The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West recently helped Stoke City Football Club celebrate its 150th anniversary at their final home match of the season.

Premiership

Performing outside the Britannia Stadium in the pre-match build-up, a carnival atmosphere prevailed as the ‘Potters’ fans gathered to listen to the band perform, as well as celebrate securing another season of Premiership football.

With the fans in party mood, the occasion included a parade of Stoke City’s legendary former players, including 1966 World Cup winners Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks.

Unfortunately, Stoke’s football royalty laughed and declined my offer, but it was a great honour to meet them, and they were clearly having a great day outAlan Smart

Pitch side

The band then moved centre-stage by the team dug-outs, as footballers from Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur warmed up prior to kick-off.

As the footballs flew by, there was a roar of appreciation from the 27,000 capacity crowd to greet the band playing the Tom Jones classic, ‘Delilah’ — a favourite usually sung to the fan’s own words.

Banks and Hurst

The band was applauded off the pitch by the crowd, and Band Manager Alan Smart even offered Gordon Banks and Sir Geoff Hurst a go at playing his tuba!

Alan said; "Unfortunately, Stoke’s football royalty laughed and declined my offer, but it was a great honour to meet them, and they were clearly having a great day out."