Festive Overture took place in the Peter Hopkins Hall at Springwood High School – a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust – where the recently formed West Norfolk Wind Orchestra treated around 100 audience members to works from composers including Dmitri Shostakovich, William Walton and Gustav Holst, as well as Andrew Lloyd Webber.

All proceeds from the event went to the Purfleet Trust, with an estimated £250 going to support West Norfolk’s homeless.

“It was a wonderful experience for all concerned, as the performance was of the highest quality,” said Robin Norman, founder of the Orchestra, and Director of Music at Springwood and WNAT.

 “Comments from the audience that attended was that it was outstanding. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with audience members praising the ensemble and the music played, with everyone commenting on how much they enjoyed it and how they plan to become regular supporters.

“For me, the highlights had to be a medley of songs from Phantom of the Opera and our tribute to, possibly, the event of the year when we performed ‘Crown Imperial’ – the coronation march by William Walton that is a mainstay of the coronation of the monarch in the UK and, indeed, was used as part of the Coronation of King Charles earlier this year.”

The Orchestra, which was formed this year as a community ensemble, currently has 36 members, with ages ranging from 12 up to retirement – and Mr Norman is keen to welcome further musicians to the group.

“The band is going from strength to strength, but there is still room for more members, particularly woodwind players or french horns,” he continued. “If anyone is interested, please email wnwo@wnat.co.uk or search Facebook for ‘West Norfolk Wind Orchestra’.”

The WNWO’s next performance is due to take place on Sunday 17 March at Springwood, where the theme will be St Patrick’s Day.