IT is an archetypal Yorkshire scene.

A summer’s day, a pretty park – and the sounds of a brass band entertaining those enjoying the weather.

Now Kirklees Council has confirmed its schedule of free open-air brass band concerts in local parks and museum gardens.

A council spokesman said: “It must be summer if the sounds of brass are in the air.

“This year’s programme of open air brass band concerts promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“Brass in the Park 2010 will see a new venue, new bands and something a little different to finish the series off in style.”

Families can enjoy 24 live open air brass band concerts in the many attractive parks and museum gardens in Kirklees from May to September.

Kirklees is world renowned for its long history of brass band music and Kirklees Council is trying to maintain and extend the tradition.

A new venue this year is Norman Park in Birkby, which will host Meltham and Meltham Mills Band on Sunday June 6, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

New bands this season are Scissett Youth Band in Heckmondwike; Holme Silver Band at Red House, Gomersal; Grange Moor Brass Band, at Ravensknowle Park, Moldgreen; Huddersfield and Ripponden Band at Wilton Park, Batley, and Marsden Park; Sellers International Youth Band at Beaumont Park; and Brass Monkeys Jazz Band at Holmside Gardens, Holmfirth.

The spokesman said: “Once again we are pleased to support our local youth bands who bring their own style to brass band music – this year we welcome Sellers International Youth Band and Scissett Youth Band.

“Popular favourites return this year, including Skelmanthorpe Band, Meltham and Meltham Mills Band, Hade Edge Band, Emley Brass Band, Vintage Brass, Marsden Band, Linthwaite Band, Shepley Band, Yorkshire Traction Honley Band, Slaithwaite Band and Gawthorpe Brass ’85.

“To finish off this year’s series of concerts with a difference, Kirklees Council will be joining the national Bandstand Marathon with an event planned for Sunday September 26 in Greenhead Park.”

Full details of this year’s programme are available on the internet at: www.kirklees.gov.uk/brassbands or by calling 01484 222087.