Black Dyke warmed up for their defence of their National title in London in two weeks time by taking the opportunity to enjoy a bit of rest and recuperation in the pure Swiss air on the weekend, when they provided the entertainment at the Swiss Open Gala Concert in Luzern.

Work hard

And as much as the band and their MD, Dr Nicholas thoroughly enjoyed their appearance at the magnificent Kultur-und Kingresszentrum Hall, they were certainly made to work for their money by a very demanding Swiss audience.

As the MD told 4BR at Harrogate after just returning from the flight home, there seemed to be an appetite for extras…

"We had a great time in Luzern and were wonderfully looked after by the organisers," Nick told 4BR. "The concert hall was packed and we played really well and ended the night with the usual encore number."

Unfortunately we didn’t have any more music left in the pads, because if we did we could have been there until the next morning!Dr Nicholas Childs

Not the end

That would have appeared to have been it for the night — but not so…

"The applause went on and on," Nick added. "I managed to settle things down and we played another encore and I left the stage with the band following me and with the applause still ringing in our ears. The next thing I knew I was asked to go back on the stage where the audience were demanding more!"

Flight home

It also meant that quite few players had to change back into band uniforms and race beck to the stage where Nick led them through another two pieces before he politely insisted to the audience that if they went on any later they would miss their flight back to the UK!

"It was amazing. Unfortunately we didn’t have any more music left in the pads, because if we did we could have been there until the next morning!"