A NEW street band spent an evening beating Latin American rhythms in the first of a series of Halle Orchestra workshops.

A group of youngsters met at St Barnabas Primary School, Blackburn, and were led by the Halle's Leo Nolan - above with Lee Spencer, left, and Robert Williams - for the session organised as part of the Sounds in the City Project.

Leo is keen to invite everyone of any age and musical experience to the street band workshops which will take place at the school between 7pm and 9pm every Monday.

On Tuesdays at the same time and venue he will hold a choir and on Wednesdays at Blackburn YMCA people are invited to a 'scrap gamelan' - to make and play junk instruments.

The groups will be rehearsing for a month and performing a musical journey at King George's Hall on July 10.

Anyone who wants any further information about the workshops can contact Leo Nolan on 01254 381848.

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