A 70-piece wind and brass band will parade through the streets of Knowle West

A 70-piece wind and brass band performing pop classics is set to boom through the streets of Knowle West next month.

Paraorchestra – a professional ensemble of disabled and non-disabed musicians – has partnered with Bristol Beacon and Filwood Community Centreto put on the performance, which is being called SMOOSH!.

Accompanying the band will be a troop of dancers, including a squad of young people from inclusive dance charity Flamingo Chicks.

The performance will feature an upbeat track list with songs by the likes of Massive Attack, Basement Jaxx, Fat Boy Slim, Adele, and Knowle West’s Tricky.

It will take two routes through the community on Friday, September 17, starting and finishing on Filwood Broadway.

Residents will be invited out to their doorsteps to dance and sing along to the parade in what the organisers hope will be a massive community singalong – a “masseoke”.

Todd Wills, artistic director at Bristol Beacon, commented: “We’re keen to ensure that culture is accessible to everyone across the city and it’s projects like SMOOSH! and the dedication of everyone involved that make this possible.”

Charles Hazelwood, Paraorchestra’s artistic director, said that the wide streets and front gardens of Knowle West mean the show will be both safe and accessible.

He said: “We have really lucked in with this opportunity to share the first outing of SMOOSH! with the community at Knowle West.

“It’s a community with a big heart and they have welcomed us with open arms – for which we are incredibly grateful.”

Makala Cheung, from Filwood Community Centre, added that SMOOSH! is “much-needed after the year we’ve all had”.

She said: “It’s an opportunity for people to get involved, collaborate, and spread positive vibes around the community.”

For more information, visit: www.filwoodcentre.org.uk/smoosh/.

Source: https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/paraorchestra-to-parade-through-streets-of-knowle-west/

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