THE Grimethorpe Colliery Band, famed for the hit movie, Brassed Off, is coming to Basingstoke.

The band will be performing at The Anvil on Saturday, April 18, at 7.30pm.

In demand across Britain and further afield, the group has won a host of awards and appeared several times on television.

The story of Grimethorpe has become legendary since members of the disbanded Cudworth Colliery Band formed it in 1917.

It has been a story full of drama and success in the face of adversity that few bands anywhere in the world could match.

The story of Grimethorpe really comes into its own in 1992 when nationwide pit closures were announced.

With unemployment looming, its members were determined to progress to the final of the National Brass Band Championships, despite hardships in their personal lives.

With a great deal of passion and resolve, Grimethorpe triumphed at the contest to become the Champion Brass Band of Great Britain.

Further fame followed a few years later when the band featured on the soundtrack of Brassed Off.

Since then, from America to Australia, they have received standing ovations and critical plaudits wherever they appear. In 2004, the band topped the classical music charts with a CD featuring a selection of their most popular numbers.

The Grimethorpe Colliery Band was crowned National Brass Band Champions at the Royal Albert Hall in 2006 and 2007.

Tickets for their performance in Basingstoke are priced from £16.50 to £18.50.

Call the box office on 01256 844244, visit www.anvilarts.org.uk, or fax 01256 366900 for more details.