate nine decades of playing with a special concert next month.

The Porthywaen Silver Band, which has touched the lives of many generations around the town, will be heading to Weston Rhyn’s Holroyd Theatre on Saturday, October 5 for a special celebration.

Steph Roscoe, treasure and a player with the band, said the evening will be to remember all those who have represented the band, past and present, including the much-missed Alan and Eileen Metcalfe.

READ MORE: Porthywaen band's tribute to Alan and Eileen Metcalfe

“The celebrations are taking place at the Holroyd and it’s a venue fitting the history of the band’s reputation,” she said.

“We chose it because we used it last December for our memorial for our two band members who died last year, Alan and Eileen Metcalfe, who lost their lives in a fire.

“Their memory will still be carried into this celebration too – they are dearly missed and we’re hoping to have some slideshows up when we’re playing certain pieces with the band.

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“They will be definitely shown on that.

“They were type of people that prove to be the reason why the band has gone so long.

“We’re a local organisation that relies on volunteers to keep it going and are solely community based band and support both children and adults.

“Basically anyone who wants to play an instrument – there’s not charge for what we offer and it’s one of the few things now that you don’t have to pay to join in or do.

(Image: Porthywaen Silver Band)

“Musical skills and social skills are learned along the way and they’re good skills for life.

“The band plays a part in bringing people out of their shells as well, especially with the youngsters who become more confident in themselves.

“Like I did – I’ve been a member of the band for 30 years and it’s always been a part of me and my family for three generations.

“It’s always part of your life and one big family.”

This, Steph added, is why the band has such a good reputation because of the people and musicians it has produced over the 90 years.

She said: “You never leaves the band – a lot of people start out young and then go off to do other things but will come back to Porthywaen at some point.

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“Other may flourish and play with higher-level bands but they do always come back to us and there’s a cycle of children learning instruments and coming back to us.

“I don’t think that’s something every band has.”

Tickets available online via the Holroyd Theatre website or contact the band 07919407937 to book your seat.