'A fine performance’ is how adjudicator Richard Evans described Lofthouse Brass Band’s efforts at the Ripon Entertainment Contest on Saturday 31st May.
The band opened their set with Alan Fernie’s Mexican Holiday (complete with sombreros!), followed by an arrangement of Gresford, commonly known as ‘The Miners Hymn’. The band decided to dedicate this to all the men who have lost their lives underground, especially those who lost their live in the Lofthouse Colliery disaster in 1973 (most of which would have played in Lofthouse Colliery Band). The featured soloist was the band’s Principal Euphonium, Robert Blackburn with an arrangement by Kevin Holdgate of Madre Terre (Mother Earth), followed by their march, Goldcrest (singing included). Finally the programme was rounded off with the last movement of Peter Graham’s Haslemere Suite.
Adjudicator, Richard Evans commented on the 'nice balance of the band' and he 'liked how the sound filled the cathedral'. They were awarded 3rd place overall and everyone at the band is looking forward to returning to compete again next year.
Lofthouse’s next concerts will be on:
• Friday 6th June with New York Brass Band at Outwood WMC - 7.30pm – 9.30pm
• Saturday 7th June at St John’s Church, Wakefield - 7.00pm – 9.00pm
• Sunday 13th July at Wetherby Bandstand – 2.30pm – 4.30pm
• Sunday 27th July at Filey Crescent Gardens – 2.30pm – 4.30pm
www.lofthousebrassband.org.uk
@lofthouseband
07876 800929