4BR understands that Bolsover Council officials are considering what action may be appropriate to take against the Hatfield Colliery Band following the revelation that they included a potentially racially offensive item in their entertainment programme set at the Bolsover Festival of Brass contest on the weekend.

Very serious

A council spokesperson told 4BR: "We have been informed fully of what happened at the Bolsover contest and will be contacting the band to discuss what we consider a very serious matter and what appropriate action may be undertaken."

Hello Dolly

The band, conducted by Graham O’Connor performed an arrangement of the Jerry Herman musical number ‘Hello Dolly’ in which flugel horn player and Association of Brass Band Adjudicators Chairman Stan Lippeatt wore a golliwog type mask and danced during the item.

4BR has been informed that at its conclusion the player was informed that the piece was in fact ‘Hello Dolly’ not ‘Hello Golly’, as he had said, whilst it is alleged that the player then stated that if he had offended anyone he, 'couldn’t be bothered’.

Media sources

A number of media sources contacted 4BR on Monday morning to confirm what had been reported to have happened, and have informed 4BR that national media newspapers have since been contacted about the incident.

Reported

Adjudicator Ian Porthouse confirmed to 4BR that he reported the incident to the event organisers immediately following the conclusion of the contest.

It is understood the organisers also approached conductor Graham O’Connor to voice their immediate concerns over its inclusion.

I apologise fully to all concerned for what was the totally misjudged inclusion of the item performed in such a way in our programmeGraham O'Connor.

Apologies

Speaking to 4BR, Hatfield’s MD, Graham O’Connor has since offered his unreserved apology for any offence that may have been caused.

"I apologise fully to all concerned for what was the totally misjudged inclusion of the item performed in such a way in our programme.

We did not set out to offend anyone with its inclusion, but can fully appreciate that the way in which it was performed may have done so."

Play on words

Stan Lippeatt also offered his unreserved apology. "I can assure everyone that I did not set out to cause any offence. It was only a play on words with an added prop. What came across was not what was intended and was totally misjudged."

He added: "I apologise for any offence that may have been caused at the contest and to the contest organisers who have been wonderful supporters of the banding movement."