Foden's Band's recent annual visit to the city of Armagh proved to be a special occasion, as it marked the 20th successive time that the Sandbach band has made the trip for a great weekend of music making in Northern Ireland.

Special relationship

The 'special relationship' between Foden's, Armagh Old Boys Silver Band and Ivor Stevenson MBE has meant that the 2018 National Champion has enjoyed a memorable visit every February since 2001.

Once again the musical highlights of the weekend included the 'Young Soloists Workshop' and Gala Concert, whilst this year the band was also honoured to be asked to perform at a special Sunday morning service at the First Presbyterian Church in Armagh.

The depth of brass band talent that has been inspired over the years has also been remarkable — with no less than five, 1 hour long 'Young Soloist Workshop' sessions undertaken with 25 talented performers, aged between 6 and 16.

This was almost certainly a service like no other and it showed that this is a unique relationship — one built on support, inclusion and positivity. We can't wait to start another 20 yearsFoden's Band

Joy

Speaking about them, Foden's euphonium player Mark Bousie told 4BR: "What really makes these workshops a success is that each player is given extensive, positive feedback and given time to put this advice into practise. It's a joy to see the progress that is made so quickly."

The Saturday evening Gala Concert saw Foden's take to the stage in the wonderful acoustic of the First Presbyterian Church under the baton of Michael Fowles with a programme to suit a wide variety of musical tastes — and on the Sunday they returned to lead the large congregation service.

In addition to accompanying the congregation during hymns, the band also performed 'Paganini Variations' (the theme of the service was 'talent') and more traditional fayre such as 'Entry of the Gladiators' and 'All Through the Night'.

This was almost certainly a service like no other and it showed that this is a unique relationship — one built on support, inclusion and positivity. We can't wait to start another 20 yearsFoden's Band

Unique

Mark added: "This was almost certainly a service like no other and it showed that this is a unique relationship — one built on support, inclusion and positivity. We can't wait to start another 20 years."