The seven year musical partnership between Fairey Band and Musical Director Garry Cutt has come to an end.

The four time British Open winning conductor resigned following their performance at the recent North West Regional Championship where he led them back to the Albert Hall having missed out last year.

Exceptionally disappointed

Speaking exclusively to 4BR, Garry said that he was "exceptionally disappointed"that the partnership ended after a start to 2020 that promised so much.

"The performance we gave to widespread acclaim at the RNCM Brass Band Festival was one that I felt placed us in the best position since I came to the band to challenge consistently for the major contesting honours.

We had welcomed a number of outstanding soloists and the overall quality of the whole ensemble had been enhanced. Unfortunately there seemed to be no desire to build upon that, leaving me feeling exceptionally disappointed."

Proud

He added: "I've been proud to be the MD of one of the iconic names in brass banding, and from the beginning I've been determined to bring back long term success.

2020 promised that, but it seems others did not share my view that it also required a renewed level of determination and application to do so on that long term basis. I wasn't willing to accept occasional success, and neither should a band with such a remarkable heritage."

Under his tenure the Stockport based band claimed back to back North West Area titles in 2014 and 2015, as well as securing five consecutive top-six finishes at the Albert Hall, including podium finishes in 2015 and 2016.

2020 promised that, but it seems others did not share my view that it also required a renewed level of determination and application to do so on that long term basisGarry Cutt

Tough decision

He concluded: "It's been a very tough decision to make, but one which I feel was right. The banding movement needs a strong, competitive Fairey Band, and with this team of soloists and their collective desire I believed things were in place to achieve those goals this year and beyond.

I wish the band well for the future and leave with so many happy memories. They are a band with a great name, but one that needs to renew its determination to remain so."