Members of Wetherby Weir Preservation Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary on the same day as Wetherby Silver Band kicked off its first concert of the popular Sunday series much to the delight of local onlookers.

Despite the wet weather, a steady crowd still turned out, maybe not to enjoy a spring picnic, but to make the most of the free music over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Secretary of the Wetherby Weir Preservation Trust, Mary Gray, said many had been grateful to sit under three or four gazebos that had been especially put up to protect the crowd. She said: “The silver band brought three gazebos with them and we had a couple. Most people managed to get under them where they stayed dry until about 4.30pm.

“The concert ended with a proms type programme and it was so lovely to see so many local people come along to support us.

“The band were really good and even when the weather got really bad they asked us if we wanted them to stay into the early evening.

“Sadly the Sunday evening concert had to be cancelled but spirits still remained high.”

Wetherby Silver Band is now gearing up for a busy Sunday afternoon season at the Wilderness bandstand. All concerts start from 2.30pm.

Other engagements for the band this summer include Ripon Races, Bramham International Horse Trials, Durham Miners Gala, Newby Hall Classic Car Rally, Tockwith Show, Canal Gardens at Roundhay Park and the Hardraw Scar contest.