The communal music-making session known as Preston Scratch Band will soon be meeting in its new home at The Ferret.

The group gathers on occasional Saturdays to sing and play pop songs using provided music books.

Led from the keyboard by Jon Aveyard, participants borrow hand percussion or bring along their ukuleles, guitars, violins and whatever other instruments they would like to play. Some of the participants instead sing along and can make use of the wireless microphones if they want to make sure they are heard.

The group first met in the UCLan Media Factory but for the past two years had been gathering in The Larder. Now that The Larder has closed its doors for the final time, the group is moving to The Ferret following a successful one-off visit as part of last year’s Encounter Festival.

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“We are grateful to The Larder for hosting us these past few years but now we’re looking forward to the next stage in the life of the Preston Scratch Band,” said Jon. “The Ferret is undoubtedly one of Preston’s most important music venues and it’s a privilege to meet there to play.”

Unlike most groups that play at The Ferret, there is no expectation of being at a professional standard.

Jon said: “There’s no audience at a Preston Scratch Band session. Everyone who attends takes part in every song even if they’re just quietly singing along or shaking a tambourine.

“It’s a gathering of people willing to throw themselves into singing and playing and accepting whatever is brought to the session by the other participants.”

The next Preston Scratch Band sessions are due to take place from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Saturday 20 January, Saturday 10 February and Saturday 2 March at The Ferret in Fylde Road. It’s £5 per person and session leader Jon can be contacted at JonAveyard1@gmail.com for more information.

Watch: Visit YouTube for a short film by Chris Davis about Preston Scratch Band

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