A community orchestra will take to the stage next month to perform alongside a top musician.

Walthamstow Acoustic Massive is set to play a tribute to David Bowie at the Walthamstow Garden Party on Saturday, July 16, with vocalist David McAlmont.

The orchestra rehearsed with the Croydon-born star on Sunday, in preparation for their performance.

Alison Jones, one of the group’s founders, said: “Getting David was a bit of a coup for us and it is really exciting, everyone loves it because they never thought they would be having this experience.

“It is great to watch their excitement, David rehearsed with us on Sunday and it was fantastic, so now we are all ready to go.”

The group was formed Walthamstow musicians Ms Jones and partner Dick Smith five years ago and contains more than 60 amateur performers of all abilities.

It aims to encourage adults to rediscover a love for music by teaching them to play the violin, banjo and ukulele.

Funded by Arts Council England, the orchestra will also play at the Leytonstone Festival and The Streets Festival later this summer.

Ms Jones added: “The impact the group has on people has completely took us by surprise.

“It is not so much learning how to play and instrument and learning how to perform, but it is what happens behind the scenes.

“Friendships are made, people begin to form breakout bands of their own- it is happening for our younger students and the older generation as well.”

For more information on the festival, visit: walthamstowgardenparty.com.