THE week after Skipton Music Festival, people of all ages will be given the chance on Sunday to take up a musical instrument - or at the very least explore a long held desire to blow a trumpet - as part of national Learn to Play Day.

This weekend, Skipton Community Orchestra will be taking part in the nationwide initiative, run by the charity, Music for All, with a special day at the town’s Christ Church, in Cross Street.

It will be the eighth year for the initiative, which will see events and free music taster sessions taking place throughout the weekend across the country.

On Sunday, members of the Skipton Community Orchestra will be at Christ Church for two hours in the afternoon encouraging existing musicians to join in, to give others a try, or asking people to just come along and listen - and all for free.

There will be a wide range of instruments to try out - from guitars to bassoons, flutes to violas and from trumpets to clarinets. And, there will also be music teachers and orchestra members on hand to give tips.

Anita Birch. co-founder of the orchestra, said they hoped as many children and adults as possible came along at the weekend to see what was on offer, and hopefully take up a musical instrument.

“We want to give as many people as possible the chance to try out a musical instrument,” she said.

“There is so much emphasis on academic subjects at school, the arts and music sometimes get neglected and children do not always get the chance to try out or even just handle a musical instrument.

“ We hope that by showing the range of musical instruments available, they will be inspired to have some lessons and go on to enjoy music-making throughout their lives.”

She added: “But this event is not only for children – we hope that lots of adults will come along too and have a go – you are never too old to learn.”

Skipton Community Orchestra was set up seven years ago and is open to players of all ages and abilities.

Under the direction of conductor, Jess Mahler, it offers a welcoming and encouraging environment to make music and also gives free performances local events and venues.

Rehearsals are on the second and last Tuesday of every month - apart from during the summer - at Skipton Holy Trinity Church Vestry Rooms from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The orchestra will be at Christ Church, from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday. For more information about the community group and about Learn to Play, visit the websites:skiptoncommunityorchestra.org.uk and musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday/