The Lindley Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (11th September 2022)

Widdop’s new band wows audience with traditional yet exciting programme

This week’s review is dedicated to the memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. East of the M60 also sends its condolences to the Royal Family.

Long Live the King.

– S.V., Monday 12th September 2022.

Another Sunday, another great Boarshurst night, and another appearance for Alan Widdop. Had it not been for the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, it would have been ‘back to the old routine’.  In the words of the late great John Peel, in relation to the late great Mark E. Smith from The Fall, “same but different”.

Besses Boys Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (17 July 2022)

Joyous finale to concert season at Boarshurst for James Holt and Co.

Besses Boys Band rounded off the 2021 – 22 season of Boarshurst concerts in style with a most likeable programme. Without being too demanding nor light hearted without being too light hearted, the programme included two great solos and an original piece. One that only had its second ever public performance.

The Diggle Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (05 June 2022)

Sparky performance hits right note for Whit Friday curtain raiser

With only days to go till The Greatest Free Show on Earth, The Diggle Band gave us all a great concert with a well rounded programme. It ticked a lot of boxes in the traditional sense with a rousing overture, a classic contest march, and a few great solos.

Middleton Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (01 May 2022)

Sterling service from Middleton Band with Jamie Cooper behind the podium

No matter where they are in the national rankings or which section they are, Middleton Band never fail to give a great concert. Since East of the M60 began reviewing concerts, each concert of theirs has had an enjoyable mix of light-hearted pieces and technical works. Their latest one at the start of May 2022 was no exception.

Tintwistle Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (24 April 2022)

Mallon and Co.’s entertaining show sees better all band performance

The last 12 months after a ban on organised concerts have been pretty tough for many brass bands. In a normal non-pandemic year, a year is a long time in brass banding. Players can move to other bands or pursue non-musical interests.  Income pressures can affect bar takings and subs as well as gaps in personnel. With less to go round, this affects ticket sales and competition entries.

Elland Silver Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club, 10 April 2022

Classy Elland Silver Band shine in a most entertaining concert

Of late, the brass banding gods have been smiling on those who go to brass band concerts in the South Pennines. Saturday night saw a welcome return to Uppermill Civic Hall for Black Dyke Band. Glossop Old Band Room finished off their season with Hammonds Band the following afternoon.

Boarshurst Silver Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club, 03 April 2022

A welcome home gig for Saddleworth’s highest ranked brass band

For the first time this year, Boarshurst Silver Band gave us all their first home gig. This was a week after their concert at Glossop Old Band Room and two weeks after their appearance at Mass Brass V. At Glossop Old Band Room, their afternoon concert was lauded by its attendees, though seen by fewer people than normal due to Mother’s Day. With Eccles Borough Band pulling out of last night’s concert with sufficient notice, our house band stepped into the breach.

Stockport Silver Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club, 13 March 2022

Two years on, well worth the wait for Jim Hunter and Co.’s return gig

Who’d have thought two years ago that Stockport Silver Band wouldn’t have played a note in anger in March 2021? Two weeks on from Stockport Silver Band’s previous visit, the UK went into lockdown thanks to COVID. Two years on from their last concert at The Mecca of Brass Banding, our fellows from Shaw Heath were chomping at the chance to get back to brass banding. That of being able to play concerts and attend public gatherings. In short, bringing joy to its audiences, whether 10 months or 10 decades old.

Hepworth Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (13 February 2022)

Quality rather than quantity makes for exciting concert programme

With only days to go to the Regional Finals, Hepworth Band proved they could challenge the likes of Black Dyke and Brighouse and Rastrick bands at Yorkshire Brass Band Championships in Huddersfield Town Hall. Throughout its concert, the live audience were taken on a musical journey that was ambitious yet engaging.

Elland Silver Band: Sunday Brass at the Boarshurst Band Club (12 December 2018)

Superb Silver in party mood with excellent concert

With Christmas drawing near and our brass banding movement’s need to get back to brass with gusto, Elland Silver Band gave us a concert that ticked all these boxes. Apart from having a rich assortment of Christmas pieces, its programme had a nice number of light-hearted popular works and four great solos. All of which played to perfection and lovingly curated by Jonathan Beatty. With their usual Musical Director Daniel Brooks otherwise engaged, they called upon the former Fairey and Dinnington conductor.