The Cory Band is set to perform at one of London’s most important cultural events, and in doing so will rekindle musical memories of 60 years ago.

Festival of Britain

The Southbank Centre’s commemorative ‘Festival of Britain’ celebrations entitled, ‘Light Fantastic’ will take place between the 24th-26th June.

The series of high profile concerts aim to recall the sense of cultural optimism that permeated the country in the immediate post war period.

Focal point

Then, despite stringent financial and social handicaps the 1951 Festival of Britain, based in and around the south bank of the Thames with its strikingly designed Royal Festival Hall, provided a musical focal point for the nation.

Looking forward

MD Robert Childs is looking forward to: "It’s a major honour for the band to be asked to perform a headline concert as part of the celebrations," he told 4BR. "The connection between then and now is amazing, especially as the original occasion is somewhat of a forgotten event in banding history."

The connection between then and now is amazing, especially as the original occasion is somewhat of a forgotten event in banding historyDr Robert Childs

Significant

Ian Brownbill, who has a close working relationship with the prestigious London venue, helped to facilitate the involvement of the current World and Welsh Champion.

He added: "Their concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall is one of the most significant concerts given by any band in the UK for a number of years."

Influential support has been forthcoming however, as Ian explained: "Southbank's Artistic Director, Jude Kelly OBE was determined that a brass band was included in the festival and their Head of Music, Marshall Malcolm has also been hugely supportive."

More details

For more details go to: http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2011/1240.asp