Black Dyke will perform in concert in Nottingham next month in support of the Urostomy Association.

And whilst that may not sound particularly different from many of the concerts the Queensbury band undertakes — it will have particular resonance for the man behind the event, Brian Fretwell.

Bladder cancer

The band's visit to the Royal Concert Hall in the city on 4th June is Brian's brainchild, and after being brought up in a banding family he couldn't think of a better way to help support a charity that also did a great deal for him when he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

"My wife, Glynis, and I were brought up in the midst of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfield and both had brass bands instilled into us from a very early age,"he said.

"Glynis's dad played for Langwith and Thoresby Colliery and I was brought up listening to Creswell Colliery twice each week.

My parents ran the Miners' Welfare at Creswell and, as we lived on the premises, I couldn't escape the tones of the band practicing in the concert room. We have both been supporters of brass bands ever since and regularly attend concerts."

Nottingham return

Brian chose to approach Black Dyke as he wanted to see them return to the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham where he had so enjoyed them playing at a memorable centenary celebration concert for the composer Eric Ball in 2003 — and where they won the European Championship in 1987.

He added: "In 2011, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent a bladder removal operation. At that time I got a lot of help from the Urostomy Association. The Urostomy Association was set up in 1971 to help people in a similar situation to me and relies on fundraising events to raise money.

When I became Chairman of the charity's National Executive Committee, my wife and I thought we could put our interest in brass bands to good use and benefit the Association at the same time. Having Black Dyke here is the best way to do that."

I thought we could put our interest in brass bands to good use and benefit the Association at the same time. Having Black Dyke here is the best way to do thatBrian Fretwell

Tickets

Tickets for the event cost £20 with all profits going to the Urostomy Association.

Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Saturday 4 June 7.30pm
Tickets: £20 plus booking fee
www.trch.co.uk
Box Office: 0115 989 5555