A CELEBRATION of a local band’s 50th birthday has seen £385 raised for charity.

Barnsley Metropolitan Band celebrated their 50th last month with a show at Elsecar Park, that brought together members from throughout the band’s history.

Alongside reuniting with old friends, the band raised funds that were split between local Alzheimer’s charity BIADS and funding their to Cheltenham for the National Brass Band Championships later this year - altogether £800 was raised, with £385 going to BIADS.

Chairman Paul Thomas told the Chronicle: “It went brilliantly.

“We just couldn’t have asked for a better evening - the only thing we were worried about was the weather but it turned out nice.

“The amount of people who came was gobsmacking - that’s not just old band members but people in general too who were all so generous.”

Linda Parkes, deputy chief officer from BIADS, attended on the day, meeting members of the audience and sharing the work the charity does.

Former musical director John Grinnell also returned onto the stage to conduct a couple of songs.

“It was like seeing an old master back in the saddle,” Paul added.

“We’re on our summer holiday now but we’ll be getting back together at the end of august rehearsing for Cheltenham.”