A SAMBA band based in Fearnhead has recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Batida Rio Samba Band officially began its activities in September 2021, and on Thursday, September 8, held an event to mark the group's birthday.
Since its inception, the group - with the help of funding through the National Lottery - has performed at numerous local events, including the opening of Warrington Youth Zone, and the Manchester Day Parade in June.
Lorna Peers, co-director of Batida Rio, said: "We are over the moon to have celebrated our first birthday this week!
"The band has taken off over the last year, with new people joining all the time.
"We teach people to play samba, no matter what previous musical experience they may or may not have."
She added that although the group started as herself and co-director Matt teaching a room full of strangers, it is now 'a friendly and fun group of friends.'
The samba band practices at Fearnhead Community Centre on Thursday evenings, between 7 and 9pm.
New recruits to the band are regularly welcomed, and the friendships formed within the group are incredibly strong, Lorna says.
At the group's 'birthday party' on September 8, the celebrations included food, drinks, cake, games, and - of course - lots of music.
Lorna and Matt added: "We’re extremely proud of how far the group has come over the last year, and excited to see what our second year will involve."
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