Christmas is a busy time for the city’s brass bands but one group of musicians has been left shocked and heartbroken ahead of their festive gigs.

Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band were shocked to find expensive instruments stolen from their storage at the weekend.

The band play lots of events throughout the year and are devastated to have been a victim of theft.  

Band chairwoman Tracey Gonzalez said: “The break-in was a big shock for us.  

“I walked into the storage space on Saturday to find a lot of our instruments missing.  

READ MORE: 'She wasn't lame at all' - Rose the rescued Highland cow settles into new home

“The band has worked very hard over the years to build a collection of instruments that we can offer to players who want to play with the band – that way people are not excluded from playing due to the cost of an instrument.”

Norwich Evening News: The loss of the instruments will make it difficult for new players to join The loss of the instruments will make it difficult for new players to join (Image: Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass)

Five cornets, two tenor horns, a trombone and a La Fleur Baritone were among the instruments taken.

Though the band do not think the thefts will affect their Christmas season it is still a big blow for the time of year and may hinder new players hoping to join the festivities.  

READ MORE: Owner 'heartbroken' and worried about theft as pet barn owl goes missing

Originally called the Norwich Lads Club Band, the group has been going for many years, with a current member joining in 1952 as a teenager.  

Norwich Evening News: The band keeps spare instruments so people can join without having to worry about the cost of purchasing their own instrument The band keeps spare instruments so people can join without having to worry about the cost of purchasing their own instrument (Image: Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass)

The band has always lent instruments to these players for free for the entirety of their time with the band.  

READ MORE: Four-year battle over 'ghost' bus stops rumbles on in city neighbourhood

Tracey added: “This loss will greatly impact our ability to do this.”  

The band is insured and will claim if they are not able to track down the instruments, but they expect it to take a while, and not fully cover the cost of replacing all instruments.  

Norwich Evening News: The band have urged city folk to keep a look out for brass instruments being sold online The band have urged city folk to keep a look out for brass instruments being sold online (Image: Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass)

Tracey said: “As a band we are appealing to anyone who might know anything to come forward to the police with information.” 

Norfolk Police has been contacted for comment.