The curtain closed on Stanhope Band's 5th Festival of Brass when they were delighted to share a concert with Foden's, just 24 hours before the band went on to win the 2009 Brass in Concert title.

Space invaders

The Weardale audience were treated to an early glimpse of the 'Space Invaders' programme which took the top honours the following day, and Stanhope members were thrilled to be able to join them for a rousing massed band finale, culminating with Gary Cutt leading them through the 'Pines of Rome'.

Busy weeks

It was the end of a busy few weeks for Stanhope, which began in September with their quintet 'We're Brass' setting off on a steam train for aconcert tour of the North Pennines 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB), to help the organisation promote their work, and gather information for a film celebrating the region.

Horn Virtuoso

Three weeks later they welcomed Owen Farr as their guest soloist for their annual 'Fossils' (Friends of Stanhope Silver Band) concert, and were amazed by his virtuosic performance, achieved despite having written his car off within seconds of arriving in town!

Stanhope would like to thank Owen Farr, HMSC, Gary Cutt and Fodens for being such fabulous guests and for providing the people of Weardale with some great entertainment and some wonderful memories of the 2009 FestivalSteve Robson

Pennine work

The band has also played host to 'His Majesty's Sagbutts & Cornetts', one of the worlds leading ensembles specializing in performing 17th century music on period instruments at a recent concert, where they acted as soloists in the newly commissioned 'Weardale Film Music' against a backdrop of Rachel Clarke's animated film celebrating the North Pennines.

Wonderful memories

MD, Steve Robson told 4BR: "Stanhope would like to thank Owen Farr, HMSC, Gary Cutt and Fodens for being such fabulous guests and for providing the people of Weardale with some great entertainment and some wonderful memories of the 2009 Festival."