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.

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.

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.’

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.’

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.

The Orchestra rehearses at Marown Primary School every Thursday during term time from 7.45pm.

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 winds@wm.im, go to the website www.iomwo.com or just turn up on the day.