KEITH CUTLER The first week of the St Andrew's Festival ended on a high note with a return concert by the Leicester-based Unity Brass.

KEITH CUTLER

The first week of the St Andrew's Festival ended on a high note with a return concert by the Leicester-based Unity Brass.

Since formation in 1981 it competes regularly in national competitions, performing under its new musical director, Don Blakeson.

A varied programme, ranging from light classics to jazz, gave ample opportunity to gauge the high quality of performance.

The band excelled particularly in legato passages, but they were equally adept in Gershwin's I've Got Rhythm.

Those familiar with the brass band movement would have noticed the recurring name of Goff Riches.

Appropriate for Bonfire Night, was an exciting arrangement of two movements from Handel's Royal Fireworks Music.

Unity Brass is sponsored by the Independent Order of Oddfellows.