Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced that Chris Robertson will be joining as solo euphonium with immediate effect following his departure from Wingates Band.

Chris told 4BR: "Joining Grimethorpe is a real honour and it's fantastic to play with some of the best musicians in banding. I will never forget the feeling of the ovation at the Royal Albert Hall for the recent 'Brassed Off Live' concert, and look forward to being part of many more memorable performances.

I'd like to thank Wingates and Paul Andrews in particular, for a great four years, ending on a high with the qualification to the British Open."

Opportunity

The band also welcomes cornet player Liam Boyd from the Rothwell Temperance and Charles Beresford on tuba from Yorkshire Imps.

Liam is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music under the guidance of Richard Marshall and Roger Webster, and told 4BR: "When the opportunity came on the solo cornet bench it was something I couldn't turn down. I'm privileged to be able to join the band — it's a dream achievement.

My thanks got to David Roberts and everyone at Rothwell for the brilliant time I've had playing with a fantastic band."

I will never forget the feeling of the ovation at the Royal Albert Hall for the recent 'Brassed Off Live' concert, and look forward to being part of many more memorable performancesChris Robertson

Privilege

Meanwhile, Eb tuba Charles Beresford added: "I was delighted to accept the Eb tuba seat. To play within a team of such musical talent is a privilege and has been a personal goal for me. This will be an exciting new challenge."