THE first major reunion of Warrington Drum Corps Alumni went down a blast, according to organisers.

Hundreds turned up to support the reunion spin-off group, High Brass, as it took to the stage last week at the Touchdown Club, Wilderspool, to relive past glories and launch hope for future successes.

The group, made up of 17 brass and three percussionists, played numbers by Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson and George Gershwin.

Described as "very emotional" by one corps member, the evening also included a display of old uniforms and memorabilia from the height of the town's corps days including trophies and photo albums.

Representatives of various Warrington-based marching bands including the Green Lancers, Warrington Corps, Valley Sound and the Purple Phantoms came along.

Chris Jones, director, said: "The competitive drum corps activity is still extremely popular in the UK but unfortunately we no longer have an active drum corps representing the town.

"WDCA aims to strengthen the activity through raising awareness and hosting regular drum corps-related events in and around the area."

Plans are now afoot to hold a larger indoor concert during the summer next year to coincide with the annual drum corps competition held at Victoria Park.

Chris added: "We hope to showcase other similar groups from around the UK and to give the opportunity to junior corps to take the stage and attract future supporters and members."