A PIECE of music which has been especially written for the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band by a town resident will be played for the first time during the re-dedication of Simmons Park celebrations on Saturday.
The march 'Edwardian Splendour' has been written by music maestro John Holland and is sounding so good in rehearsal that John is considering writing more tunes for the band.
Written to celebrate the re-opening of the Edwardian park after a major restoration project, the band is delighted to have its first original work to play.
Musical director Reg Beardon said Mr Holland was a musical genius and it was a real honour to have a piece written by him.
'It's a very goey piece and we can use it as a march, at the carnival or at a concert — it is a multi-purpose,' he said.
'John has written and arranged a lot of music so we are delighted he has put pen to paper for us.'
The band will play Edwardian Splendour at the official re-dedication at 2pm, before marching to the old band stand where they will play for a further half an hour.
John Holland is former head of music at Okehampton College and also director of the Okehampton Choral Society, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year.
He said he had been listening to the rehearsals and the music was sounding great.
'It's the first time I have written for the band but after hearing the piece I don't think it will be the last,' he said.
The Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh is urging all town residents to take part in the celebrations on Saturday — events start at 10am with street entertainment and end with a Party in the Park in the evening by the Okehampton Arts Festival.
'It is going to be a very special day and everybody is invited to lunch in the White Hart,' she said.
Ticket prices at £4.75 are available from the White Hart — the price has been been kept low so as many people as possible can attend the lunch.