4BR has been informed that following the resignation of Garry Cutt as Musical Director of the Fairey Band, five leading solo players have also resigned.

It is understood that principal cornet Stephanie Wilkins; solo euphonium Steve Walsh; flugel horn Lucy Cutt; soprano cornet Martin Irwin and solo horn Rachel Neil have all relinquished their positions.

Collective decision

In a collective statement issued exclusively to 4BR they state: "As the principal players we reached a collective decision for several reasons, not least because of our support for Garry.

The fundamental issues which had been raised over a prolonged period of time were stopping the band from reaching its full potential.

Unfortunately, without all of the team working harmoniously together, we felt that sustained long term excellence in concert and contest performances would not be realised unless Garry's concerns were acted upon by the band as a whole."

Unfortunately, without all of the team working harmoniously together, we felt that sustained long term excellence in concert and contest performances would not be realised unless Garry's concerns were acted upon by the band as a wholeplayer statement

Responsibility

They added: "As the principal players we felt that leading up to the North West Regional Championships that the band was in the strongest position it had been in for a number of years to challenge for the major Championship titles.

We fully believe that the responsibility for success lies with each other as a band. Unfortunately, this was something not shared by the whole team and our decision was unfortunately inevitable."