Wardle Academy Youth Band made their way to London last weekend to take part in one of the capital's most famous public occasions — The Lord Mayor's Show.

800th time

This was the 800th time that the historic event has taken place with the streets packed with sightseers as the parade of over 6,000 people, military marching bands, Chinese acrobats and numerous decorated floats led the gilded State Coach with the Lord Mayor to his new residence.

The band was invited to perform at the event after impressing the organisers with a series of videos they sent them.

They were then asked to come along and enjoy the day where the band performed five great marches including 'Slaidburn', 'The Standard of St. George' and '1914' — all beamed round the world on BBC television.

Fantastic time

MD Lee Rigg, told 4BR: "We had a fantastic time, especially the moment we were cheered by our fantastic supporters in the huge crowds. It was was a very overwhelming experience that we will never forget."

Mortimer Medal

The Lord Mayor's show came just days after Lee was presented with the Mortimer Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians at the Merchant Taylors' Hall, in London.

Lee received the award in recognition of his services for the teaching of young people in the brass band movement, through his inspirational work with Wardle Academy.