A band formed by adults with learning disabilities at a ‘fun music workshop’ in Bolton will be bringing a Samba beat to a St George’s Day parade this weekend.

The band put together at Music 4 Confidence, based at The Big Unit, Stanley Wharf Business Centre, will be taking part in the procession through Manchester city centre on Sunday, between 12.15pm and 2.15pm.

The 20-strong band, which will also include mums, dads and volunteers, has been practising for the three-mile musical-march over the last ten weeks.

They will be performing two pieces along the route of the three-mile parade, which begins in Varley Street in the Miles Platting area before heading into Piccadilly, via Oldham Street, and then back again through Stephenson Square.

The parade is expected to last for around two hours and see thousands of people out on the streets to enjoy the celebration.

Darren Birmingham, who runs Music 4 Confidence, says the band – believed to be the only music disability group on the parade - is ‘buzzing’ ahead of the big event.

He said: “It’s all about having a go and having fun and giving people a chance to play whatever instrument they want. It’s been fantastic, everybody is looking forward to taking part.

“There will be drums, percussion, and we’ve got a saxophone player coming down as well as someone playing the clarinet, it will be like a fusion of sounds.”

Mr Birmingham, who is a member of Bolton band The Others, has more than 28 years’ experience of playing in a variety of groups spanning a range of musical styles, from heavy metal to reggae.

The Music 4 Confidence workshop, which caters for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and brain injuries, is open every Wednesday between 10.15am and 4pm.

And Mr Birmingham is offering a free two-hour session for anyone interested in exploring their creative side and learning a new instrument.

For more details call 07704046202 or email darrenbirmingham98@yahoo.co.uk

He also puts on a disco for Community Care Options on the first Tuesday of every month, at the Railway Club in Bolton, which is just off Green lane.

The disco is a free social night where people of all ages can get together and enjoy themselves.