4BR has been informed that drunken behaviour and nuisance making are the main reasons behind Horbury Victoria Band having to reluctantly stop playing Christmas Carols in the centre of their village at midnight on Christmas Eve.

The decision was made by the band committee, who have become increasingly concerned for the safety of players and the public who have joined them for what has been a popular tradition over many years.

Evening spoilt

Band Secretary Arnold Tattersfield told 4BR: "Playing in the village has taken place for decades — longer than anyone can remember, but it has been noticed that over the past few years a minority of people had only come along to be a nuisance.

Drink has certainly played its part; ending up with the players being jostled, instruments grabbed and the evening being spoilt."

He added: "This has led to us reluctantly making the sad decision. We have informed the local press with the hope that it would highlight the need for support. This is exactly what has happened with the local community right behind our plight in the hope that something can be done."

The decision was made by the band committee, who have become increasingly concerned for the safety of players and the public4BR

Support

Arnold concluded: "We've spoken to the police who are more than willing to help with their presence and the local television news programme 'Calendar' have been to the bandroom and interviewed us.

Hopefully it will lead to us being able to undertake what is a wonderful community tradition without bad behaviour spoiling it for everyone who wants to enjoy it."