One of the UK banding movement's most popular bandsmen has called time on his contesting career after 43 years with the KNDS Fairey Band.

Jimmy Leggat was honoured with a brace of concerts in Manchester and Dobcross performed by the two bands that have provided his cornet playing musical hinterland since 1967.

Brass Across Borders

The 'Brass Across Borders' concert at a packed RNCM saw KNDS Fairey link up with Whitburn, whilst the following day the Scottish Champion headed to Dobcross Band Club for an afternoon event.

The music for the RNCM concert contained many of Jimmy's personal favourites, as conductors Phil Chalk and Chris Shanks led their respective ensembles through the likes of 'Vizcaya' (Vinter) and 'Rhapsody in Brass' (Goffin).

The concert closed with the massed band finale under Capt. Andrew W Porter, Director of Music at the Grenadier Guards, of the finale from Saint-Saens 'Organ Symphony No.3' complete with organ accompaniment.

From Whitburn to Stockport

It was rousing climax to a banding career that started in Whitburn in 1967, before spells at Clydebank Burgh, Foden's and Brighouse & Rastrick led him to the then Fairey Engineering Band in 1983.

On the RNCM night he was presented with numerous gifts of appreciation — although his banding accolades also remain treasured.

Alongside his great friend, Brian Taylor who has amassed 51 years at Fairey, Jimmy notched up 2 British Open, 4 National, 2 Masters, 2 Europeans, 6 North West Area, numerous Whit Friday successes, 4 Scottish Championships and the Brass in Concert title — the latter where he famously donned a tutu as part of the 'Sugar Plum Faireys'.

It's been an eventful 56 years of banding from start to finish, but an honour and privilege to have played in all the bands I haveJimmy Leggat

Connection

Speaking with 4BR, Jimmy revealed that although he has stepped back from playing his connection with KNDS Fairey will remain as he continues in the role of librarian.

"The weekend has been beyond my expectations," he later said. "And I've been humbled by the attendance of many of our finest players. It's been an eventful 56 years of banding from start to finish, but an honour and privilege to have played in all the bands I have. I can now look forward to being an avid listener but still be connected with the band."

Live stream

The concert was live streamed and can be enjoyed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjvNbHUveJM&t=4363s