One of the banding world's most famous concert series will come to a temporary stop this year due to much needed restoration work to its wonderful venue.
Overhaul
Brighouse & Rastrick has been holding its twice yearly concerts for 70 unbroken years, but with the Victorian splendour of Huddersfield Town Hall (above) in need of overhaul, the series will take an enforced break — although it will return next Autumn.
20 weeks
Kirklees Town Halls Manager David Roche told the Huddersfield Examiner that the hall will be shut for approximately 20 weeks before reopening next August: "It has been established that the roof over the concert hall is in need of essential work,"he said.
"We don't want leaks in the roof to affect the overall fabric of the building, the concert hall ceiling with its ornate features, or the magnificent Father Willis organ.
It's about preserving this wonderful asset and making sure the concert hall is protected in the future."
1945
The news brings to a temporary end the twice-yearly series which started in 1945 when Carlton Main Frickley and Wingates (who got a combined fee of £70!) shared the stage with Brighouse under the baton of Eric Ball.
Fans of the West Riding band's spring concerts though won't be left too disappointed as they will present a concert in March at Dewsbury Town Hall on their own, whilst the massed bands series will recommence next October when Grimethorpe Colliery will join them under the baton of Dr Robert Childs.
The news brings to a temporary end the twice-yearly series which started in 1945 when Carlton Main Frickley and Wingates (who got a combined fee of £70!) shared the stage with Brighouse under the baton of Eric Ball4BR
Weekend concert
The weekend concert which saw Brighouse & Rastrick share the stage with The Band of the Kings Division under Rob Wiffen OBE, and also announce to delighted supporters that they would be representing England at the European Championships in both 2016 and 2017 following their runner-up finish at the National Finals in London.
The band also presented a cheque to the local representative of the Royal British Legion and a formal presentation was made to Sheona White and Matthew Wade on their forthcoming wedding.
