MALTON District Male Voice Choir and Stape Silver Band in Pickering are joining forces for a rare combined voice and brass concert to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

The two local groups have never performed together before and the concert, on Saturday, July 19 in Pickering’s Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm, is a new step in a year which has seen both already expand their performing horizons.

Stape Silver Band under Mike Brecon has already held two successful junior band concerts.

Spokesman Brian Anderson, said: “We are now trying something a little different.

“Be prepared for a surprise or two at the Yorkshire Day concert."

The concert will feature instrumental numbers and songs with a Yorkshire theme or flavour. The idea is the brainchild of band members and Malton choir Musical Director Vivien Wilcock.

She said the Malton choir had been stepping out in all kinds of directions recently.

"Although it is already well known in the Pickering area, this brass and voice concert seems a further way for us to widen our experience and make ourselves better known," she added.

Last week the choir sang for Yorkshire Countrywomen in Stamford Bridge, which followed its fourth performance at a wedding – the latest one in Kirkbymoorside.

In May the choir hosted a joint concert in Malton with Newchurch Male Voice from the Isle of Wight, which came in for much praise. A return Malton visit in 2016 is now under consideration.

Tickets for the Stape Silver Band and Malton District Male Voice Choir concert are available at £5 from Television House in Pickering, phone 01751 472847, or on the door. To join Malton District Male Voice Choir phone 01944 758693 or 01653 692362.