Young brass band perform to packed Hucknall concert

The training section of Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Band performed to a full house of about 300 people at the town’s Parish Church.

This was because the main band’s conductor, Paul Whyley, had to make a swift journey to Ilkeston for music to be played in the programme, which he had inadvertently forgotten to bring along.

The young people were given heartwarming encouragement by the audience as they opened with ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’, followed by three carols and ending with ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’.

It was an especially memorable experience for band member Erin Parker, whose 13th birthday fell that day.

The juniors were conducted by award-winning cornet player Emma Walton and band chairman Chris Knapp was compere.

When Paul returned and the main band were finally able to get cracking, it was perhaps apt they opened their programme with the march from ‘The Great Escape’.

The first half was particularly notable for cornet solos by Emma, Sue Tetley and Chris Blunt. After the interval, Emma and Chris teamed up to play ‘The Coventry Carol’ as a duet and there was a euphonium solo, ‘Holy Night’, from Jon Clare.

Children were invited to join in ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’, whilst the audience sang for the playing of carols.

Paul said the concert was an excellent way for the band to round off their most successful year since they were formed five years ago.