Mini Band internet stars to perform in Newbury

Thatcham child group’s YouTube clip went ‘viral’ last week

AFTER instantly attracting thousands of new fans from across the globe over the internet last week, Thatcham's homegrown talent, the Mini Band, has announced it is to perform live in Newbury next month.

The child rock group, managed by Leo Westby of Cold Ash, struck a chord with people worldwide last week when footage of their performance at the Bucklebury Beer Festival on Saturday, October 1, was posted on the internet video website YouTube.

Almost overnight the video clip received hundreds of thousands of hits as people watched Harry Jackson, Zoe Thomson, Kieran Fell and Harrison Read, all aged eight, and 10-year-olds Charlie Emmons and Archie Zolotuhin play a cover version of Enter Sandman, by Metallica.

Manager Mr Westby said he was “flabbergasted” by the reaction, adding: "It's pretty amazing, we don't know when it's going to stop.”

Fans closer to home can now see the group in action as they ‘rock out' for charity next month.

The Mini Band will be performing alongside headline act Tin Soldiers and other local bands including The Jammin' Dodgers, 12 Truths, and Underdog at Newbury Rugby Club on Friday, November 4.

The bands are all performing free-of-charge to raise funds for the Naomi House Children's Hospice, based in Sutton Scotney.

The charity provides care and support to terminally ill children and young adults.

Naomi House has reduced the price of the gig to include concessionary rates to encourage families to go along.

Tickets are now priced at £5 for under 18-year-olds and £7.50 for adults.

Doors open from 6.30pm with the first band live on stage shortly after 7pm.

Tickets are available from Newbury Rugby Club or from Naomi House fundraising office on (01962) 843513.