MEMBERS of a Bromsgrove orchestra have been left dismayed after two banners promoting a concert were ripped down by vandals.

The Orchestra of St John put up two three-metre long banners advertising their forthcoming St John’s Church concert, with full permission from the landowners.

But when members arrived at the church on Sunday for their rehearsal, they noticed both had been removed.

Orchestra manager Alastair Moseley said: "We are puzzled and upset by the disappearance of the banners.

Worcester News:

(ABOVE: Orchestra members Alastair Moseley, Charlotte Moseley, and Jo Slade have been left baffled.)

“Our orchestra is a community group who perform for the benefit of the town and we use large banners to let the people of Bromsgrove know when our concerts are taking place.

“We had full permission to put up the banners, and we can't think why anyone would want to rip them down.

"The members of the orchestra are unpaid musicians and the orchestra survives through concert ticket sales.

“These banners are not cheap, and to replace them will be a strain on the orchestra's funds."

Worcester News:

(ABOVE: Only a section of the ripped banner remains)

The banners were advertising the group’s performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony "The Choral" and Elgar's Violin Concerto, which takes place at St John's Church on Saturday, April 28, at 7.30pm.

One banner was at the bottom on Adams Hill - the path leading from Kidderminster Road to the church, and the second banner was on the railings opposite Thomas Horton's offices on Stratford Road.

Tickets are £12 in advance from Decanter Spirits in Bromsgrove High Street or online at osjbromsgrove.org. Accompanied children can attend for free.