The Lydbrook Band has been awarded a National Lottery grant from Arts Council England's 'Grants for the Arts' programme.

The £14,966 award will be used to help promote their 'Proms in the Park' event at The Speech House in the heart of the Forest of Dean on Saturday 20th June.

The Songs of Freedom

Based around the celebration of Great British Events, the band has linked together several anniversaries with a new commission for band and narrator by composer Liz Lane (above) entitled 'Their Songs of Freedom'.

The music with words by Andy Rashleigh, will be premiered by Lydbrook under the baton of conductor Ian Holmes and with with narration by Philip Harper.

Long standing

The Lydbrook Band has a long standing musical relationship with the respected composer, and follows commissions including 'Silver Rose', 'Antiphonary' and 'Olympic Jubilee Fanfare'.

Liz Lane, who has now taken on the role as the band's Composer in Residence, told 4BR: "I was delighted to be commissioned to write 'Their Songs of Freedom' for this exciting event.

I've really enjoyed writing the music and working with Andy Rashleigh's words to bring together important British anniversaries in what I hope will be a fun and enjoyable piece of music — and with a few surprises!

I'm looking forward to what I'm sure will be an exciting and memorable occasion".

We are pleased to receive a grant from the National Lottery as it would be impossible for us to stage such a huge event without financial supportLydbrook Band

Huge event

A spokesman for Lydbrook Band added: "We are pleased to receive a grant from the National Lottery as it would be impossible for us to stage such a huge event without financial support.

The cost of staging, lighting and sound systems etc. would be beyond our reach and this funding will enable us to promote an evening of outstanding entertainment for local people.

We would like to acknowledge the help and support given by Brass Bands England and their Liaison Officer, Rachel Veitch-Straw, with the grant application."

Silver Rose reprise

The band will also travel to Aldeburgh, West Suffolk on 19th September for the second performance 'Silver Rose' as part of the High Tide Festival and in conjunction with the Concordia Foundation. The narration of Isaac Rosenberg's poems will be undertaken by actor, Henry Goodman.