A music event with a difference is due to take place in the grounds of Lough Muckno Leisure Park on Sunday 3rd of May when not one but two brass bands from County Monaghan will be putting on a free outdoor concert. The event will include individual recitals by Monaghan Community Brass Band from Monaghan town and Stedfast Shoes Brass Band from Carrickmacross before concluding with a joint performance by members of both bands.

While both bands have worked together on a number of occasions in the past, this will be their biggest collaboration so far. The idea was hatched late last year and in recent weeks both bands have come together for a series of joint rehearsals and to work on a specially selected program. The music on the day will be drawn from a wide variety of sources including chart hits from bands such as Robbie Williams, Madness, The Beatles, Abba, Queen and Ronan Keating. The concert will also feature music from a number of films including Despicable Me, The Blues Brothers, Finding Nemo and Brassed Off along with some traditional tunes and of course one or two marches.

Stedfast Shoes Brass Band are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year while Monaghan Community Brass Band have been together for over 50 years. Both bands practice and perform on a regular basis and are always on the look out for new members. The concert will run from 1.30pm to 3pm and members of the public are welcome to come along to enjoy the music. You might even want to bring along your dancing shoes!