IN partnership with Saffron Walden Museum, musicians from the Grand Union Orchestra promise to start bonfire night in carnival style with a lively concert of dance music from around the world.

There is no other musical organisation quite like the Grand Union Orchestra, with its multi-talented cast of world-class musicians from across the jazz and world music spectrums. In their ‘Dancing In the Flames’ performance, the musicians are promising to take the audience on an incredible musical journey through South Africa, the Caribbean, China and India, playing music that will lift spirits and have people dancing in the aisles.

Thanks to a grant from Youth Music, families and local young musicians are being given special opportunities to take part in workshops with Grand Union’s top musicians during half term week.

On Tuesday October 30, two workshops are planned at Saffron Walden Museum. In the morning parents and young children will be able to enjoy an informal concert and workshop. They will meet musicians Shanti Paul Jayasinha, who plays trumpet, cello and percussion, steel pan player Daniel Louis, trombonist and flute player Ros Davies and Ketan Kerai who plays the Indian dhol drum and the wonderful stringed instrument, the sarangi.

This session is suitable for families with children eight years and under and will run from 11am to 12.30pm.

In the afternoon young musicians will be able to take part in a more practical music-making workshop playing alongside the musicians. This session is suitable for 11 years plus and runs from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Participants do not have to be able to read music, they just need a willingness to have a go. Places are limited and families are encouraged to book in advance by calling Gemma Tully at Saffron Walden Museum on 01799 510333 or by leaving your details at the reception desk of the museum. Normal admission charges apply (�1.50 adults, 75p discounts and children free).

At 2.30pm on Saturday November 3, Grand Union musicians will be holding a free workshop in St Mary’s Church for musicians aged 11 plus who play any instrument. Participants will get to learn and play different musical styles from South African township jazz, South American samba and Indian bhangra.

To book a place, contact Izzy Bianchini at Grand Union, Isabel@grandunion.org.uk or call 0207 375 1122.