Over 150 years of music making by Cockerton Prize Silver Band will be celebrated next month with a special concert featuring guest soloist, Richard Marshall as well as the premiere of a brand new work to mark the occasion.

Formed in 1870, Cockerton is one of Darlington's oldest continuous music organisations and the only remaining brass band in the County Durham town. The anniversary celebrations were originally planned for 2020 (their 150th year) but had to be put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wide variety of music

Now though the 150th Anniversary Concert at the town's Dolphin Centre will be held on Saturday 20th May under the direction of MD Andy Hunter and featuring Black Dyke Band's cornet virtuoso.

The programme will include a wide variety of music taken from pivotal moments of the band's history, including a new work written by local composer and principal cornet Ian Robinson.

At one time when the team was doing well some crafty locals used to borrow instruments to try and get in to see the match as the players used to get free ticketsCockerton Band

Local traditions

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It's so secret it hasn't got a title yet, but we have heard a whisper that it will take into account a few of the great local traditions the band was involved in our the years — including playing at Darlington Football Club home matches.

At one time when the team was doing well some crafty locals used to borrow instruments to try and get in to see the match as the players used to get free tickets.

The band usually played local songs such as 'I'm Henry the Eight, I Am' and always played 'The Post horn Galop', so you never know, they might appear in the piece!"

Further details

Further details can be found at: www.cockertonband.com