New Park Bandstand: Summer Band Concert featuring ‘The Wigston Band’ 2.45pm

The history of The Wigston Brass Band can be traced back to the late nineteenth century, when it was originally founded as ‘The Wesleyan Mission Band’. In 1902, the band changed its name to ‘The Wigston Temperance Band’ under the baton of a local musical shop owner, Charlie Moore. Charlie continued to conduct the band throughout a significant period of the band’s development, which included many appearances at some of the country’s most prestigious venues including ‘The Crystal Palace’ and the ‘Belle Vue Halls’ in Manchester. In the 1950’s Charlie passed the baton on to his son, Ted, who carried on the family tradition by taking the band to many contest honours including the National Finals on several occasions. Charlie Moore More recently the Band has experienced mixed fortunes and another name change. In the 1980s, the band changed its name dropping the word ‘Temperance’ (some say that this was due to the drinking habits of its members!) to The Wigston Band. In 1998 the band was rewarded for it’s hard work by a grant from the Arts Council of England to the sum of £58,000 which was used to refurbish the band’s rehearsal room and purchase a new set of instruments which has helped to enhance the band’s performances at concerts and contests. The year 2002 was a very special year for the band as it celebrated 100 years of existence within the brass band arena. A centenary concert was held on 8 June to mark this occasion with ex-players and associates invited to help the band celebrate this milestone. Two pieces of music, written by Charlie Moore were played out for the first time at this concert and photographic displays and memorabilia of ‘days’ gone by’ were displayed. We currently have a playing strength of around 30 with ages of the players ranging from Thirteen to Seventy Something. We have a busy year ahead, with engagements and competitions throughout 2009. The Intermediate Band now holds the key to Wigston Band’s future. This venture hopes to provide future longevity for the band and may it continue for at least another 100 years.

The Noels Arms: ‘Dawson Smith and The Dissenters’ 4pm

Dawson Smith and The Dissenters. Hi-Tone Americana Rock & Roll Boogie Roadhouse Blues Band. Think Stones, Creedence, ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke and many many more! Untucked Western Shirts, Good Boots and Classic Guitars. Based in Leicester and averaging 100 shows per year! High profile festival appearance 2018. The latest album ‘The Mileage’ received rave national reviews. Dawson Smith is show packed with high energy live show packed with class originals and classic covers. High Energy performances that Rock every Audience.

Something tells me their CDS are £5 

The Geese and Fountain (Croxton Kerrial): Sunday Session ‘Jadi’ 5pm (Debut)

Jules and Adi Wood have both been around the Leicestershire music scene for a long time – strong vocals, rhythms and an excellent repertoire of popular hits presented with a distinctive style have become their hallmarks in a number of bands, but most expressively in their soul, funk, blues band, Jadi. Now coming to the Geese and Fountain to give us a perfect summer Sunday set of sing-along, toe-tapping, and dancing tunes.

From the band “ #Jadi … are all about playing songs we love in our own way. Making them funky; adding some soul; skanking that guitar.”

The Half Moon: ‘Bitter & Twisted’ 7pm

Bitter and Twisted are a local acoustic duo performing well known classic covers. All ages and genres of songs are catered for. This is no ‘tra la la lee’,, ‘airy fairy’, ‘wishy washy’, type combo. The pair perform with oomph, attitude and humour. Darren plays the guitar and sings. He wears glasses, and is quite sensible. His assistant sits on a box and can’t play or sing. He doesn’t wear glasses but needs them. So if you fancy a sing a long party atmosphere with a bit of fun, a bit of clapping, a bit of dancing, its Bitter and Twisted. Why not go and see them – you might like it. (Further details on Facebook)

The Half Moon: ‘Beyond Mainstreet’ 8.30pm

‘Beyond Main Street’ were formed in October 2016 when guitarist Rob Walling from Hoby and singer Mark Carnall from Melton got together as a result of a mutual appreciation of similar music.

Rob (has gigged on and off over the last ten years in Melton and the surrounding area, either with his band The Riffusers (now disbanded) or in differing acoustic duos. Mark began singing around 2010 and has fronted a number of bands including Melton band Shovelhead.

They play a wide variety of cover songs taken from their favourite artists including the Stereophonics, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams etc as well as rock based and 80’s covers, often tweaking the songs to their own arrangements. Managed to catch the guys at Chrismas and was blown away. Playing all kinds of modern covers you are in for a treat.