A fanfare from the City of Chester’s cornet section, standing on the bridge beneath Chester’s internationally recognised Eastgate Clock, heralded the start of their recent ‘Walking the Walls’ event.

Tradition

Comprising members of both the training and senior bands, they were replicating a historic tradition of the Chester Blue Coat Band when every Saturday in the 18th and 19th century the band would walk around the city walls playing as they went.

The weekly tradition was still taking place up to 1936 but it was revived in 2003 as part of the current band’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Under the direction of Malcolm Peach, the band played at spots around the walled city and at some of its most famous landmarks to re-create the tradition4BR

Around the walls

Under the direction of Malcolm Peach, the band played at spots around the walled city and at some of its most famous landmarks to re-create the tradition.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The event was largely blessed with fine weather. The City of Chester Band wish to thank Cheshire West & Chester Council, Chester Municipal Charities and the general public for their co-operation in promoting and staging the event."