ONE of the Salvation Army's top tuba players, Martin Blessett, is joining the line up for what promises to be the biggest brass band concert of its kind at the Hippodrome next Friday, November 6.

ONE of the Salvation Army's top tuba players, Martin Blessett, is joining the line up for what promises to be the biggest brass band concert of its kind at the Hippodrome next Friday, November 6.

Over 70 musicians will take part in the Best of British concert to raise funds for the Salvation Army and BBC Radio Norfolk annual Toys and Tins appeal.

Peterborough based Martin Blessett is known for his more light-hearted pieces and will be including some in his solo slots. Singer Joan Cook from Sheringham will be on hand to lead the patriotic songs in the Last Night of the Proms section.

The programmes are being printed with the Union Flag on the back so the audience can wave them and Bram Bryant will also be performing Love Changes Everything.

The concert will bring together the Norfolk and the Anglia Fellowship Bands of the Salvation Army. Conducting will be shared between David Woodrow, who directs the Norfolk band, and Ray Todd who heads up the Ipswich-based Suffolk band. Ray Todd will also be playing a cornet solo.

All the music, including the famous Dambusters March and the Londonderry Air, have been inspired by the British Isles. And there will also be a finale section acknowledging the season of Remembrance.

Local music shop, Allens, have provided the piano for the evening. Tony Mallion will host the concert for which tickets are selling fast.

Tickets are �6 available from the Hippodrome Box Office on 01493-844172, or online at bookings.yarmouthhippodrome.co.uk. The box office is also open to personal callers on Saturday from 11-3pm.