A North East steelband is set to take to the stage at a national music festival thanks to support from a local PR firm of the same name.
Fusion Steelband has been selected to play on the Main Stage at the Music for Youth national festival in Birmingham on 7 July.
Northumberland-based Fusion PR has donated £500 towards the cost of transport for band members and their instruments.
The band secured its place at Birmingham having qualified from the Regional Festival Series of Music for Youth held in Wakefield in March.
Musical director Claire Falcus said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent in our band so we’re incredibly grateful to Fusion PR for helping us get to Birmingham. Without the generosity of local people and businesses our group of amazing young musicians would miss out on this prestigious opportunity to perform.
“The band is working hard in rehearsals to ensure we fly the flag for the North East when we get to Birmingham.”
Fusion Steelband is an ensemble of various bands from across the North East, led by Cramlington Caribbean Crew. The 30 strong band is made up of musicians ranging in age from six to 21 years. The band also plays at events and gigs across the North East.
Joanne Hunter, head of client services at Fusion PR, said: “Having seen the band perform live I’ve no doubt it will put in another showstopper of a performance in Birmingham. The music is fantastic of course but we’ve also been really impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the band and of course, we love the name!”
Anyone wishing to support Fusion Steelband or with an interest in booking the band should contact Claire Falcus via cramlingtoncaribbeancrew@outlook.com.