Next month Ferryhill Town will be celebrating 100 years of existence with with the help of euphonium star David Thornton.

100 years

Ferryhill Town Band was formed by the miners of the Mainsforth Colliery in 1909 and named the Mainsforth Colliery Brass Band. After several changes of name the band settled as Ferryhill Town in 1994.

In addition to a celebration concert the band also recorded their new CD during February. The music that will feature on the CD ranges from 1909 to present day with a new commission 'Angel of the North' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

It’s a great achievement for any band to be celebrating a 100th Anniversary and Ferryhill is a real community bandDavid Thornton

Great achievement

David Thornton told 4BR: "It’s a great achievement for any band to be celebrating a 100th Anniversary and Ferryhill is a real community band. The ages of players range from 10 to 60 years and they are a hardworking, close-knit group. I’m looking forward to the concert!"

The concert will feature the Black Dyke euphonium star playing Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s 'Variations', Philip Wilby’s 'Rock' (for euphonium and electronics) as well as traditional repertoire such as 'Grandfather’s Clock' and Stanley Boddington’s 'Endearing Young Charms'.

Workshop details

The band will also be treated to a workshop with David Thornton, featuring key playing, ensemble and performance skills as well as preparation for the evening concert.

For more details go to www.f-t-b.org.uk or www.davethornton.co.uk