4BR understands that the Stroud Brass Band Festival has announced that its 2009/2010 season will be its last – nearly half a century after it first started.

Decision

The Trustees have taken the decision following an AGM in which it became clear that they were unable to find officers or trustees who were prepared to carry out the duties of managing the charity that runs the event at the Stroud Subscription Rooms.

Warm welcome

Over the years the Stroud Festival has provided bands from all over the country, and from all competitive levels, with a warm welcome, and invariably, a full hall to play to.

We all sincerely hope that some time in the future an individual or organisation will come forward and promote brass band concerts again in the Subscription RoomsOrganisers

Final season

In this it’s final season, they play host to Carlton Main, Hammonds, Virtuosi GUS, Mount Charles, Leyland, Smithill’s Senior, Rothwell Temperance, Tredegar and Fairey.

A final Gala Concert will be given by Grimethorpe Colliery Band in June next year, whilst there are plans to celebrate an ‘Ozzie Stephens Tribute Concert’ in honour of the man who first brought bands to the Subscription Rooms back in the late 1960s.

Come forward

Current President Trevor Picken told 4BR: "We all sincerely hope that some time in the future an individual or organisation will come forward and promote brass band concerts again in the Subscription Rooms."

2009/2010 line up:

September 26th: Carlton Main Frickley Colliery
October 24th: Hammonds Saltaire
November 21st: Virtuosi GUS
December 12th: Mount Charles
January 16th: Leyland
February 13th: Smithills Senior
March 20th: Rothwell Temperance
April 17th: Tredegar
May 8th: Fairey
June 19th: Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Tickets

Ticket enquiries are available from: Ken Gracie: 9, Rodborough Avenue, Stroud. GL5 3RR. Tel: 01453 765753