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A youth brass band will perform a ‘drive-by’ carol service tonight (December 15) after its Christmas events had to be cancelled.

Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Youth Brass Band will perform throughout Bedwas and Trethomas between 6pm and 8:30pm, before a repeat performance next Tuesday (December 22) in Machen, Graig-y-Rhacca, Draethen, Rudry and Waterloo.

The initiative is a collaboration between the band and Bedwas, Machen, Michaelston and Rudry Parish Trust (BMMR).

The performances were planned after usual Christmas events were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, BTM Brass Band appeared on the Co-op Christmas advert and hosted their annual Christmas concert in Bedwas Workmen’s Hall.

The band and BMMR also collaborated on a ‘Carols around the tree’ event in Bedwas Park.

This year’s band will be made up of six members due to limitations on the number of people who can take part.

Lloyd Jones-Barnaby, next generation manager at BTM Band, said: “We haven’t been able to perform at all since March, so the past year has been really difficult.

“We want to do something at Christmas because our usual events are so popular.

“The coop advert last year was one of the biggest opportunities for us, and to go from having such a full Christmas schedule to virtually nothing this year has been felt by all our members.

“When Reverend Dean came up with this idea and offered us the use of their mini-bus, it just felt like the perfect opportunity.

“Everybody has been really restricted this year, so it is an opportunity for people to enjoy some happiness and enjoy a really talented and respected band while getting involved.

“Carols are a tradition that have almost been lost over the years, and this is a great opportunity to bring that back once again.”

Dean Roberts, rector and vicar of BMMR, organised this year’s carol services and said it offers people the opportunity to celebrate safely:

“We started carols in Bedwas Park last year, and there were plans to do that again this year, but obviously that just isn’t possible.

“Instead, we are taking our mini-bus out with the brass band, kitting ourselves out with lights and encouraging people to sing on their doorsteps.

“We are bringing carols to people’s homes, making sure they can enjoy Christmas and still stay safe.”

BMMR has been active throughout the pandemic, setting up a foodbank and running a number of other support schemes in the community.

Reverend Roberts added: “It has been a year unlike no other. Even in the height of full lockdown we had quieter days, but we are busy every day now, constantly hitting our maximum capacity.

“We are here to stay, and even though we would love demand to diminish, poverty has been here for a very long time. In the coming year, we are looking for new projects to help further and get people involved in their communities.

“Christmas is a time that reminds us that it only takes a little flame to eliminate the darkness.

“Even now, when Christmas isn’t what we are used to, you only have to look to find the light.”