A brass band brought some festive cheer to the High Street last Friday as part of their aim to raise thousands of pounds in running costs.

Shrewton Silver Band played a range of festive tunes, from God Bless Ye Merry, Gentlemen to We Wish You A Merry Christmas, as they look to supplement their income, decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Socially-distanced crowds gathered to watch the performance, with the group raising £85 in donations on the day. This brings their total amount of money raised so far to over £5,800.

Zoe Rodgers, the group’s secretary, said that they were “overwhelmed” by the public’s generosity.

She told the Advertiser: “The playing is part of a national initiative to save brass bands as we’re all non-profit, so we have no income but by being out.”

Shrewton Silver Band was founded in 1833, and claims to be one of the oldest bands in the country. Based in the eponymous village, they play widely across Wiltshire, Hampshire and further afield.

Due to lockdown, the band has been unable to play widely in 2020, cutting off its source of income. However, it still has to meet its running costs, as well as investing in Covid-19 protective equipment for when rehearsals become possible.

They decided to crowdfund their costs, offering rewards such as personal videos of carols played by the band, carol performances and raffle tickets.

Businesses have also been getting involved, with Active Staff Ltd in Andover donating £500 to the band. Due to the company’s generosity, the band put on the performance outside their offices in the High Street.

Lisa Armstrong, Active Staff’s director and also first trombone for the band, said that the company wanted to “help towards keeping young musicians in the Training Band playing and performing.”

She told the Advertiser: “Music is very much a part of children’s year, which has been limited by Covid. We donated £500 to keep young musicians interested and active, and we hope to play together next year.”

With Shrewton Silver Band having hit its target of £5,000, they have now extended their goal to £7,500, with the extra funds to be put towards servicing and upgrading their instruments.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the fundraising campaign, and make a donation, should head to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/shrewtonsilverband2020