Tanunda Town Band is believed to be the oldest brass band to be in continuous existence in the southern hemisphere.

Nestled away in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia its musical sounds have resonated for more than 160 years, thanks to a busy schedule of events and concerts and the incredible commitment of its players.

Spread its wings

During the past 12 months they have won the South Australian State Band Championship, presented a hugely popular 'Classics Concert' in the magnificent surroundings of Chateau Tanunda featuring International Soprano Kirsti Harms, and performed at Lambert's Estate, one of the Barossa Valley's world famous wineries.

However, the band has also spread its wings — and this year made the trip to the UK to take part in the Whit Friday contests.

The tour was a huge success, with performances with Black Dyke at their Festival in Leeds (following a rehearsal at the famous Queensbury bandroom) and great concerts at Dobcross Band Club, Delph Band Club, St George's Church in Mossley and Uppermill with other visiting bands from Switzerland and Norway.

Never to forget

MD Bruce Raymond told 4BR that it was an experience the members will never forget — especially as the welcome they received wherever they went was so warm and friendly.

"It was an amazing experience. It was a long trip and took a great deal of financing and sorting out, but it was so worth it.

Playing in Black Dyke's bandroom, conducted by Prof Nicholas Childs, giving the concerts and then enjoying the Whit Friday contests was so special. These are so well known to Australian bands, so to be a part of it was something of a dream come true. It was even sunny!"

Playing in Black Dyke's bandroom, conducted by Prof Nicholas Childs, giving the concerts and then enjoying the Whit Friday contests was so specialMD, Bruce Raymond

Thanks

Bruce added: "All our thanks go to Phil Beck for his unstinting efforts to ensure that we had every opportunity to enjoy the enchanting countryside, villages and places of great interest which make England a wonderful place to visit and play music, and to everyone who made us feel so welcome. It has given the band a huge boost."