THE BANDS of the RAF are coming to town . . . and the organisers of the concert tour would like you to paint Bristol red!

As the RAF’s top musicians continue on their annual nationwide concert tour, the team behind the concerts is inviting audience members to join in with this year’s theme, celebrating the 50th anniversary display season of the RAF Red Arrows.

But don’t worry: if you’d like to embrace the idea, but don’t really want to splash out with paint brush or spray can, how about simply wearing red to show your support for the RAF’s top aerobatic display team?

Event Deputy Director Philippa Hayday-Brown says: ‘The colour red is synonymous with the Red Arrows and, as we’re celebrating their 50th display season, we’d like to encourage our audience members to get into the spirit of the evening and wearing something red to the concert. It does not have to be too extreme - maybe just a tie, a brooch or even a pair of socks - but it will be great to see everyone joining in and adding a little more colour to the show.”

The 15-venue tour visits Colston Hall, Bristol, on Wednesday ,November 19, and then continues its travels, playing at venues all around England. Each concert features one or more of the Bands of the RAF - that’s the Band of the RAF Regiment, the Band of the RAF College and the Central Band of the RAF – and showcases a programme of stirring music, especially chosen to match the colourful, flamboyant and entertaining performances for which the Reds have become renowned.

From big-band numbers to memorable musical moments from the stage and screen spanning the past five decades, the Bands of the Royal Air Force will serve up a feast of timeless classics that have provided the soundtrack to a range of historic events that have taken place since the Reds first took to the skies.

If you’re still feeling nervous about dressing up, don’t worry: you won’t be alone! The concert comperes, BBC broadcasters Alan Dedicoat, Ken Bruce and Lynn Bowles, have all promised to add a hint of red to show their support for the Red Arrows in this celebration year.

Visit www.rafinconcert.com for tickets and more information.