Loughborough Concert Band

Newark Castle grounds has always been a happy concert for us. The event is well supported by Radio Newark and we always get a good sized and enthusiastic audience. But today – the weather Gods may have been against us – there was a buffeting wind that played havoc with the music however carefully pegged to the stand it was and the threats of rain actually came good just before the interval. But only for a minute. We were incredibly lucky that the weather didn’t stop us playing our complete programme and equally lucky that the audience members just sat, wrapped in waterproofs and sing along or clapped in time. They enthusiastically called for an encore at the end – and who could deny them?

The programme opened with Sousa’s Washington Post, passed to Mancini’s Pink Panther and the first half was closed with Fiesta. The interval was shortened due to fears about the weather but the remainder of the programme, and even the final numbers Rock Roll and Remember and Hootenanny, were played safely in the dry and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Newark has always been a happy concert for the band – also a lucky one judging by today!

Given that we were hit by the holiday season, the band was very lucky to be helped out by talented deps, old friends Steve Boyles and Katherine Lee, Viv and Alex on Clarinet, George Hilliam on trumpet, John on baritone saxophone and Ian on euphonium. Our newest band member, Andy on trumpet, was playing his first concert. We hope he enjoyed it!