<p>Wind Orchestra brings seasonal atmosphere to Douglas<br />&nbsp;<br />THE Isle of Man Wind Orchestra will be staging its traditional open-air Christmas busking sessions in Douglas town centre this December, starting this Saturday 1st at 12 noon outside the Strand Centre.</p><p>The Orchestra has been granted a performance licence by the Douglas Development Partnership and will be performing for shoppers this Saturday and then each Sunday afternoon from the 6th December until Christmas.<br />The Orchestra, a Manx registered charity, raises funds to support its work each Christmas by playing festive music including well-known carols. ‘The sessions are well supported by members,’ says Chairman Michael Morrison, ‘and no matter how cold or wet, a performance is rarely cancelled.’</p><p>In addition to the open-air performances, the Orchestra will also be performing concerts indoors at the Tower House on Thursdays 13th and 20th December at 7pm. ‘The concerts follow on from a successful performance earlier in the year at the Tower House,’ says Paul Dunderdale, Musical Director. ‘The venue has excellent acoustics and is a relaxing performing area where people can come and go as they please and have a drink or snack while listening to the Orchestra.’</p><p>At the final pre-Christmas performance on Sunday 23rd December, the Orchestra will be joined by a number of former members and friends who will be returning for the festive season and will be coming along to join in. <br />The Orchestra rehearses at Marown Primary School every Thursday during term time from 7.45pm.<br />If you would like to come along and join in with the Orchestra and can play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, contact Mr Morrison on 437751 or <a href="mailto:winds@wm.im">winds@wm.im</a>, go to the website <a href="http://www.iomwo.com/">www.iomwo.com</a> or just turn up on the day.<br /></p>