The opening brace of concerts of the new British Bandsman Concert Series have been hailed as "a huge success"after Cory Band travelled up the M4 motorway from South Wales to bring their special brand of entertainment to afternoon and evening audiences.

Led by conductor Philip Harper it was the first of a series that will now stretch into 2025.

Extra youth

Organiser Rob Tompkins also ensured that traditional brass band lovers were also joined by the next generation of brass band players and supporters, with special £5 tickets made available to local school children from the area.

Rob said: "It was important to give youngsters an opportunity to hear Cory Band and the great entertainment they provide. This worked perfectly and over 50 tickets were sold for the afternoon concert which they all thoroughly enjoyed."

The break between the concerts also saw Cory Band principal cornet Tom Hutchinson give a short demonstration of Denis Wick mouthpieces and mutes.

Wide repertoire

Cory provided a wide variety of repertoire over the two events in addition to the chance to hear their new 'King Kong' set played twice. It resulted in the audiences giving them standing ovations in appreciation of great soloists and thrilling music making that included works from 'Banana Island' to 'The Year of the Dragon'.

The raffle prize to conduct the band through a 'William Tell' finale galop went, much to his delight, to local conductor Neil Brownless.

Audience enjoyment

Reflecting on the first weekend of concerts, Rob Tompkins added: "There are many things you can take away from organising a concert like this, especially the enjoyment of the audience.

We are now getting people sign up for the series and my thanks go to Cory, Philip Harper, the staff at Reading Town Hall and most of all the audience young and old who came and enjoyed it all."

There are many things you can take away from organising a concert like this, especially the enjoyment of the audienceOrganiser, Rob Tompkins

British Bandsman Concert Series:

Bone-afide
Saturday June 8th (2.00pm)

Tredegar
Saturday June 8th (7.00pm)

Take Part Winning Band
Saturday September 28th (2.00pm)

Flowers
Saturday September 28th (7.00pm)

Friary Brass
Saturday October 19th (2.00pm)

Foden's
Saturday October 19th (7.00pm)

Black Dyke
Saturday November 23rd (2.00pm & 7.00pm)

Aldbourne
Saturday February 1st 2025 (2.00pm)

Brighouse & Rastrick
Saturday 1st February 2025 (7.00pm)