Mass Brass IV: The Review (Uppermill Civic Hall, 07 March 2020)

120+ reasons why Mass Brass IV delivered and entertained its audience

Last Saturday (07 March), over 120 brass band players, plus families and spectators descended on Uppermill Civic Hall for what was Saddleworth’s biggest night in the brass banding calendar. Like previous Mass Brass nights, the four bands gave us yet another great concert.

Stalybridge Old Band at The Den: The 200th Anniversary of Peterloo Concert

How Stalybridge Old Band wowed a full house at the Royal Exchange’s pop-up theatre

In the last few days, the Royal Exchange’s Den pop-up theatre has taken up residence in Stalybridge Civic Hall. It has played host to a number of original productions which reflect the borough’s rich history with encouraging support. There has been family-friendly workshops and social gatherings with more performances and workshops to come till the 24 August 2019.

Hammonds Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club, 28 April 2019

Morgan Griffiths and Co. deliver yet another stunning concert

In terms of superlatives, what has been said about Hammonds Band that has not yet been seen said? Is it their ability to keep audiences aged 9 to 90 captivated by a stunning two hours worth of brass band music? Is it a well thought out programme that leaves audiences asking for more at the end? Is it the band’s memorable solo performances? It is a mix of the aforementioned and more besides.

Mass Brass 3: Saddleworth’s Brass Banding Bonanza

Why Dobcross Youth, Delph, Diggle, and Boarshurst Silver bands gave us 120 reasons to enjoy Saddleworth’s biggest night in brass band music

At Saddleworth Civic Hall, brass banding nights seldom get any bigger than the annual Mass Brass concert in Uppermill. Apart from any of Saddleworth’s bands hiring The Roly Polys as a support act, only the sight of 120 brass banders at twenty to ten could trump that. All four bands gave a good performance with a 30 minute set.

Elland Silver Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club, 24 March 2019

Elland Silver Band shine in sensational concert two weeks after Yorkshire Regional Finals

Was it really six months ago when Elland Silver Band played their last gig at Boarshurst Band Club? Was the Yorkshire Regional Finals in Huddersfield really a fortnight ago? After preparing for the latter, Elland Silver Band gave us all a fantastic concert with a programme that many musical directors and bands would be proud of. Last night’s band was rewarded with a packed house, standing room only for some latecomers.

Slaithwaite Band, 17 March 2019: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club

A splendid traditional style brass band concert with five stunning solo performances

In the cosy surroundings of Boarshurst Band Club, Ryan Watkins’ Slaithwaite Band served up a delightful concert with traditional fare and a superb selection of solo performances. One of the five – the band’s youngest soloist – stole the show.

Whitworth Vale and Healey Band, 10 March 2019: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club

Weather works in band’s favour as Binns and Co serve up a superb concert

After last year’s concert date fell victim to the Beast From The East, Whitworth Vale and Healey Band finally got round to fulfilling their gig at Boarshurst Band Club. A year after that date, you could say last night’s concert was well worth the wait.

Boarshurst Silver Band’s Remembrance Day Concert (11 November 2018)

How Boarshurst Silver Band remembered the fallen in a slickly produced concert

The Pots and Pans Memorial which can be seen from all the Saddleworth villages. Image by Simon Wheatley, 2011 (Creative Commons License: Attribution-Some Rights Reserved).

More than anything, this year’s Remembrance Sunday had an added dimension. Not only did it fall on the 11 November (which is Armistice Day). This year also marks the centenary of the signing of the Armistice between allied forces and Germany.

Hebden Bridge Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (October 2018)

Another great night with Moore fantastic music

As the clocks went back in tandem with the dark cold nights, a warm reception was in order at Boarshurst Band Club’s latest concert. Last night, Hebden Bridge Band made a modest journey to Greenfield’s most iconic live music venue. With Grenville Moore standing in for David Hamilton, his entertaining patter complemented an exciting programme.

St. John’s Mossley Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (October 2018)

A memorable night for St. John’s – and a glorious début as MD for Paul Towle

If Carlsberg did emergency planning for brass band concerts, they would have hired the services of Boarshurst Silver Band’s concert secretary. For the second time this year, Boarshurst Band Club have drafted in a fantastic replacement band at short notice. This time, in place of Stalybridge Old Band, St. John’s Mossley Band.