A Coalville-based brass band have defied lockdown limitations to create a special performance to keep their music alive.

The Leicestershire Co-operative Band, who are supported by Central England Co-op, put together a video of the collective performing the Lou Reed classic 'Perfect Day' with each member performing their parts from their own home.

The band have been getting together on a weekly basis during lockdown over Zoom, enjoying quizzes and bingo to keep in touch, while those local to each other have been able to meet in gardens following the current guidance.

However, they and their many supporters, have missed being able to rehearse together in the same room, so they decided to 'go virtual' to create wonderful music once again.

Liz Barham, from the band, said: "We've greatly missed our rehearsals as we're a particularly social group that shares an interest in playing in a brass band. We've had all of our playing opportunities cancelled until November, but we fully understand and accept the situation.

"We will get back to rehearsing as soon as we're safely allowed to.

"Our audience and supporters are very important to us - we've shared a few things online such as a clap and play for carers and we did the last post for VE Day.

"However, during one of our Zoom sessions we started talking about putting a video together and one of our members talked about playing an alternative instrument that they don't normally play, and it went on from there.

"The video contains a number of players playing more than one instrument.

"There was a lot of organisation.

"We had to get the music to the players, they all had to make sure they were playing at the same tempo, but it's extremely strange recording your own part.

"Fortunately, through this lockdown, one of our members, Ben Henderson, set up his own recording company and he expertly put all the parts together.

"It wasn't easy, but we're really pleased with the sound that we've created."

The band decided to take on 'Perfect Day' as it was one they had enjoyed doing at events, usually on a bandstand in a park, and having been unable to do any live events this year, it was nice for the band to reminisce.

Singing is not usually something associated with the band, but for this special occasion, one member stepped up to the plate.

Liz said: "The vocalist is Ron Johnson who usually plays bass in the band.

"He's a long-standing member and took us all by surprise with his vocals, as well as playing trumpet, drums and bass."

You can view the lockdown performance on the band's Facebook page, Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) Band.

The Leicestershire Co-op Band is a member group at Central England Co-op. You can find out more about the benefits of membership at Central England Co-op