Ottery set for marching band treat

OTTERY will get a spectacular marching band treat on Wednesday (August 26), when a double UK champion drum corps performs in the town.

OTTERY will get a spectacular marching band treat on Wednesday (August 26), when a double UK champion drum corps performs in the town.

The Cheshire-based Poynton Commodores, reigning open class Drum Corps UK and British Youth Bands Association title holders, are set to give residents and visitors an exclusive sneak peak of their colourful, musical exploits before setting off to capture more national glory.

The performance, at 6pm, will mark an evening of family fun at the town's football club.

The 35-strong Commodores, ranked seventh in Europe last year, features big drum, brass and percussion sections as well as dancers. Members plan to holiday in the region and use Ottery as the location of a special rehearsal performance - the only one during their stay.

Drill instructor Tania Dryburgh said: "We have toured the south west before but performing a lot is pretty tiring. We're looking forward to coming down, having a holiday, and performing just the once this year.

"Our performances are exact, specific and demand precise execution they are alive with message, meaning and emotion."

The band, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is a registered charity committed to youth development and proceeds made from their performance will go towards their funding as well as the British Heart Foundation and Ottery's Tourist Information Centre.

Tourist Information Centre manager Phyllis Baxter hopes the town can

make a special day out of the treat and said: "We are looking forward to having something nice and different here.