A GERMAN band arrived in Cirencester at the weekend and entertained Abbey Grounds Park visitors with a range of traditional and film theme tunes. 

Cirencester Band's twin band in North Germany called Oelixdorfer Musikzug - which is based in the village of Oelixdorf on the edge of Itzehoe - arrived at the Cotswold capital on Saturday, August 12.

Oelixdorfer Musikzug is a concert band which uses flutes, clarinets and saxophones plus a range of brass instruments.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Band members enjoying a picnic together at the Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester Band members enjoying a picnic together at the Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester (Image: Francis Marriot)

Its repertoire includes a mixture of traditional German marches, waltzes and polkas together with arrangements of popular songs, German chart hits and film theme tunes.

Since the first exchange in 1978 the two bands have met on 20 different occasions with the bands taking it in turns to host the meeting.

Many enduring friendships have been made during these visits. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Both bands performing together at the Abbey Grounds Park Bandstand in Cirencester on Sunday, August 13Both bands performing together at the Abbey Grounds Park Bandstand in Cirencester on Sunday, August 13 (Image: Francis Marriot)

On Sunday (August 13) both bands performed together and showcased their impressive skills at the Abbey Grounds Bandstand in Cirencester, as part of Bands In The Park 2023 programme.

More brass-related activities will be taking place throughout the week including day trips, joint rehearsals and concerts.

The main event will be The Concert of Friendship on Friday, August 18 in Cirencester Parish Church where the bands will first play separately and then together.

Oelixdorfer Musikzug will also be performing between 11am - 12pm on Saturday, August 19 in the Market Place, Cirencester.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Band members and bystanders enjoying the sunshine in Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester on Sunday, August 22 Band members and bystanders enjoying the sunshine in Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester on Sunday, August 22 (Image: Francis Marriot)

Cirencester Band Chairman Pamela Carter said: "We are delighted to welcome Oelixdorfer Musikzug back to Cirencester.

"They arrived in Cirencester on Saturday and played a concert in the Abbey Ground on Sunday afternoon alongside Cirencester Band members who are hosting them for the week.

"If you missed the opportunity to hear them play, why not come along to the Concert of Friendship for free on Friday at 7pm in the Parish Church."