The Scottish champion Whitburn moves into its new home at the end of the month, boosted by the news that they hope to secure their long term playing future with the formation of two new ensembles integrated into the organisation.

Re-union

The band will welcome as many friends, associates, supporters and former Whitburn players to the official opening and reunion party on Saturday 31st August.

Band Manager Charlie Farren told 4BR: "During our move, we uncovered a vast amount of memorabilia and thought it was a fitting time to get back together with as many former players as we could – many of whom featured in some of the band’s greatest achievements.

We’re looking forward to seeing old and new friends from all parts of the banding world."

Long term future

The band is also planning for the long term future with the announcement of the launch of their innovative player pathway system featuring the ‘Whitburn Heartlands Band’ and the percussion academy, ‘Heartbeat’.

Accelerate learning

Whitburn Band President David Kinross told 4BR: "Whitburn Heartlands will allow our youth band members an opportunity to play with experienced former players in an effort to accelerate their learning.

It’s also an opportunity for former players to continue to contribute to the development of the youngsters who will carry the Whitburn name forward into the future."

It’s also an opportunity for former players to continue to contribute to the development of the youngsters who will carry the Whitburn name forward into the futureWhitburn President, Dave Kinross

Player pathway

He added: "Our player pathway system aims to allow a young person to blow, or strike in the case of Heartbeat, their first note in our training band and stay with the organisation right through to hopefully play with the senior band at the events such as the National Finals in years to come."

The Heartlands Band aims to make its contest debut at the Scottish Championships in March next year.