A LIVELY and energetic night of live music is promised at Salisbury Arts Centre this weekend.

The venue is playing host to the Bristol Reggae Orchestra, an inspiring community music project that fuses reggae, ska, jazz and classical influences to create a colourful and exciting new sound.

A collective of 30 musicians from a range of backgrounds, the orchestra includes both professionals and amateurs in its ranks.

Its innovative sound is made up of traditional band instruments such as drums and guitars alongside instrumental sections of strings, brass, reeds and percussion. Several vocalists complete the line-up.

The repertoire ranges from bravely crafted originals – often by local composers and some band members - as well as reggae and ska classics from the likes of Bob Marley and Lord Tanamo.

Set up in early 2010 following requests from the community for an inclusive music project specialising in reggae, Bristol Reggae Orchestra’s debut performance sold out St George’s Music Hall in Bristol.

Since then it has gone from strength to strength, performing to crowds of thousands at venues including the Wales Millenium Centre, and at musiuc festivals.

* Bristol Reggae Orchestra perform at Salisbury Arts Centre on Saturday, January18 at 8pm. Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions) and are available from
salisburyartscentre.co.uk or 01722 321744.