30 ever so slightly bonkers players from all over the UK are to undertake one of the biggest physical challenges ever attempted by a brass band next month.
Musical mountaineers
The intrepid musical mountaineers from London, Felling, Sandbach, Leicester, Chesterfield, Wigan and Manchester are to take part in the National ‘3 Peaks Challenge’, in aid of the MS Society – climbing to the top of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours.
That in itself may sound pretty difficult, but for this unique challenge the intrepid group of brass band Chris Bonnington’s will make the triple ascent carrying their instruments with them – and then perform on them at the summit of each mountain!
Enthusiasm
Spokesman Steve March told 4BR: "The enthusiasm and support shown by people in the banding movement has been amazing and we could have filled the band three times over.
It's an incredible challenge and one that has really sparked people’s imagination and inner determination.
Everyone has been running, training and climbing mountains across the UK ready for this, with BBb tuba player Dan Knott losing 4 stone in the last six months in preparation!"
Fundraising
Steve added: "We have a fundraising goal of £10,000, but every donation will make a huge difference to the MS Society, and will definitely help motivate all of us up that last mountain when it gets really, really tough."
Whether or not they will be playing Eric Ball’s ‘High Peak’ or ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from ‘The Sound of Music’ when they reach any of the summits has yet to be disclosed4BR
3 Peaks: 3 Pieces Brass Band
The '3 Peaks: 3 Pieces' Brass Band will also be holding a free concert, joining forces with the talented St. Helens Youth Band at St. Thomas Church, Ashton-in-Makerfield, on 23rd August at 7.30pm — the night before they set out on their first ascent.
Whether or not they will be playing Eric Ball’s ‘High Peak’ or ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from ‘The Sound of Music’ when they reach any of the summits has yet to be disclosed.
More information
For the full details of the challenge and to support the band please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/3peaksbrass / www.facebook.com/3peaksbrass
