Barnstaple town centre rocks again to Captain Banjo's Street Band August Bank Holiday Weekend

Barnstaple town centre rocked again to the pulsating sounds of Captain Banjo's Street Band this August Bank Holiday Saturday lunchtime with Barnstaple onlookers giving generously in aid of fundraising for Children's Hospice North Devon.

Although lead musician melodeon player Jan was suffering from a heavy cold, she insisted that the show had to go on in aid of the Children's Hospice (photo right).

Since sleepy saxophone player Rob had forgotten his camera (and possibly his brain), friend of the band Rose stepped into the breach, as she also did for the Barnstaple Beer Festival, and took the photos using her own camera. Thanks Rose!

As ever, the vibrant and rapidly evolving Captain Banjo's Street Band is continuing to innovate and has now introduced the ragtime tune 'Pig Ankle Rag' into its repertoire which was so popular it had some members of the public dancing in the streets and brought a smile to many faces.

All agreed that ragtime tunes were a great addition to the band's repertoire and the hunt is now on for more tunes to keep Captain Banjo's Street Band performances fresh, exciting and, of course, raising more money for life limited children through kind donations from the public.

Captain Banjo's Street Band storming and performing in Barnstaple town centre, North Devon

If Captain Banjo's Street Band were nervous for their debut performance, they certainly didn't show it but they did get a lot of attention from the Saturday shoppers when they arrived in Barnstaple town centre and pretty soon the North Devon children's hospice charity collection tins were filling up.

The street band played in three separate locations in Barnstaple town centre and in one location where there were already wedding celebrations in full swing, they were even asked to go back and perform at the wedding party later that day.

Unfortunately, after playing for a couple of hours and collecting £350, Captain Banjo's Street Band were in need of a much deserved rest and returned to their homes in Pilton tired but contented.

All agreed that it was an amazing debut performance and one thing was sure. After such a successful debut, Captain Banjo's Street Band will definitely be rocking the streets of Barnstaple and surrounding areas to collect for the North Devon children's hospice charity again soon.